Ludlow Garage | Cincinnati OH
Ain't No Party Like a NAJEE Party!!! 🎷
There’s something extra special about starting a new year exactly where your joy left off.
My first concert of 2026 turned out to be a repeat first in the best way possible; same artist, same venue, same month, just a brand-new year and brand-new energy. Once again, I found myself at Ludlow Garage in Cincinnati, watching my big brother Najee do what he does best.
How cool is that?
Seeing family in their element, fully aligned with their purpose, has a way of jumpstarting a year of good music, good vibes, and good expectations. And Najee did not disappoint.
He opened the night by transporting us straight to Paris with “Champs Élysées.” From the first note, the tone was set: this wasn’t just a concert, it was a journey. Smooth, sophisticated, and effortlessly cool, exactly what you want on a cold winter night when you’re craving something that feels like summer.
Najee was amazing as always, but this year he brought something new to the table: music from his latest project, Under the Moon Over the Sky, released last summer. When he slid into “Salvador,” I instantly recognized it, that Brazilian-inspired groove is 🔥. The rhythm pulled everybody in, and you could feel the room moving together. Pure vibe.
What I love most about Najee’s shows is how connected they feel. He’s engaging, sharing his story, dropping some wisdom, being present, and genuinely enjoying the exchange with the audience, and they were loving him right back. The ladies, of course, were ALL IN calling out his name with every song… but let’s be clear, the fellas were grooving just as hard. This was a whole house kind of night. No one left untouched by the music.
He treated us to these musical gems:
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“Betcha Don’t Know” (with a slightly switched-up arrangement that worked beautifully — the flow was everything)
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“Day by Day”
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“Tokyo Blue”
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“Najee’s Theme” (yes… that moment hit different)
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A Freddie Jackson cover of “Have You Ever Loved Somebody”
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Maxwell’s “Sumthin’ Sumthin’”
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Anita Baker’s “Sweet Love”
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“Noah’s Ark”
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…and much more
Y’all… the concert was 1 hour and 50 minutes long. And I’m telling you honestly, it felt way shorter. I could’ve easily stayed for another hour without blinking. That’s when you know an artist is in full command of the moment. Now listen, one song that’s always a must but didn’t make the cut this time was “Gina.” And that, my friends, is exactly why I’m saying I needed at least another hour of him performing…to get allll my faves in 😉
After the show, I got a chance to briefly say hello before Najee had to make his way to the front to meet fans and sign CDs, which, by the way, sold out. So I didn’t get to purchase…
Instead, I brought something far more personal.
The very first jazz cassette… yes, cassette, I ever bought back in 1986: Najee’s debut project, Najee’s Theme. Bringing it wasn’t just about nostalgia; it was intentional. A quiet way to commemorate and congratulate him in 2026, marking 40 years since his debut album first hit the jazz scene. Forty years of music, impact, consistency, and evolution that truly deserve acknowledgment.
Ironically, the gentleman in front of me had the vinyl of the same project, and Najee was genuinely surprised and delighted seeing both formats back-to-back, two tangible reminders of where it all began.
He asked me if I still had something to play it on. 😂
Absolutely.
And yes, it still sounds wonderful. (Of course, I have the CD too… I evolved with the media 😉)
After our traditional “family” photo op, it was time for me to step aside, let him love on his fans, and hit the road back home, grateful, inspired, and smiling.
This was truly a great start to my year of music.
…and I can’t close this without giving flowers to the band! They were tight. Locked in. On point. Having my brother’s back and giving us a full-out SHOW.
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Daniel “DP” Powell – Drums
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Blair “Prince” Bryant – Bass
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Kevin Robinson – Guitar
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Mark Harris II – Keyboards
Same venue. Same artist. Same month.
Different year, yet same magic.
If this is how 2026 is starting, I’m more than ready for what’s next. 🎶✨
If you haven’t already, do yourself a favor and grab Najee’s latest project, Under the Moon Over the Sky. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering his sound, this album is smooth, soulful, and the perfect companion for winter nights that need a little warmth.
Here’s to another 40 years, Najee! 💿🎷
