In a Wizardly Tone : Nate Najar and John Lamb

An October evening of bewitching musical stylings at The Studio@620

The Studio@620 will swing through the night as Jazz wizards Nate Najar and John Lamb return to conjure up an evening of bewitching musical stylings.  Nothing tricky about it, this evening is sure to be a treat!  Costumes encouraged!      

Nate Najar

Nate Najar is one of only few guitarists who play jazz on the classical guitar. Equally at home playing Bach or the blues, Nate prefers a swinging and varied repertoire.  Nate has performed with such notable jazz artists as Clark Terry, Ken Peplowski, Ray Kennedy, Gene Bertoncini, Harry Allen and many others. He studied for many years with the great Washington DC guitar teacher Frank Mullen, who helped develop his orchestral approach to guitar playing.

In December of 2006, Nate featured an all star septet to perform his adaptation of the great Ellington-Strayhorn Nutcracker. The show has since become a holiday tradition.  A personal and professional achievement, Nate has performed numerous times with the Joe Byrd Trio to pay tribute to the late Charlie Byrd, one of Nate's biggest influences.   In November 2008, Nate will be featured at the Kennnedy Center, in Washington D.C., as part of a 10 day festival celebrating Washington's varied jazz history.

Najar has 7 cd recordings under his own name, most recently a live eff ort.  Recorded at the Palladium Theatre's "Side Door" Jazz series, "The Nate Najar Trio- Live At The Side Door" also features local luminary John Lamb on bass and veteran jazz drummer Chuck Redd.   Currently available at Nate's live appearances, "Live..." will be available online and in stores after the new year.

John Lamb

Jazz icon and ever-popular virtuoso performer, bassist John Lamb, will share the stage with Nate Najar.  John Lamb performed with the legendary Duke Ellington Orchestra for more than ten years. His extraordinary musical talent can be heard on most of the Duke’s major works from the mid-’60s, including “The Far East Suite”, which earned a Grammy.

Reviews

• "one of the most consistently interesting and enjoyable young guitarists on the jazz scene.... Highly recommended." - Rick Anderson of the All Music Guide
• "every note clear and meaningful, every solo perfect in execution."
  Steven Rosenberg- Just Jazz Guitar Magazine