Tommy Flanagan - piano
Paul Chambers - bass… Read Full Bio ↴John Coltrane - tenor sax
Tommy Flanagan - piano
Paul Chambers - bass
Art Taylor - drums
Written by John Coltrane
Recorded May 5, 1959 at Atlantic Studios, New York
Originally released on the album Giant Steps, Atlantic SD-1311, January 1960
Cousin Mary
John Coltrane Lyrics
Jump to: Line by Line Meaning ↴
A few words, just to shed a little light on Naima
I want to talk briefly about Naima to give some insight into the song
Her name, Naima, was inspired by this woman of great beauty
The name Naima was actually inspired by a woman who was incredibly beautiful
And I had the pleasure of meeting her once, and she was really beautiful
I was fortunate enough to meet her in person and can confirm that she was truly stunning
Sometimes I feel like she's with me in spirit, or something
Occasionally, I have a sense that she is present with me in a spiritual sense
And this composition is sort of a welcoming for her return
This song is a way for me to welcome her back or to honor her memory
Hopefully, if there is a rebirth or a reincarnation
In the event of reincarnation or rebirth, perhaps she will come back into the world
Maybe she'll hear the song and say, 'Hey, I recognize that.'
If she does return, perhaps she will hear this song and feel a sense of familiarity or recognition
So, it's just sort of a dedication to her and her beauty
All in all, this song is a tribute to Naima and the beauty that she embodied
Contributed by Peyton O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@robjones2408
Coltrane never forgot about the blues, when he was playing.
Great stuff from one of the true masters of jazz. Even after fifty six years, jazz is still
chasin' Trane.....
@byronthomas2087
Rob Jones so true
@psull7
This was always my favourite off the album.Blues with astral projections!A breath of fresh air.
@thomasgrykien9443
This is one of my favorite coltrane tunes....I always loved the piano solo the best. Let's give Tommy Flanagan some shine in 2022.
@aurooy
he was so sharp, this song is sublime...
@jjsvideos715
actually he was in tune
@RussellIser108
@@jjsvideos715 😘
@abrahampalmer8761
Majestic
@morgainenyc
R.I.P Mary. Thank you. 🙏🏽
@stephg6874
This song is the quintessential vision of Mary Alexander --- Rise in Paradise