When I think of Najee, I think of his soft melodies playing on smooth jazz radio stations.

Saturday night at Chicago's City Winery, he played the music that made him famous, but he also showed just how funky he can be. Backed by an outstanding band consisting of guitar, bass, keyboard, and drums, he shifted seamlessly between smooth jazz and funk as easily as he switched between soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, and flute. Often, he followed one song immediately with another, giving little time for the sold-out audience to show their appreciation in between. A gentle flute solo led into a funky break, featuring a fantastic solo by bass guitarist Blair Prince Bryant.

The band mixed originals with covers of songs made famous by Freddie Jackson, Anita Baker, and others. The sold-out crowd sang along to his Stevie Wonder medley.

Najee closed his set with "Salvador" from his latest album, which he described as a tribute to Angela Bofill, followed by "Noah's Ark," which he wrote for his young son, who is now thirty years old.

The 68-year-old saxophonist/flautist continues to entertain audiences with his multi-instrument proficiency and his charm. He reached across the footlights to shake hands with and engage the crowd multiple times during the show and hung around afterward to sign autographs and pose for photos.

The music and the man projected joy at this performance.