Jerome Najee Rasheed, simply called Najee, is a native of New York City who is known for his smooth jazz stylings on both the saxophone and flute. He learned the clarinet as a child, but was far more interested in the saxophone and in jazz, thanks to the Miles Davis records his mother played. He decided to become a professional jazz musician, and began his training in the Jazzmobile program. At 16, he studied with Harold Jones, a flautist with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra at the Manhattan School of Music Preparatory Division.
After completing his work at the New England Conservatory, Najee went back to New York City, and in 1983, he and Fareed, his brother, toured with the iconic Chaka Khan. He dropped “Najee’s Theme,” his debut, in 1986, garnering a Grammy nomination in the category of “Best Jazz Album.” He released “Day by Day,” his second album, in 1988, and saw it go Platinum. To date he has released 17 studio albums, including “Savoir Faire” earlier this year.
A review says:
"Awesome experience! Have been a fan for over thirty years and finally had the pleasure of seeing him perform live. Definitely will attend his performances on later dates . . ."
Najee will be at the Ludlow Garage on January 14. Audiences at events like these enjoy reading programs, which organizers can create using brochure printing.