John Coltrane: Naima

1959 was jazzs magical year with Trane, Ornette, Evans, Mingus, and Miles issuing their clarion calls and here is one reason why. First, its a gorgeous piece of writing how many times has Naima been covered over the years? and, second, it is played with great patience and restraint. The tune runs only 4 minutes 21 seconds, but the quartet is in no rush to get there. In mood, Naima shares traits with Miles Daviss Kind of Blue album, on which Coltrane played a key role just months earlier, but this is a very different piece of work, because theres a real melody here. The rhythm section holds back while Coltrane blows simple, unadorned passages that haunt, and pianist Wynton Kelly delivers a touching solo of his own. Once while listening to this song, pay attention only to bassist Paul Chambers thump-thump- thumping. Its quite revealing.