From Brazil to Ellington with a few stops in between

Nate Najar

Guitarist Nate Najar performed today at the South County Jazz Club's Englewood Arts Center series to the biggest crowd the venue has seen for jazz to date. There were 120 jazz fans in the center's main gallery. Additional folks were turned away due to space limitations.

The versatile Najar, a devotee of the late Charlie Byrd, has a strong like for Brazilian jazz and went in that direction for several tunes before blending in some Fats Waller, and Duke and Mercer Ellington tunes, among others. There was also a lovely exploration of "Body and Soul."

The Ellington connection was a natural with bassist John Lamb aboard, along with the terrific drummer Steve Bucholtz. Lamb worked steadily in the band from 1964 to 1967 and occasionally after that. He's a marvel to hear and watch in concert. He turns and leans toward to each of the players when he solos to make it a true musical conversation. He had a beautiful showcase on Duke's "Love You Madly."



Nate Najar, John Lamb, Steve Bucholtz