(May 8, 2022) For close to four decades he has shown rare staying power and a keen sense of what makes his audiences tick. Of course, we’re talking about multi-instrumentalist Najee, who describes his longevity this way: “My life has been a series of pivotal events and circumstances that have gotten me to where I am.”
The Grammy and NAACP award-winning musician’s genuine love for connecting with people, coupled with his consummate musicianship and sheer passion for music, have kept him at the top of both adult R&B and Contemporary Jazz, and he brings his talents back to the front on his newest album, Savoir Faire, which arrives via Shanachie Entertainment May 13, 2022.
(May 8, 2022) For close to four decades he has shown rare staying power and a keen sense of what makes his audiences tick. Of course, we’re talking about multi-instrumentalist Najee, who describes his longevity this way: “My life has been a series of pivotal events and circumstances that have gotten me to where I am.”
The Grammy and NAACP award-winning musician’s genuine love for connecting with people, coupled with his consummate musicianship and sheer passion for music, have kept him at the top of both adult R&B and Contemporary Jazz, and he brings his talents back to the front on his newest album, Savoir Faire, which arrives via Shanachie Entertainment May 13, 2022.
Najee brings many musical greats with him on the new project, and on our newest First Listen, we celebrate his updating of the classic Michael Henderson song, “Valentine Love,” with the legendary Alyson Williams on vocals. This is a beautiful, rendering of a special song, and everything about it feels just right.
Najee tells us, "The first time I heard ‘Valentine Love,’ it was covered by Norman Connors and Michael Henderson, who is a great bassist and songwriter. I have always loved the story and the chord changes. I knew that Alyson Williams and Chris Davis could make our version special. Alyson Williams is like a modern day Ella Fitzgerald or Sarah Vaughan. She’s a living legend, she’s brilliant and she is one of the most underutilized vocalists in the industry. I can’t say enough about Chris Davis who has this natural ability to take a song and re-harmonize and take it somewhere completely different.”
We’re proud to present the World Premiere of “Valentine Love.” Check it out and get ready for the tasty new album, Savoir Faire, coming this week.
World Premiere!
Najee feat. Alyson Williams – “Valentine Love”