Najee | The Morning After: A Musical Love Journey

Najee | The Morning After: A Musical Love Journey
Shanachie Records
by Susan Mutharia

If the achievements, accolades and millions of fans fail to give one enough insight into Najee’s musical journey, then the new album by this 3x Grammy- Nominee will set you straight. Get your passport ready and prepare to depart on Najee’s The Morning After: A Musical Love Journey.

A year after releasing his first album with Shanachie, The Smooth Side of Soul, impeccable saxophone and flute player Najee is back and taking us on a personal voyage. The album is a perfect blend of smooth jazz, R&B and traditional jazz proving that though he has perfected his craft and earned his crown in the contemporary jazz arena, Najee is multi-layered as an artist and is not afraid to explore each one. Among the phenomenal musicians and technicians joining Najee on this project are pianists/composers Demonte Posey and Nick Smith, guitarist Ray Fuller and recording engineer Erik Zobler.

“Anticipation” ushers the listener into the journey as they join Najee on the first track “Rendezvous.” The first stop is “San Tropez” and as the name suggests, the track is titled after the city in southeastern France. As expected, the track is enticing and sensual leading up to the next track “In the Mood To Take It Slow.” The chemistry between Najee and the beautiful powerhouse Meli’sa Morgan is undeniable in this track. The duo (who first toured together with Chaka Khan) set the mood in the mid-tempo track fusing jazz and R&B/Soul.

“Mafalala” is an epic representation of Africa titled after a neighborhood in Maputo, Mozambique. The haunting sound of the sax along with the reggae beat will get you jamming to the echoes of the soul of Africa – the beauty of people who smile and dance even in the midst of struggle.

Continents were not enough for Najee who also whisks you on a “Trip to the Moon” and gives you something to talk about “The Morning After,” solid moments of pleasure where the artist takes its slow and gives the listener a chance to ease into the groove. It is as refreshing as the first cup of coffee and deserving as the title track.

With “Shinjuku,” Najee honors the memory of his long time friend and jazz legend the late George Duke. As he plays the flute, pianist/composer Demonte Posey joins him on the keyboards. The upbeat track expresses fond memories of the days that Najee toured alongside George in Asia and is a humble tribute to an artist who was a great influence to so many in music.

Every man’s journey is a journey of going home. In the last track of the album, Najee brings us back to where his journey began: “W 72 and Broadway.” Brian Bromberg on acoustic bass, Nick Smith on piano, and Joel Taylor on drums join the artist in a absolutely beautiful track that embraces traditional jazz showcasing the many dimensions of the artist.

The Morning After is a joy to listen to…. The journey does not end here.

Susan Mutharia
The Urban Music Scene