My Point of View (Najee album)

Definition
My Point of View is a studio album by American jazz saxophonist and flautist Najee, released on August 23 2005 through the Heads Up International label.

Overview
The album marks Najee’s ninth full‑length release and continues his exploration of contemporary smooth jazz. It consists of ten tracks that blend saxophone and flute performances with programmed rhythms, guest vocalists, and collaborations with other musicians. Critical response highlighted the album’s melodic accessibility and danceable grooves, noting both its appeal to smooth‑jazz audiences and the presence of synthesized drum programming.

Etymology / Origin
The title My Point of View reflects a personal artistic statement, suggesting that the collection of compositions and performances represents Najī’s individual musical perspective. The phrase itself is a common English idiom denoting a personal opinion or outlook.

Characteristics

• Genre and Style: Primarily smooth jazz with mid‑tempo, laid‑back arrangements. The production incorporates both acoustic instrumentation (saxophone, flute, piano, guitar) and electronic elements such as synthesized drums.

• Length: Total running time of 45 minutes 41 seconds.

• Label: Heads Up International, a subsidiary known for contemporary jazz releases.

• Key Personnel:

  • Najee – saxophone, flute, and co‑producer on several tracks.
  • Chris “Big Dog” Davis – primary composer and producer; contributed keyboards and programming.
  • Guest vocalists include Will Downing on “3 AM,” Lomon on “Fallin’ in Love with You,” and Sisaundra Lewis on “Emotional.”
  • Additional musicians feature contributions from Rasheed, James Lloyd, Rohan Reid, Mike Melvin, and others.

• Track Listing:

  1. “Sidewayz” – 5:33
  2. “3 AM” (featuring Will Downing) – 5:11
  3. “Fallin’ in Love with You” (introducing Lomon) – 5:08
  4. “Back in the Day” – 4:37
  5. “Charm” – 3:30
  6. “My Point of View” – 4:39
  7. “2nd 2 None” – 3:50
  8. “Emotional” (introducing Sisaundra) – 4:04
  9. “How Lovely You Are” – 5:15
  10. “Miyuki” – 3:55

• Critical Reception:

  • AllMusic’s Jonathan Widran described the set as “very likable” and suggested it would reaffirm Najee’s position in the genre.
  • Woodrow Wilkins of All About Jazz praised the “pleasant collection of danceable and romantic grooves,” while noting that listeners averse to synthesized drums might prefer other works.
  • Smooth Jazz Therapy highlighted the album’s consistent quality and its “controlled, soulful” character, emphasizing its appeal to mature listeners.

Related Topics

• Najee Discography – Includes preceding album Embrace (2003) and subsequent release Rising Sun (2007).
• Smooth Jazz – A subgenre of jazz characterized by melodic, radio‑friendly compositions and polished production.
• Heads Up International – Record label specializing in contemporary jazz, world music, and related genres.
• Contemporary Jazz Saxophonists – Artists such as Dave Koz, Boney James, and Gerald Albright, who share stylistic space with Najee.
• All About Jazz – Publication that frequently reviews and documents modern jazz releases.