French guitarist, composer, and producer Thomas Naïm is one of the most prominent musicians in his country. He was declared one of the top three French guitarists in the ‘Best of’ 2023, and 2024, by Jazz Magazine and Jazz News.

Naïm began his journey with music in his earlier years, at the age of 12. The initial influence that left an indelible mark on him was Rock, which explains why he chose the guitar among all the instruments. However, as time went on, as inquisitive and experimental as his approach to music in the past and present times, he found himself becoming interested in a multitude of musical styles. And as a consequence of his musical journey, he discovered his love for jazz.

Naïm has been asked to accompany many artists on stage or in the studio, including Youn Sun Nah, Hugh Coltman, Mayra Andrade, Hindi Zahra, and Bob Sinclar. While attending the American School of Modern Music in Paris, he co-founded a duo called “Tom & Joy,” where they incorporated bossa nova and jazz and released two albums in the early 2000s. 

It is said, “Jimi Hendrix might not be your favorite guitarist, but he is your favorite guitarist’s favorite guitarist!” He for sure is one of Naïm’s greatest idols and guiding lights. After his 2020 record Sound of Jimi, Naïm is back with May This Be Love, another tribute to Hendrix, but with some surprises as well. Apart from nine songs by Hendrix, this 13-track album includes ‘Hey Joe’ by Billy Roberts, ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ by the Beatles, ‘Jealous Guy’ by John Lennon and his original composition ‘Cherokee Blues.’

All of the recognizable songs were reinterpreted with Naïm’s masterful arrangement and playing on acoustic guitar. The tracks are not supposed to be well-done covers of the originals, rather these are his own acoustic compositions built on the original songs showcasing his immaculate technical and musical prowess.

The album (part of our March 2025 selection) starts with Billy Roberts’ version of ‘Hey Joe’ which has also been recorded by Hendrix himself. Followed by, the groovy ‘Manic Depression,’ which flourishes in Naïm’s polyphonic playing. Then we have an acoustic fingerstyle version of the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. At this point, it becomes clear how different, and of course fresh, each song sounds and feels and what Naïm is aiming to create—something that is truly his.

Naïm keeps on surprising his listeners as the album goes on and we get to experience his take on timeless songs such as ‘Voodoo Child,’ ‘Purple Haze’ and, of course, ‘May This Be Love.’ Under the melodies of these beloved songs, extended chords and appropriately dissonant harmony imparts entirely different personalities. It is an intense game of anticipation. Jazz and blues-inspired lines, and two or three part harmony drive every idea to evolve into another. 

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Except for a few instances, everything is played only on one guitar. Yet, the depth and richness of the soundscape never lack in color, texture and timber. With the presence of subtle nuances in rhythm and dynamics, Naïm has made guitar exactly what Andrés Segovia remarked on guitar being a “mini-orchestra.” 

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May This Be Love (Acoustic Guitar Takes on Jimi Hendrix)

Tracklisting:

1. Hey Joe (02:59)
2. Manic Depression (02:48)
3. Set. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band (01:59)
4. Dritfting (02:41)
5. Voodoo Child (Slight Return) (02:07)
6. The Wind Cries Mary )03:49)
7. Jealous Guy (02:16)
8. Purple Haze (03:52)
9. One Rainy Wish (03:16)
10. Crosstown Traffic (02:50)
11. Spanish Castle Magic (03:54)
12. Cherokee Blues (02:58)
13. May This Be Love (03:45)

Thomas Naïm: guitar

May This Be Love (Acoustic Guitar Takes on Jimi Hendrix) was released March 7, 2025 // Rootless Blues RB06

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