Najee's New Album - "You, Me, and Forever"

NEW CITY, N.Y. - June 17, 2015 - PRLog -- On Tuesday, June 23, 2015, Grammy Nominated and award-winning international jazz saxophonist and flautist, Najee, will release his highly anticipated new album “You, Me, and Forever” on Shanachie Entertainment. The new album, produced by Najee, features singer and songwriter, Frank McComb, keyboardist, James Lloyd (from Pieces of a Dream), and pianist Robert Damper. With his recent Soul Train Award nominated album, “The Morning After - A Musical Love Journey” (which debuted #1 Contemporary Jazz Album on the U.S. Billboard Charts), Najee considers his new work a culmination of who he is as an artist through his experiences in music.

“You, Me, and Forever” is Najee’s 16^th studio-album and third release on Shanachie Entertainment label. As he states, “I’m truly blessed to have longevity in the genre of jazz. When I started in this business, I took my horn everywhere and had no idea where it would take me...but now I take my horn everywhere around the world.” His musical experiences is what has catapulted him for being one of the most sought after instrumentalists of our generation in both genres of Jazz and R&B.  His new album “You, Me, and Forever”, is a kaleidoscope project, fused with a mix of bossa nova, contemporary and straight-ahead jazz, and smooth r&b. “For this album, I had a desire to work with musicians I’ve known for several years…including people who are not well known in the industry, but have very thriving careers in the business. For example, guitarist and vocalist, Chuck Johnson, who is a member of my touring band, and another great vocalist, Andrea Wallace who I had the pleasure to meet while on tour in Dallas,” states the musician. One of the featured artists that Najee was able to work with, is singer, songwriter, and producer, Frank McComb. Najee considers this collaboration, long overdue as both artists have known each other for many years. McComb produced and composed “Signature”, an up-tempo song that encompasses McComb’s soulful harmony on vocals and keys, complimented with Najee’s technical phrasing on the tenor saxophone. The lead single off the album is “Fly With the Wind”, (written by jazz pianist, Alex Bugnon, and produced by Chris “Big Dog” Davis); which is a smooth r&b groove that displays Najee’s signature sound, for which he is known for on the soprano saxophone.

While in-studio in London, UK, Najee worked with bassist Dean Mark to produce a spontaneous creation entitled, “Spectrum”.  A high-level tune with an elevated climax, which features musicians: Dean Mark on bass, Garreth Brown on drums and Mark Walker on keys. When describing his experience while recording in London, he states “It was Exhilarating! I did not come into this project with a plan for this recording...this experience developed a fellowship with the musicians...it was very organic.” Another innovative tune, is the straight-ahead song “Jannah”. Composed by legendary saxophonist, educator, and arranger, Ahmad Aladeen (Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Ella Fitz and Billie Holiday). The song was originally recorded in 2009, in Kansas City, to help promote music education in the area. Najee revitalized the tune, which features special guest keyboardist, James Lloyd. This traditional jazz song flaunts Najee’s abilities to capture the essence of the genre, and gives straight-ahead jazz enthusiasts a re-introduction to Najee’s foundation as a traditional instrumentalist. The album also includes the popular Bossa Nova tune “Wave”, which features pianist Robert Damper. The tune showcases Najee’s eloquent rhythmic melody on flute.

“You, Me, and Forever” features musicians from Najee’s touring band including: Rod Bonner on keys, Daniel Powell on drums, RaShawn Northington on electric bass, and Chuck Johnson on guitar who is also the lead vocalist on song “Biggest Part of Me”. New comer, Andrea Wallace who is the lead vocalist on song “Give It All We’ve Got”, produced by Najee. The album is currently available for pre-order on iTunes and Amazon.com and will be available worldwide on June 23, 2015. For more information about the album and Najee’s upcoming tour dates, please visit: www.najeemusic.com.