AriSawkaDoria breathes new life into John Coltrane’s timeless composition Naima, crafting a transcendent journey through sound and space. This trio, known for their genre-defying approach, delivers a deeply moving and contemporary rendition of the classic, layering raw, uncut drumming, evocative guitar, and soulful Hammond B3 organ into a piece that is both reverent and boundary-pushing. Released on February 7, 2025, Naima stands as a testament to the band’s ability to channel raw emotion while showcasing technical mastery.
At the heart of this reimagining is the powerful synergy between KJ Sawka (Pendulum, Destroid) on drums, Ari Joshua (The All’s Eye, Big High, Space Owl) on guitar, and Joe Doria on Hammond B3 organ. Each musician brings their own voice to the track, yet together, they create a seamless and immersive soundscape that pays homage to Coltrane’s original while pushing its sonic limits. Naima is not just a cover; it’s a reinvention that strips the composition down to its core and rebuilds it with fresh textures and modern energy.
Recorded at the legendary Litho Recording Studio in Seattle, WA, under the expertise of engineer Floyd Reitsma, Naima captures the warmth and richness of live performance. The track then underwent additional mixing and editing by KJ Sawka in Las Vegas and Ari Joshua at Music Factory Records in Seattle, before receiving its final polish from Ari Raskin at Deep Water Studios in New York. Mastering was completed by Joe Lambert at Lambert Mastering in Cortland, NY, ensuring that every note and beat resonates with clarity and depth. The track is visually accompanied by stunning artwork from Monte Mitchell of Forest Shore Designs, adding another dimension to the experience.
From the opening guitar strains, Naima establishes a dreamlike atmosphere, pulling listeners into its emotional depths. Ari Joshua’s signature guitar work balances technical precision with an improvisational spirit, seamlessly intertwining with Joe Doria’s Hammond B3 mastery. The basslines, created entirely with Doria’s left foot and left hand, add a warm, organic resonance, grounding the piece while allowing it to soar. KJ Sawka’s drumming, known for its unfiltered and explosive energy, adds a pulse to the track that drives it forward while still honoring the delicate, meditative nature of Coltrane’s original.
AriSawkaDoria’s approach to Naima exemplifies their larger mission as a trio: to explore and redefine musical landscapes. Their debut album, Chapter ONE, introduced listeners to their unique ability to fuse genres and create intricate, emotionally charged compositions. Since then, they have continued to push boundaries, taking on classics like Round Midnight and now Naima, transforming them into something fresh while retaining their timeless essence.
With this release, AriSawkaDoria proves that jazz standards are not relics of the past, but living, breathing works of art that can evolve with each new interpretation. Their version of Naima is a journey—one that invites the listener to close their eyes, lose themselves in the music, and emerge on the other side with a newfound appreciation for both the past and the future of sound.
