The Ludlow Garage | Cincinnati OH

A Night of Jazz, R&B, and Family
When it comes to starting the year off right, there’s nothing quite like seeing one of your favorite artists live in concert. For me, January 11, 2025, marked the beginning of an incredible new concert season with none other than my ‘big brother,’ the legendary saxophonist Najee. Our friendship spans years—he’s truly family—so witnessing him shine on stage again was a heartwarming way to begin the year. Because his ATL show got postponed the night before…Cincinnati was his first show of the year also!
A Snowy Prelude
The week leading up to the concert was touch-and-go thanks to relentless snowstorms. But thankfully, the skies cleared just in time, paving the way for an unforgettable night. By 8 PM, the cozy atmosphere of The Ludlow Garage buzzed with anticipation as fans eagerly awaited Najee’s arrival.
A Stellar Setlist
Najee hit the stage to a wave of cheers and immediately set the tone with a stunning rendition of Luther Vandross’ “The Night I Fell in Love.” It was my first time hearing him perform this gem, and he nailed it with his signature blend of soulful finesse. From that moment on, he had the crowd eating out of his hand. For nearly two hours, Najee and his exceptional band delivered a masterclass in musicianship, playing classics that spanned his illustrious career. Highlights included:
- “Gina”
- “Tokyo Blue”
- “Day by Day”
- “Betcha Don’t Know”
- “Have You Ever Loved Somebody”
- A breathtaking cover of Earth, Wind & Fire’s “You Can’t Hide Love”
- A reimagined “Noah’s Ark”
The cherry on top? His hypnotic take on Maxwell’s “Sumthin’ Sumthin’,” which transported me into a zone of pure bliss. And just when we thought the night couldn’t get better, Najee closed with a funky medley honoring legends like Roger Troutman/Zapp, George Clinton/Parliament-Funkadelic, and Rick James.
The Band Behind the Magic
Najee’s band deserves its own standing ovation. Their chemistry and talent elevated the evening to new heights:
- Drummer: Daniel “DP” Powell
- Bassist: Blair ‘Prince’ Bryant
- Guitarist: Kevin Robinson
- Keyboardists: Christian Swann & Mark Harris II
Each musician brought their A-game, complementing Najee’s saxophone mastery with precision and flair.
A Night to Remember
Although the audience begged for an encore, Najee and his crew had given us their all—and it was more than enough. CDs sold out before the show even began (a testament to his enduring popularity), but Najee and the band stuck around afterward to meet fans. That personal touch made the evening even more special. For me, catching up with Najee felt like a mini family reunion, filled with laughter and warm memories.
2025: The Year Ahead
If this concert is any indication, 2025 is shaping up to be a phenomenal year of music. Najee’s performance reminded me why live shows are such an essential part of my life. They bring people together, spark joy, and leave lasting impressions. Here’s to a year of unforgettable concerts, starting with this magical night at The Ludlow Garage!