Najee - The Morning After

There are only a few saxophonists, who really spread magic. Najee is one of them. A legend for a whole generation, but still a vital artist in the music industry, especially in smooth jazz!

The Morning After (A Musical Love Journey) is his second album for Shanachie Entertainment and was released in October, 2013. With the starting Rendezvous Najee immediately creates an atmosphere of familiar elegance, which makes the song so easily acceptable and catchy. The song is supported by musicians such as Demonte Posey (keyboards), Bill Sharpe (bass), Ray Fuller (guitar) and Daniel Powell (drums).

The album also focuses on songs about charming places in the world. San Tropez, the sophisticated city on the French Rivera, exerts a special attraction to Najee. Najee processes his impression with strong jazz integrations.

Another aspect, which can be found again on Najee's albums, is the interpersonal relationship. In The Mood To Take It Slow is featuring singer Meli'sa Morgan. Although she hasn't released any new album in recent time, she is still on the vocal top.

Paseo Nuevo is a nice shopping place in Santa Barbara. The special feature of this piece is Najee's artful combination of two melodies for the song. Champs Élysées is the name of the magnificent Boulevard in the French capital Paris. This song has two parts, the first one slightly eccentric, the second in the style of Prince's group The Time. The song Mafalala is named in honor of the township in Maputo, Mozambique and the courageous and strong people who live there. Najee dares to take a permissive style of jazz here.

Trip To The Moon entertains with an elegant performance of smooth jazz. Appealing for most of the audience. I especially love Brian Bromberg's silky accompany on fretless bass. On The Morning After Najee shares a bluesy attitude with us. Shinjuku is part of the Japanese city Tokyo. It's Najee's tribute to the late George Duke, with whom Najee shared many Asian tour experiences. A funky excursion on the flute.

The final piece W 72 and Broadway presents Najee's straight ahead jazz side in conjunction with Brian Bromberg on upright bass. Nick Smith excels with a dynamic solo on piano compelling with Bromberg. The longest tune with over 8 minutes, somehow a justification for jazz friends to buy Najee's album.

The Morning After: A Musical Love Journey differs from the glossy polished smooth jazz albums of other contemporaries. That makes this album unique and keeps it in memory.