Najee

Najee is a jazz saxophonist and flautist associated with smooth jazz, the instrumental strand of contemporary jazz built on melodic lines, R&B-influenced grooves and a soft rhythm section. Emerging in the 1980s, the saxophonist has recorded a long series of solo albums, and the music draws on the soulful, song-like phrasing that has defined the genre since its rise in that decade. The project is rooted in jazz tradition while leaning toward accessible, melody-driven material.

The Birchmere, in Alexandria, Virginia, hosts concerts and shows across a range of genres, and this evening's bill places the saxophonist's instrumental jazz in that setting. The night suits listeners who follow smooth jazz and instrumental saxophone, whether they know the recordings well or are discovering the music through a live performance on this visit to the area.