In 1993, superhero Sun Ra left the chaos of planet earth. But the planet is now in desperate need of spiritual healing. As music is the healing force of the universe, Sun Ra is the only one that can save us. That’s why Super-Sonic Jazz founder and astronaut Kees (KC The Funkaholic) went into space, searching the stars for Sun Ra. Every week, space cadet Kees is awaken from his hyper sleep, to bless us with some timeless music at the radioshow ‘Round Midnight at NPO Soul and Jazz. For Super-Sonic Jazz, he’ll share some extra tunes and stories. This week, he’ll talk about the tune “Naima”.
“During this week’s radio show, I played the track Naima. Let’s take a deep dive! You might’ve heard the track “Neems ( Naima )” by B Cool Aid last year – it’s on one of our favorite albums of 2023. The track is inspired by a 1959 tune by the legend John Coltrane. A timeless track that’s still golden now.”
“The original “Naima” by John Coltrane is an instrumental version, but in 1973, Doug Carn wrote lyrics to go with it and made his wife Jean Carn perform it. Doug and Jean Carn have a number of revolutionary albums, released by the legendary label Black Jazz Records (check them out!). It’s the same Jean Carne that later released numerous disco hits on the label Philly International Records (alongside the greats like The O’Jays and Teddy Pendergrass).”
'Round Midnight
Every Wednesday from 23:00 – 23:59, Super-Sonic Jazz founder Kees (KC The Funkaholic) broadcasts from his space limo, hurtling through space in search of Sun Ra and musical healing – while sharing timeless tracks. Listen to the NPO Soul & Jazz radio show ‘Round Midnight of 17 January: