|
Homepage
What
is so special about an established musician who has helped shape the
history of his time with his music for over four decades? Is it his
skill, knowledge, experience, or talent? Najee sums it up with
Savoir Faire.
The term is of French origin and describes the knowledge of that certain something. It's all about tact, subtlety and differentiation in detail. That state that distinguishes the expert of an instrument from a musical legend, who for a variety of reasons can always show off a little more. A music title that sets a sign and at the same time a statement.
Multicolored like the shirt Najee wears on the cover picture is also the compilation of songs that make up the overall picture of this album. The project is characterized by the different traits of the musicians involved as there are listed in the credits. The selection of musicians includes many of the smooth jazz scene but also a large number of greats unknown to me.
The character of the oddball veterinarian Dr. Dolittle, who has the ability to talk to animals, has made its way into numerous films after his creation by the English writer Hugh Lofting and is known to everyone. Pianist Frank Wilkins has created a musical home for him in which Najee feels extremely comfortable on the soprano sax.
Luna is the goddess of the moon in Roman mythology. The moon has always exerted a magical attraction on people, which pianist Mark Harris II believably embodies musically with his piece, in which he himself can shine. The lively playing style is brilliantly taken over by Najee on the flute.
Michael Henderson created Valentine Love featuring Henderson and Jean Carn on vocals in 1975 for Norman Connors album Saturday Night Special. Najee's rendition presents singer Alyson Williams whose timbre resembles that of Jean Carn. Najee comments: “Alyson Williams is like a modern day Ella Fitzgerald or Sarah Vaughan. She’s a living legend, she’s brilliant and she is one of the most underutilized vocalists in the industry.”
A Felicidade (Happiness) is a Bossa nova song by Antônio Carlos Jobim, with lyrics by Vinícius de Moraes, composed in 1958 for the French film Orfeu Negro (Black Orpheus). This song, like the more famous Girls Of Ipanema, personifies the Brazilian attitude to life that celebrates Carnival every day. Najee styles the song into a musical momentum of Brazilian bliss with the backing of singer Curtis King Jr.
Barry Eastmond's composition Isla Hermosa (Beautiful Island) gives Najee opportunity to revel on the tenor sax. Barry's second contribution Hurricane dazzles with a sophisticated horn arrangement by Lee Thornburg and Mike Parlett but the real star is of course Najee on tenor sax. Adam Hawley delivers an impressive guitar solo.
David Dyson has already proven his compositional power with his solo albums Soul Mates, The Dawning and Unleashed. He has also penned Bottom To The Top and shows his mastery on bass and keyboards.
Modern Lovers, composed by Terri Lyne Carrington and Brenda Russell, features singer Frank McComb who absolutely dominates the song with his impressive voice that easily reminds you of Stevie Wonder.
The aptly titled tune Bounce was recorded in Paul Brown's legendary recording studio The Funky Joint in collaboration with Paul, Roberto Vally, Leon Bisquera, Greg Vail and of course Najee. A perfectly designed smooth jazz hit for all radio stations.
The best comes at the end. The title song, written by Barry Eastmond, a song with a groovy flow that goes down like warm butter.
Listening to Najee's album implies understanding the deeper meaning of the title Savoir Faire. Najee understands his album as an interaction with the listener, subtle playing style meets the enjoying connoisseur.
Buy the album in all stores
Album Information
Title: Savoir Faire
Artist: Najee
Year: 2022
Genre: Smooth Jazz
Label: Shanachie Entertainment
Tracks:
1) Dr. Dolittle (Featuring Frank Wilkens) (4:28)
2) Luna (Featuring Mark Harris) (4:01)
3) Valentine Love (Featuring Alyson Williams) (4:40)
4) A Felicidade - Happiness (4:18)
5) Isla Hermosa (5:02)
6) Hurricane (Featuring Adam Hawley) (5:02)
7) Bottom To The Top (Featuring David Dyson) (4:17)
8) Modern Lovers (Featuring Frank McComb) (4:21)
9) Bounce (4:20)
10) Savoir Faire (5:18)
Credits:
Frank Wilkins (piano)
Rohan Reid (bass, guitar)
Freddie Fox (guitars)
Mark McClary (drums)
Derrik Harvin (keyboards)
Mike Parlett (saxes, flutes)
Lee Thornburg (trumpet, flugelhorn, trombone)
Mark Harris II (piano, keyboards, programming)
Kevin Robinson (guitars)
Charles “Bud” Quarrels (bass)
Alyson Williams (vocals)
Chris “Big Dog” Davis (keyboards)
Al Turner (bass)
Jay Williams (drums)
Curtis King, Jr. (vocals)
David Feldman (synth bass, Rhodes, bass)
Teo Lima (drums)
Armando Marcal (percussion)
Andre Siqueira (percussion)
Keith Henderson (guitar)
Jorge Continentino (tenor sax)
Jesse Sadoc (flugelhorn)
Barry Eastmond (keyboards, percussion)
Adam Hawley (guitar)
Blair Bryant (bass)
David Dyson (bass, keyboards, programming)
Kenny Allen (keyboards)
Alvin White (guitar)
Tim Steel (drums)
Frank McComb (vocals)
Mitchel Forman (piano, strings)
Joao Castilho (guitar)
Marcelo Camargo Mariano (bass)
Sergio Melo (drums)
Darryl Tookes/Patricia Romania (backing vocals)
Leon Bisquera (keyboards)
Paul Brown (guitars)
Roberto Vally (bass)
Greg Vail (sax and flutes background)
Further reviews:
The Morning After
The Smooth Side Of Soul
Mind Over Matter
Rising Sun
My Point Of View
