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 jazz 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” (2016). 2017 saw Nate’s return to Woodward Avenue Records with “Christmas In December.”

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!”

Chuck Redd
is well known internationally as a performer on drums and vibraphone. Chuck began recording and touring the globe when he joined the Charlie Byrd Trio at the age of 21. He also became a member of the Great Guitars (Barney Kessel, Byrd and Herb Ellis.) To his credit are 25 European tours and six tours of Japan, with the Barney Kessel Trio, Ken Peplowski and the Benny Goodman Tribute Orchestra, Terry Gibbs and Conte Candoli. He served as Artist-In-Residence at The Smithsonian Jazz Café in Washington, DC from 2004-2008.

Chuck is the 2019 musical director of The Oregon Festival of American Music. He is a featured soloist, annually at The W.C. Handy Music Festival, The Newport Beach Jazz Party, The West Texas Jazz Party, The North Carolina Jazz Festival and The Roswell Jazz Festival. Chuck was featured vibraphonist with the Mel Torme All-Star Jazz Quintet from 1991 until 1996.

While appearing in New York with Torme, Ira Gitler of Jazz Times said: "Redd's vibes were equally notable for vigor and melodiousness."

Jazz Times praised Redd's playing describing his vibes work as, "Exquisite! "

The Washington Post admired his "melodic sparkle." For two consecutive years, Chuck was awarded “Best Vibist” in New York City’s Hot House Jazz Magazine 2015 and 2016 Fans Decision award.

In 2007 Chuck was featured with the prestigious "Milt Jackson Tribute Band". Other recent engagements include jazz cruises, residencies with Bucky Pizzarelli and Ken Peplowski at Jazz at Lincoln Center and Birdland, headlining at Smalls, Mezzrow and The Kitano in New York City and leading groups around the US. He has toured and performed with Dizzy Gillespie, Mel Torme, Tommy Flanagan, Bill Mays, Ray Brown, Monty Alexander, Laurindo Almeida, Tal Farlow, Rebecca Kilgore, Nicki Parrott, Scott Hamilton, Mickey Roker and Houston Person.

Chuck’s career highlights include a concert with the Dizzy Gillespie Quintet in Africa for the Namibian Independence Celebration, a recital at the White House with the Barney Kessel Trio, four concerts at Carnegie Hall with the Mel Torme Quintet, The Great Guitars and The Charlie Byrd Trio and an appearance on The Tonight Show. In 2008, he was a featured soloist on the finale concert at The Lionel Hampton International Jazz festival with The Lionel Hampton Big Band and the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. In February 2013, Chuck performed with the Dream Band co-leading with Jeff Hamilton in a salute to vibes legend Terry Gibbs. Chuck was the 2014 honoree at The Roswell Jazz Festival and the 2013 Los Angeles Jazz Society’s Vibes Summit honoree.

In addition to leading his own groups, Chuck was a member of the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra for 15 years. He frequently performs in New York City and is touring nationally at festivals and clubs. Chuck is on the faculty at The University of Maryland School of Music and presents master classes, workshops and lectures around the country.

Redd is featured on over 80 recordings. Releases include his Arbors CD, "All This and Heaven Too", featuring Gene Bertoncini and George Mraz, Chopin Jazz with Rossano Sportiello “You’re My Everything” with Dick Hyman and Jay Leonhart and “Nice N’ Easy” with Houston Person. He can also be heard on the sound track to the popular television series, "The Great Chefs” and the NPR broadcast "Jazz Smithsonian.”

His Arbors CD "Happy All The Time," is a critically acclaimed tribute to his mentor, Barney Kessel and features Monty Alexander and Jeff Hamilton. Chuck's Noteworthy Jazz CD, "When Redd is Blue" is a collaboration with his brother, pianist Robert Redd, featuring saxophonist Harry Allen. Chuck's Arbors release, "The Common Thread" features Mickey Roker, Bob Cranshaw,Houston Person and Rossano Sportiello. Chuck produced and is featured on the brand new recording, “For George, Cole and Duke”, lead by Harry Allen for Blue Heron Records. Chuck’s 2019 release is “Groove City” on Dalphine Records, featuring John Di Martino, Nicki Parrott, Lewis Nash and Jerry Weldon.