Two-time Grammy Award Nominee and international renowned jazz saxophonist,
flautist, composer and arranger, Najee, received his nomination by the NAACP
Image Awards for “Outstanding Jazz Album” for his new album The Morning After –
A Musical Love Journey released by Shanachie Entertainment on October 22, 2013,
which debuted #1 Contemporary Jazz Album on the Billboard charts. The album is
produced by Demonte Posey and features special appearances by R&B vocalist
Meli’sa Morgan and jazz bassist Brian Bromberg. Considered a diverse
contemporary jazz project by the legendary saxophonist, “The Morning After” has
given fans an insight into Najee’s journey and global experiences in music. The
45th Annual NAACP Image awards celebrates the accomplishments of people of
color in the fields of television, music, literature and film and also honors
individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors.
As one
of the top-selling jazz saxophonist of our generation, Najee continues to
demonstrate his consistency to connect with various audiences throughout the
world. Creating music at this level in his career is still exhilarating, as he
states, “I am always evolving. As a musician the love of performing for people
whether in-studio or live, is still a gratifying experience.” These experiences
is what has catapulted him to craft an album that represents a traditional jazz
impression along with encompassing the standard “smooth jazz” feel. The full
title, The Morning After - A Musical Love Journey (in short “The Morning
After”) showcases an array of compositions including the hit single Champs
Élysées, which is currently in heavy radio rotation around the world. This song
is an up-tempo composition with a mixture of harmonic phrases that creates a
storyline for his admiration for Paris. Another popular tune from the album is
R&B hit In The Mood To Take It Slow, a sultry duet with vocalist Meli’sa
Morgan. Najee along with his brother Fareed first worked with Meli’sa on tour
with Chaka Khan. Najee later recorded the duet “Do You Still Love Me” with
Meli’sa on her debut album in 1985. Najee declares, “I believe Meli'sa is one
of our R&B treasures and I am grateful for our reunion on this
project.” In addition, the album would
be remiss without Najee paying homage to colleague and friend, the late George
Duke. Najee wrote Shinjuku (a popular area in Tokyo) in honor of his friend;
which tells the story of their previous tours in Asia together. “The Morning
After” features musicians: Bill Sharpe on bass, Ray Fuller on guitar, Daniel
Powell on drums, Brian Bromberg on acoustic bass and producer Demonte Posey on
piano. The album is currently available on Najee’s website: www.najeemusic.com,
iTunes and Amazon.com.
Winners
for this year’s 45th Annual NAACP Image Awards will be voted by NAACP members
and announced when the envelopes are opened on Friday, February 21st, during
the Awards Ceremony for non-televised categories. The remaining categories will
be announced live on stage during the two-hour show and will be nationally
televised on TV One, Saturday, February 22nd, (9:00 p.m. ET/PT tape-delayed).
For more information about the award show, please visit: www.naacpimageawards.net
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