Najee - Rising Sun
Rhythm and Jazz 80's and 90's pioneer, two-time Grammy nominee, saxophonist
Najee releases his new Heads Up International "Rising Sun" CD this August.
Blending various shades of straight-ahead as well as contemporary jazz,
classic R&B and even indie rock, this set continues Najee's innovative ideas.
According to Najee "The idea was to try to do something a little different from
before. The challenge in that is to always stay true to my own creative
identity at the same time. I'm always looking for something that's going to
make people say, Hey , this is a little different. This is something fresh.?"
Opening with "Clarity", Najee immediately lets the listener that he is playing
something different with this cover of a John Mayer tune, giving people a
different perspective on a currently popular tune. "Child At Heart" has Najee
switching from saxophone for the flute on this song which incorporates both a
contemporary jazz vibe to it, with an acoustic jazz sound with straight ahead
elements.
Najee's cover of James Moody's "Moody's Mood For Love" comes from a chance
encounter with Moody in a woodwind store in New York City. Najee decided to pay
tribute to the flutist who inspired him with this song. Nicely done!!
"Out Of A Dream" and "Come What May" were co-authored by Najee and James Lloyd
who contributes keyboards and drum programming on both tracks. "Out Of A Dream"
has stirring horn arrangements provided by tenor saxophonist Jeff Antoniuk and
trumpeter/flugelhornist Andy Kushner.
Returning to oversee "Rising Sun" is producer Chris Davis who first worked
with Najee on "My Point Of View" in 2005. Davis provides numerous songwriting
credits throughout this affair.
As a true artist Najee continues to grow and experiment to make unprecedented
connections and cast the musical landscape in a new light.
Ian Cooke
Hi Ian,
I heard this album and thought it was really disappointing. Najee just seems to keep duplicating the same format and style over and over again. 'Moody's Mood For Love' is the best track.
Peace & blessings
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CORRECTION: You are talking about a different CD.
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Jessie,
I thought the CD comes out Aug 14th. How did you get your copy already?
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Rising Sun is a phenomenal CD. My favorite songs are Can't Wait Another Minute, Still in Love and Rising Sun. Great Job!!!
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What a great cd with a refreshing sound. "Can't Wait Another Minute" and "Rising Sun" are the bomb!!!
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Romantic, cool, smooth, upbeat, powerful cd. "Rising Sun" is my favorite.
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WOW! WOW! WOW! "Brazilian Affair", "Can't Wait Another Minute" and the title song "Rising Sun" are exceptionally beautiful songs. I recommend this cd to all my friends.
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My friend turned me on to Najee's "Rising Sun" CD. It is one of the best contemporary jazz cd's out there. "Brazilian Affair", "Smooth Sailing" and "Can't Wait Another Minute" are true love songs. Very Romantic CD....Najee, you outdid yourself!
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WOW, this cd captures the essence of romance. "Brazilian Afair", "Still In Love", "Rising Sun", "Can't Wait Another Minute". Beautiful Songs!
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Exceptional!!! Track 11 "Rising Sun" is inspiring.
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This is a cd I will definitely play to "Romance the Nite" away. It puts my wife in a romantic mood....
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Unbelievable CD......listening to the songs puts a smile on my face. "Rising Sun" is da BOMB!
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PHIL PERRY in not mentioned in this review. The best song on the album is the one he sings. The rest sounds like regular NAJEE - same old sounds.
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