Nate Najar

Sunday, March 5th

Nate Najar

In an industry that likes to conveniently pigeonhole even its most adventurous artists, Nate Najar has stood out with his full embrace of the great possibilities of jazz. Inspiring growing numbers of fans with his distinctive approach of playing jazz on the acoustic classical guitar with right hand classical technique, the multi-faceted composer and performer has performed hundreds of trio dates throughout the U.S. and Europe, scored a Top Ten Billboard Jazz single with Melba Moore (“Groove Me”) and recorded tribute projects to his idol Charlie Byrd and the music of Brazil. On the perfectly titled This is Nate Najar, he expands his repertoire further with a dynamic quartet driven collection featuring his unamplified guitar, legendary Duke Ellington bassist John Lamb, UK drummer Matt Home and trumpeter James Suggs.

A St. Petersburg, FL native who began playing guitar at age eight and considers Django Reinhardt, Wes Montgomery and Charlie Byrd his primary influences, Najar’s two previous full length recordings on Candid Records – including 2012’s Blues For Night People: The Nate Najar Trio Remembers Charlie Byrd – earned him accolades from critics and influential jazz voices alike. Rick Anderson of All Music Guide called Najar “one of the most consistently interesting and stylish young guitarists on the jazz scene.” Becky Byrd, wife of the late guitarist Charlie Byrd, said, “There is no doubt that there is a piece of Charlie’s soul in Nate’s mind, heart and fingers. Get ready, world, here comes Nate Najar!”

Showtimes:  7:00pm and 9:00pm        Admission:  $25.