Artist description Nate Najar plays the full guitar. Many guitar players like using chords, others like to play single notes, a la horn players. Nate Najar prefers to play the entire instrument. The guitar can be looked at as an orchestra, much in the same way a piano is viewed; the tones range from low bass to high treble, and anywhere in between. Such an instrument can accompany, lead or be its own section of the orchestra, all at the same time. Coming from a background rooted in the blues, yet thoroughly enticed by the moving sounds of modern harmony, Nate Najar swings in a fashion not generally found in musicians of this day. Nate can equally pay homage to Eddie Lang, Django Reinhardt or Barney Kessel all the while still sounding like Nate Najar. His choice of repertoire consists of good swinging standards, "up" tunes, gentle ballads and easy flowing latin, all performed in a swinging fashion. The Nate Najar Trio features Nate's work on the acoustic classical guitar, as well as the archtop electric instrument. The ensemble sound is built upon the framework of a swinging rhythm section-solid bass playing, provided by Joe Aromola of New Orleans and the tasteful percussion of New Yorker Dan Crowley. The group is often augmented by the mellow sound of Sam Koppelman's vibraphone, achieving a unique and highly expressive musical unit. Many people become turned away upon hearing the term "jazz" as it has garnered mixed meanings in the past few years. The Nate Najar Trio performs jazz as it was meant to be- swinging. There are no avant-garde sounds that can be harsh to the listener, but rather, an enjoyable and exciting listening experience.

Music Style modern, jazz

Musical Influences jazz, classical

Similar Artists Modern Jazz Quartet, Dave Brubeck Quartet

Artist History Nate currently studies modern theory and concepts for guitar with Frank Mullen. It is through his lessons with Frank that he has begun to develop the modern sound closely associated with true, swinging jazz music. Previously, Nate has participated in the Florida All State Jazz ensembles (1997-98 and again in 1998-99), as well as the Pinellas All County Jazz Ensemble. Nate has also spent much time playing with various musicians including alumni from the Duke Ellington Orchestra and Detroit pianist Jerry Libby.

Group Members Nate Najar-g, Sam Koppelman-v, Steve Boisen-b, Stephen Bucholtz-d

Instruments guitar/vibraphone/bass/drums

Albums The Cool Sounds, Jazz Impressions (Nate Najar Trio)

Press Reviews "one of the most consistently interesting and enjoyable young guitarists on the jazz scene…. Highly recommended." All Music Guide "...every note clear and meaningful, every solo perfect in execution..." Just Jazz Guitar Magazine

Location St. Petersburg, Florida - USA

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