"Little Wing" (Jimi Hendrix)

Of all Jimi Hendrix's compositions, "Little Wing" from Axis: Bold as Love (1967) always affected me most.  This is going to sound cheesy, but there's something inherently Native American about the song that speaks to my own Cherokee heritage.  In my mind, Little Wing is the benevolent, pure spirit of an Indian princess who splits her time between the physical world and the afterlife--a guardian angel of sorts. 
Or at least that's what I like to think.
All of the elements come together on this track perfectly.  For one, it's a perfect example of Hendrix's uncanny ability to play both rhythm and lead guitar at the same time.  Just listen to the verses: he's hitting the downbeat and then improvising around the melody, all without overdubs.  (Nevertheless, the overdubs on the chorus are gorgeous as they warble and ripple through the rotating Leslie speaker.)
It's also one of Hendrix's most soulful and nuanced vocals.  It's like he's channeling Ron Isley--which actually might not be far fetched, considering Hendrix toured with the Isley Brothers early in his career.
Also, I never really cared for Mitch Mitchell's drumming on almost every other Jimi Hendrix Experience song.  It always was too damn busy--too many fills, not enough groove.  Although, I like what he does here.  He keeps things subtle and uses his fills sparingly.  Also his work on the glockenspiel is solid.
Last but not least, Noel Redding does his thing on bass.  It's nothing groundbreaking, but it's not distracting either.  Just like his contributions to every other JHE song.
Anyway, whatever or whomever Little Wing represents, it is such a positive, expressive (albeit brief) song.