Najee is one of the most popular instrumentalists in the late ’80s and mid-’90s. He has also been a favorite in quiet jazz and “smooth jazz.” The New Yorker is often compared to Kenny G and George Howard. However, he hasn’t been nearly as bold. Najee’s albums are heavily produced and very formulaic. They tend to avoid improvisation and aim for commercial radio airplay. Najee made his debut in 1987 with Najee’s Theme. He was a huge success in the NAC (new adult contemporary) market. His niche on smooth jazz radio was not threatened by similar pop/urban jazz albums like Day By Day 1988 and Tokyo Blue 1990. Najee is open to taking risks and stretching out more onstage. Morning Tenderness was first released in 1998. Next came Love Songs (2000) and Embrace (2003). My Point of View (2005) and True Spirit (with John Grant and Victor Williams in 2006), Rising Sun (2007) and Mind Over Matter (2009). Najee’s 14th studio album, The Smooth Side of Soul was released in 2012. It featured the song “First Kiss”, a collaboration with R&B singer Phil Perry.
