Jazz musician Najee plays 4 concerts at St. James Live

For four decades, Najee has extended conventional jazz music by combining it with R&B, pop and international sounds. The saxophonist and flutist also became a sought-after musician for some of music’s most recognizable entertainers.

Now, he wants to revisit his career milestones with audiences and uplift young creatives.

Najee is performing four concerts at St. James Live Nov. 12-13. He’s performing as part of the live music venue’s weekly South City Jazz series, which spotlights emerging and veteran jazz musicians on Thursdays.

This week’s shows will feature songs from Najee’s solo albums and a musical tribute to late R&B singer and frequent collaborator Freddie Jackson. The accomplished musician said his set list goes beyond smooth jazz and easy listening.

“People come with a certain expectation or (think) it’s just wine and cheese, but we have a pretty high, energetic show. I have a very diverse group of R&B and jazz musicians that are well-rounded, so it’ll be a great time,” he said.

South City Jazz curator and host West Byrd met Najee when Byrd was hired to perform in his band in Birmingham in 2010. Byrd said the saxophonist recruited him through word-of-mouth.

“He made a couple of phone calls to see if things were legit. He didn’t know me at the time, but he left his band at home, trusted us to come in to handle and represent his brand. I showed him that I could step up to the plate and at least hit a base,” Byrd said.

Ron St. James, co-founder of St. James Live, said the series was created in 2020 for audiences who appreciate musicianship. “These shows give our guests the opportunity to experience Najee’s artistry up close in an intimate setting and celebrate the power of live music,” St. James said.

Najee appreciates the venue owners relying on his recommendations for performers. “They brought in young artists and alto (saxophone) players I suggested to them and became an important part in keeping live music alive in the Atlanta area,” he said.

‘Najee’s Theme’ goes mainstream

In 1986, Najee released his major label debut album, “Najee’s Theme,” on EMI Records. The album, which featured his lush woodwind solos over R&B ballads and instrumentals, became a commercial success and earned a Grammy nomination.

“Najee’s Theme” came out at the same time diverse Black musicians and styles were thriving in pop music.

Black performers Janet Jackson, Prince, Lionel Richie, Luther Vandross and Anita Baker released blockbuster albums. Rap trio Run-DMC and saxophonist Kenny G crossed over to the pop charts.

Najee said he took creative risks that paid off.

“I didn’t have a clue as to what I was doing. I just knew I created an R&B album with the saxophone as the voice. The jazz world called it jazz, but I didn’t consider it jazz,” he said.

“I came along, did what I did, knew there was a market for it and surprising to me, it worked. I had an opportunity, took a chance and thought they were just giving me a gold album because I was on the label.”

Najee’s music earned two Soul Train Awards and an NAACP Image Award. In 2008, he received a Trumpet Award, which was founded by pioneering Black broadcaster Xernona Clayton in Atlanta to recognize Black public figures in the arts, sciences, business and civil rights.

He said Clayton’s ties to the Civil Rights Movement gave his accolade sentimental value. “Xernona Clayton is a living legend who had a direct connection with Dr. Martin Luther King. I was included in a historic group of people, which was an amazing experience and an honor,” he said.

Najee became a sought-after musician for veteran talent like producer Quincy Jones, musicians Herbie Hancock, Stanley Clarke and George Duke. His two-week stint with Prince in 2001 turned into two years in the entertainer’s band.

He said his loyalty to musicians keeps him in demand. “Humility and respecting who you’re with will take you very far. Respect their experience and contribution to what they’re doing. When you come in with the spirit of walking into their world, they welcome you in,” Najee said.

Najee evolves in jazz music

Growing up in New York City, Najee was mentored by late saxophonist Jimmy Heath through Jazzmobile, a nonprofit that supports and preserves jazz music.

“They taught us to be prepared for any situation. You don’t have to be the best at it, but be able to meet the requirements,” Najee said.

In 1976, he toured as part of the band Area Code for two years. He later joined singer Ben E. King’s backup band and briefly became keyboardist for funk and disco act, the Brooklyn, Bronx and Queens Band.

“We worked pretty much for no money, but opportunities just came my way. The challenge for me was to be able to meet them,” he said.

In 1983, Najee was hired as a touring musician for singer Chaka Khan. It taught him to be open to a performer’s musical vision. “I was nervous at rehearsal, but I was prepared, accepted that it was an invitation to where I was and recognized I didn’t know everything. She was very giving and great to work with,” he said.

In 2025, he released his latest album “Under the Moon over the Sky” on his own record label, Blue Horn Creative. It allowed him to retain creative control of his music as artificial intelligence, streaming and record label mergers affect the music business.

“It’s becoming more difficult with the current business model. We (musicians) are at a crossroads and finding our way to make a living at it. Fortunately, in my case, I have a career that’s expanded over several decades, so I’m good,” he said.

Najee is concentrating on mentoring young musicians, donating instruments to schools and touring. He still performs internationally throughout the year.