Good, clean crisp, and vibrant guitar lead this smart effort by Nate Najar on his debut smooth jazz release, Until Now.  Though having released three other solo efforts previously, this marks Najar’s maiden voyage into the waters of smooth jazz. He navigates those waters well with precise melodies, jammin’ funk-laden tempos, and even a touch of rock and Brazilian influences along the way.  Much of his style will remind one of the stylings of Ken Navarro, Jim Adkins, and Drew Davidsen.

Najar has a preference for the classical guitar, and he does craft some interesting tapestries around it, though he shows that he can cut loose on the electric animal as well.  On this diverse and ear-friendly production, Najar makes a run at Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature” with a sense of calm and elegance. A tight and respectful interpretation, for sure.  He follows that track with a funky, bright, and bouncy cut entitled “Holding Pattern,” which has such a built-in groove that resisting its buoyancy is virtually impossible, especially with that comely hook.  The title track, another with a sweet hook, has that soothing, melt-in-your-soul vibe that highlights the seductive rhythm laying claim to your senses--if only for a moment.  My kind of slow jam, complete with adept keys work at the hands of Ron Reinhardt.

Oh no, we’re not done yet.  When you think of a “Sunday Serenade,” you may not be thinking of the funky little gem that comes at you from track 6.  Well, there is a spiritually-inclined and bluesy element to this mid-tempo piece that keeps the swaying and finger popping going.  Saxman Mike MacArthur truly lights up this one with classy runs. Another tune of note is the pretty, sensuous, and rather blue “(She’s the One) For Me,” alive with color and ripe, hot guitar riffs.  The tracks “Django and Mowgli” and the finale “One Day At A time” have straight-ahead/Latin and Brazilian flavors, respectively, while the track sandwiched in between the two, "Rising Moon,” carries with it some seriously raunchy and slinky funk.

Nate Najar should feel confident that his freshman effort in smooth jazz will be a successful one. I predict he will find that his strong showing of how to work a groove will prove to be most beneficial. --  Ronald Jackson