Najee hails from Jamaica, in Queens, New York, and has seen four of his albums reach Gold status, and two go all the way to Platinum. He began his musical career as a clarinettist and later took up the saxophone, as well as the flute, which today is his primary instrument. In high school, Najee studied at Harlem’s Jazzmobile with Billy Taylor, Frank Foster, and Jimmy Heath.
Najee and Fareed, his brother, were both students at the famed New England Conservatory of Music, where the emphasis was on composition and performance. The brothers returned to New York, and were asked to tour with R&B legend Chaka Khan.
In 1986, Najee dropped his debut album, and toured the United States with Freddie Jackson. In 1987, the album “Najee’s Theme” went Platinum and won a Grammy nomination. His next album, “Day by Day” also achieved Platinum status, and the next two efforts, “Just an Illusion” and “Tokyo Blue” both went Gold. He has continued a prolific recording career, including an effort dedicated to Stevie Wonder, his friend.
A review says:
“His set is filled with some glorious musical twists and turns . . . making the whole audience get up off their feet and dance. His technique is absolutely flawless . . .”
Najee will be at the Ludlow Garage on January 15, where organizers of events like this can use brochure printing to create programs.