In this very first episode of Fresh Coast Jazz Backstage podcast, your host Carl Brown welcomes one of the most successful artists in all of contemporary jazz, Najee, a multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated saxophonist and flautist with six No. 1 albums, and five No. 1 singles. Najee shares about his career, songs and albums, plans, playing with some great musicians, like Shaka Khan, Prince, and others. He is universally respected and loved by other artists. In the 'Bout It or Doubt It segment of the show, Najee answers the questions under the Rides category – and he explains why he does not like motorcycles and helicopters. Enjoy this interesting conversation and take a quick listen to Betcha Don't Know from Najee’s Theme album, Tokyo Blue, and Face to Face from Center of the Heart. 

Episode Highlights

01:45 - It is the spirit of being a jazz musician by nature, you get bored with what you do, and you are always looking for new avenues to express that through. Fortunately for me, I had the pleasure to work with so many great artists and being able to collaborate with so many artists over the years.

15:33 – Fortunately, I did get to play in a lot of the big bands. When I was a youngster, I attended Jazzmobile in Harlem. And that was where I got formal jazz training, studying under Jimmy Heath, Frank Foster and Ernie Wilkins. My training has served me well. 

20:20 – There are so many stories, I do not know if I can name one.  One of the hallmark experiences was the opportunity to play for president Nelson Mandela when he was president, and to have personal time with him. 

22:40 – My principle is - I do not work with people I do not like. 

42:18 – The recording process has its own mental space, but there is nothing like playing for people. I cannot say one is better than the other. I love them both. 

Contact

Fresh Coast Jazz Festival

Najee Official