| "Soul Eyes" | |
|---|---|
| Composition by Mal Waldron | |
| from the album Interplay for 2 Trumpets and 2 Tenors | |
| Language | English |
| Recorded | March 22, 1957 |
| Genre | Jazz |
| Length | 17:31 |
| Label | Prestige |
| Composer | Mal Waldron |
| Producer | Bob Weinstock |
"Soul Eyes" is a composition, with lyrics, written by Mal Waldron. [1] It is a 32-bar ballad that takes the song form ABAC, [2] and is written in 4/4 time. It was first recorded on March 22, 1957, for the album Interplay for 2 Trumpets and 2 Tenors . [3] One of the tenor saxophonists on that recording was John Coltrane, who brought the song back to attention by recording it in 1962 for his album Coltrane , when he had become more famous. This was only the second ever recording of the song, [3] which has since become "part of the basic repertory of jazz performers" – a jazz standard. [1] Waldron wrote the piece with Coltrane in mind: "I liked Coltrane's sound and I thought the melody would fit it." [4]
Since these early versions, the song has been recorded hundreds of times. [5] A vocal version is on Vanessa Rubin's debut album in 1992; [6] another comparatively rare vocal version, featuring Jeanne Lee, is available on Waldron's 1997 album entitled Soul Eyes. [7] In 2016, the song became the title track of Kandace Springs' debut album. [8]