Guitarist Nate Najar is emerging as one of this decade’s finest modern jazz exponents. He is a player who uses a distinctive technique to convey his artistic prowess- not many artists play acoustic classical guitar with right hand classical technique, yet it is the perfect choice for Najar’s comprehensive approach. Not restricted to single notes or chords, Nate seamlessly weaves melody, harmony and rhythmic freedom. The result is music that is swinging, emotional, inventive and interesting. 2010 saw Najar release "Groove Me" on Woodward Avenue Records. A collaboration with Tony Award winning vocalist Melba Moore, "Groove Me" reached into the top 10 of the Billboard Jazz chart. 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 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. Other recent recordings include 2014’s “Aquarela Do Brasil” and the swinging “This is Nate Najar” released in 2016. The All Music Guide called Nate “one of the most consistently interesting and stylish young guitarists on the jazz scene.” JazzTimes Magazine referred to Nate’s playing as “intimate and soulful” and perhaps the greatest endorsement comes from Becky Byrd, wife of the late guitarist Charlie Byrd- “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!"