Artist: Nate Najar Title Of Album: Until Now Year Of Release: 2009 Genre: Jazz / Smooth Jazz Quality: mp3 Bitrate: VBR 320 kbps Total Time: 50 min Total Size: 114 Mb
Guitarist Nate Najar has a voracious appetite for success and if the sounds of his latest project are any indication, he may be on his way. His most recent CD – “Until Now” (Blue Line Music) has already initiated its presence on commercial radio playlists with a January 5, 2010 release.
The 29 year old guitarist has in the past focused on developing a signature sound involving his acoustical guitar supported by rhythm and vibraphone - a nostalgic sound of “Fifties/Sixties” cool jazz if you will, but only now does he turn his attention to the Smooth Jazz genre.
Najar takes a light approach to the jazz element on this project, with careful thought given to the traditional sound he’s known for. It would seem that he has “loosened up the collar” a bit to provide a broader view of all the types of music he embraces.
Special moments are displayed in the elements of R&B, Blues and Brazilian textures which give a sense of where he’s been, where he is, and where he’s going.
A few selections stand out on the recording such as "Samba de Note" (which initially caught this reviewer’s attention), the Brazilian-flavored "Django and Mowgli", and “One Day At A Time” - which begins with his lyrical acoustic guitar intro affording the listener hints of what seem to be an ode to his mentors Gene Bertoncini and the late Charlie Byrd. Also, to create a sense of familiarity, he provides a tribute rendition of the late Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature”.
He is supported by an expert rhythm section including: Frank “Third” Richardson (Drums), Xxavier Chisolm (Bass), Ron Reinhardt (Keyboards), Duduka da Fonseca (Percussion) and the great Chuck Redd (Vibes).
One would only suspect that the "powers-that-be" will recognize this guitarist for there's always need for something new on the playlists, and 'until now' we just may have it.
01 (It's A) Good Day 02 Samba De Noite 03 Human Nature 04 Holding Pattern 05 Until Now 06 Sunday Serenade 07 (She's The One) For Me 08 Django And Mowgli 09 Rising Moon 10 One Day At A Time