LACK Najee Carving Out Musical Identity `Day By Day' on its contemporary jazz chart, is involved this time." was quite happy there was an audi- now I'm working on material for a BY HAVELOCK NELSON "an extension of the first one. His 1986 debut, "Najee's ence recognizing something, flute player named Tony Hinson NEW YORK Saxophonist and Some of the cuts show more of my Theme," went gold and earned him though. and discussing a deal for him." former session and touring musi- [traditional] jazz side, but on the a Grammy nomination for best "Besides the artistic input from Moreover, Najee is thinking cian Najee says "Day By Day," his whole I didn't deviate too much be- R &B instrumental performance. a number of people -including my- about his third album. "There'll second EMI album, which is cur- cause I'm still a developing artist. "That was a surprise," he says. self- support from the label, ra- probably be a bigger change," he rently in the top 20 on Billboard's What might make it different is "Basically I was just sharing my- dio, and my management compa- says. "I'll probably try to appeal to black albums chart and the top 10 the fact that more producers were self personally and as a musician. I ny, Hush Productions, helped the more hardcore jazz listeners on make the record a success. Per- one or two songs just to show I haps the mysteriousness sur- could do that, too. I'm still grow- rounding my name had something ing as a player. I'm still developing to do with it, too." my own style." Acts Reveal Surprising On -Stage Strengths, Weaknesses Certainly Najee's participation in Freddie Jackson's six -month, 116 -city Tasty Love tour helped. "I Sade, Sweat Shows Sizzle; James Fizzles was definitely reaching a wide au- dience," says Najee. "We got a IN AN AGE OF "Memorex music," when one innova- The Budweiser Superfest was in session Sept. 3 at strange combination. Some of tive musical idea begets three synthesized imitators Madison Square Garden with Earth, Wind & Fire, Keith them were young and were just within a week and videos disguise a multitude of artistic Sweat, and the Force M.D.'s (substituting for an injured moved rhythmically. Some of them sins, the standards for live performance are not what Teens Marie). Despite being a last- minute addition, the came just to hear me play. Then they used to be. Just 15 years ago, it was the norm to Force M.D.'s put on a slick performance that showcased there were the jazz types who expect that R &B entertainers wouldn't just perform their retronuevo blend of hip -hop and traditional R &B came out with the real critical their latest record, but would extend its impact via dis- style. Tommy Boy Records has put a lot of effort into ears. What ended up happening tinctive vocal pyrotechnics (Al Green, Marvin Gaye, and marketing this quartet, but despite a few hits the group was I became so confused as to Aretha Franklin come to mind), physical flamboyance hasn't built a strong national following. Luckily, the who I should try to cater to. But I (James Brown, the Temptations), or instrumental group has developed a crisp show, reminiscent of those learned to go out there and just be prowess (Kool & the of the Temptations and the myself." After the Jackson en- Gang, Earth, Wind & Spinners, which should gagements Najee spent three Fire). ensure its longevity. more months on the road, touring Today one goes to a gig The Since the spring, when with Michael Franks, Phyllis Hy- fearful that the singer he gave his first appear- man, and Hiroshima. cannot match his or her Rhythm ance at the Apollo, the This summer Najee played in the He is electronically enhanced Harlem -born Sweat has JVC Jazz Series. currently Freddie & The Kid. During a tour lat- record performance or and the grown as a performer. He touring with Natalie Cole, and stop in Los Angeles, Freddie that the manipulative ex- works the stage better, er this year he'll continue support- Jackson visited Haven House, the au- ing By by with citement of video camou- Blues projecting a confident "Day Day" touring oldest shelter in the country for flages a singer with zero thority born of a sum- South African guitarist /vocalist/ abused women, where he donated stage presence. In an era mer's worth of gigs. It songwriter Jonathan Butler. by Nelson George several child -sized tables and chairs. of sampling, punched -in doesn't hurt that he is per- Najee also has plans to produce Shown at the shelter, from left, are vocal perfection, and "artists" who have no experience forming material from one of the year's best albums, other artists, hoping "to become a Jackson, Eric Alexander- Comas, and outside the studio, live performers no longer pay dues in "Make It Last Forever." While Sweat's vocal range is catalyst in the careers of people Haven House director Cindy clubs or small concert halls. Instead, young acts often narrow, like all good pop singers he has the ability to who are very talented and desire Freeman. have two or three significant hits before they ever really squeeze a lot of emotion from it. Moreover, his voice is the opportunity to record. Right take to the stage. So it was instructive to see a slew of quite distinctive, a fact that separates him from many entertainers in and around New York recently. Some up- other current male vocalists. The aggressive presence of held the best traditions of black music, some were sim- Jacci McGhee, a free spirit who performs a duet with ply all a couple "went out like a roach." Sweat on his album's title track, certainly enhanced his right, and FOR WEEK ENDING Sept. 1 was the first date of a three -night stand by show. That doesn't mean the Elektra act's show was OC,TOBER B pLAYLmirs Rick James and rapper Roxanne Shanté at the Apollo perfect. He could use more variety in his moves and powER Largest Black Radio Stations Theater. This match of funk and rap should have been a some sharper choreography. Sample Playlists of the Nation's treat (much like James and Shanté's recorded collabora- After all these years, Earth, Wind & Fire can still tion, "Loosey's Rap "), but the evening was a disaster. move the crowd. When the group performed any of its P4.ét5i.r. 1 Shanté, usually assertive and tough on stage, admitted many standards ( "That's The Way Of The World," for £iJ1i AM 1480 she was intimidated by the thought of giving a solo per- example), it won. Whenever crowd favorite Philip Bai- WGCI'AMIl9O FM 105.3 formance at the Apollo, and it showed. A costume ley sang solo, it won. Alas, material from the band's new Chicago P.D.: Sonny Taylor Philadelphia P.D.: Joe Tamburro some ragged dancers, and surprisingly ineffec- album had folks moving toward the exits. Because of its I 2 Teddy Pendergrass, 2 A.M. 1 5 LeVert, Addicted To You change, 2 3 Kr The Best Of Meg 2 6 Bofblrbeyv Broom, My Prerogative Markie made catalog and performing skill, the group could once again 11 bav My On tive cameos by Big Daddy Kane and Biz 4 4 The Dan Bard, Single Girls 1 2 Salt-N -P Featuring Ui Shake You matters worse. Later in the show, Shanté revealed she be an important factor in black music if it puts together 5 7 Sade, Nothing Can Come Between Us 5 7 Teddy Pendergrass, 2 A.M. 6 6 Johnny Kemp, Danan' With Myself 6 4 Evelyn "Champagne" King, Hold On To W was "mad at Rick." a strong second-comeback album. 7 10 Karyn White, The Way You Love Me 7 12 Sade, Nothing Can Come Between Us 8 12 New Edition You're Not My Kind Of GI 8 13 Chapter 8, Give Me A Chance Much of the audience felt likewise when James ar- Sept. 7 in Philadelphia, Stephanie Mills performed in 9 14 Luther Vann' a s sir , Any Love 9 14 Bobby McFerrin, Don't Worry, Be Happy 10 15 AI B. Sure! Rescue Me 10 10 Keith Sweat (Duet With Jana McGhee), rived at the theater so late that Apollo management had Maurice Hines' latest musical, "Harlem Suite." The 11 16 Betty After p With Myself 12 18 The Mac Band Featuring The McCampbell Brothers. 12 16 Al B. Sure!, Rescue Me to play videos to appease the restless crowd until he show, which Hines built around the reminiscences of his 13 21 Tracie Spencer, Hide And Seek 13 17 George Benson Lets Do It Again 14 20 True Mathematics For The money 14 23 Karyn White, .TheWay You Love Me showed. When the Warner Bros. artist finally arrived, grandmother, walks a fine line between a revue and a 15 19 On 15 a Riley, Thanks For My 16 n Howard Hun Sleepless Weekend 16 18 Kiaray4 ThePepsi t OI y he seemed flustered and uncomfortable. Though his full -fledged show. Whatever you call it, this journey 17 25 Tyrone Davis, It's Miracle 11 19 Howard Huntoberry, Sleepless Weekend 18 26 Melba Moore (Duet With Kashif), I'm I 18 n Tony! Toni! Tone!, Born Not To Know band performed spirited renditions of vintage James through black music from the '20s -'80s is well staged 19 28 The Ohio Players, Let's Play (From No 19 20 Mela Moore (Duet With Kasliif), I'm I to mu- 20 30 Terence Trent D'Arby Dance Little Si 20 21 Gary Taylor, Tease Me material as well as personalized versions of songs he and provides Mills with the opportunity interpret 21 23 Four Tops Indestructible 21 29 New Edition, You're Not My Kind Of G, ( All The sic from a number of and perform songs associated 22 32 Midnight Star Feat Ecstacy 01 Whodini, 22 30 Midnight Star Feat Ecstacy Of Whodini. wrote for and /or performed with others "Party eras 23 33 Billy Ocean, Tear Down These Walls 23 21 Sweet Obsession, Gonna Get Over You Time," "Ebony Eyes "), James spent more time pulling with Lena Horne, Billie Holiday, and Gladys Knight. 24 27 Raheem Dance Floor 24 25 Philip Michael Thomas, Don't Make Pro 25 34 Paula Abdul, (It's Just) The Way That 25 26 The Ohio Players, Let's Play (From No up his pants than singing. It was only toward the end of Mills is currently slated to tour the country with the 26 29 Philip Michael Thomas, Don't Make Pro 26 38 Luther Vandross, Any Love 27 31 Deniece Williams, I Can't Wait 27 39 Anita Baker Giving You The Best That the show, during hits like "You And I" and "Super show and may eventually take it to Broadway. 28 36 Bobby McFerrin, Don't Worry Be Happy 28 40 Stevie Wonder, M Eyes Don't Cry 29 38 Anita Baker, Giving You The hest That 29 31 Tracy Chapman, 1alkrn' Bout A Revolut Freak," that James emerged from his fog and gave the After selling out more than a week of concerts at Radio 30 35 Sweet Obsession, Gonna Get Over You 30 32 Toby Terry, Young Love 31 40 Vanessa Williams, (He's Got) The Look 31 33 Troop, My Heart audience its money's worth. For a talented man on the City, Stevie Wonder played three nights beginning Sept. 32 41 Troop, My Heart 32 34 Gord Question, Got A New Love 33 42 Whitney Houston One Moment In Time 33 35 Deniece WillWilliams, I Can't Wait comeback trail, it was an embarrassing exhibition. 10 at the Apollo Theater, where he taped concert footage 34 43 Brenda Russell, dGet Here 34 36 Billy Ocean, Tear Down These Walls 35 39 Billy Always Back On Track 35 37 Billy Always Back On Track At Radio City Music Hall Sept. 4 and 6, Sade's jazzy for a home video and once again demonstrated the immen- 36 46 Ready For The World, My Girly 36 51 Big Daddy Hone, Ain t No Half.St in 37 47 St Wonders Myy [yes yDon't Cry 37 50 EPMD, Strictly Business chords and supple arrangements made for one of the sity of his accomplishments as a composer. Playing every 38 44 Bougie Down Pred11CtÍ011S, Stop The Vio 38 45 Whitney One Moment In Time few 39 45 Surface, Missed 39 41 Terence Trent D' , Dance Little Si most satisfying concerts of the year (so good I saw it one of his songs you could ever want to hear and a 40 48 Gregory Abbott, Let Me Be Your Hero 40 43 Vanessa Williams, (He's Got) The Look have forgotten, Wonder did a fine job 41 53 Freddie Jackson, Hey Lover 41 42 Loose En&., Mr. Bachelor twice.) Some thought the Epic act's first U.S. tour show songs you might 42 52 Today, Him Or Me 42 44 Freddie Jackson, Hey Lover included more with his band of capturing the flavor of his many state-of- 43 49 Millie Scott, A Love Of Your Own 43 46 Tracie Spencer, Hide And Seek was boring. This time the performance 44 51 EPMD, Strictly Business 44 47 Ready For The World, My Girly clever movements and a higher overall energy level. Vo- the-art productions. The evening's highlight was a song 45 50 The Boys, Dial My Heart 45 48 The Reddings, Call The Law 46 54 Cheryl "Pepsi" Riley, Thanks For My 46 49 Vesta, Sweet, Sweet Love cally, Sade has gotten stronger. She can't blow like sequence that included "Signed, Sealed, Delivered," "I 47 55 Jamm, So Fine 47 52 Yvonne Jetferys 8 The Stand, Stand An A - Loose Ends, Mr. Bachelor A - Cameo You Make Me Work Anita Baker or Whitney Houston, but the lady's phras- Was Made To Love Her," "Living For The City," a bit of A - The Reddings Call The Law A - arley, Tumb in Down A - Jonathan Butler There's One Born Eve A - Surface, I Missed ing is sharp, and her interpretations of her custom -made Prince's "Housequake" on tape, and the unappreciated A - Run DUC I'm Not Going Out Like That A - Commodores, Solitaire A - Cherele Everything I Miss At Home A - Derek B, Goodgroove songs were assured and often passionate. Both shows dance classic "Do I Do," which was spiced by Wonder and A - Pieces dt A Dream, Rising To The Top A - Ice T, I'm Your Pusher were highlighted by a powerful performance of "Is It A the band playing some of Johnny Kemp's "Just Got EX EX Evan Geofhevs 8 The Stand, Stand An EX EX Lie, Tell Me It's Not Too Late Crime "; its rising and falling arrangement and Stuart Paid." Watching Wonder jam into the night at the Apollo EX EX Blast -ton, Mary Had A Little Jam Mathewman's sax solos caused standing ovations. was a fine way to end a long musical week. i

BILLBOARD OCTOBER 8, 1988 25