Friday, June 29, 2012

NAJEE: JAZZ SAXAPHONIST/FLAUTIST



Jerome Najee Rasheed, born in New York City is an American urban jazz saxophonist and flautist, who released THE SMOOTH SIDE OF SOUL (Jan 2012).

The 14th studio album is laid back, funky, and modern pop jazz. 'The Smooth Side of Soul' is classified as ‘romantic, but the feeling gets lost toward the end of the album.
It becomes more of what you hear on the radio, or the weather channel.

 ‘Dis n’ Dat’, it's funky, ‘Just to Fall in Love’ (feat. Phil Perry), laidback, romantic, good download. Mellow out with ‘Perfect Nights’, ‘You Tube’, and another laidback number, ‘Mari’ flute at its best.

Najee feels he has not arrived yet, and is working his way through concerts and personal appearances, to get to where he wants to be in his career. He started in High school studying the flute and later toured with various bands as a member. Later he toured with Chaka Chan, and various other leads as part of their tour ensemble. He has recorded with Will Downing, Prince, Patti Labelle, Jeffry Osborne,  and many more. He has also recorded instrumentals with Herbie Hancock, Larry Carlton, and numerous other well known artists. In 1986 he went out on his own as a solo artist and has been hitting it hard with concerts and record albums.

The album has some good tracks, but again, the smooth side of soul gets lost in the end.  Definitely a few good downloads, and someone to keep an eye on for Smooth Jazz, easy listening.


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