Sony Music, Experience Hendrix LLC Release Another Essential Jimi Hendrix Experience Live Recording in ‘Los Angeles Forum April 26, 1969’

Courtesy: Sony Music, Experience Hendrix LLC

Some music acts out there are better on their studio recordings than their live shows.  For others, the exact opposite is the case.  And then there are still others that amazingly are just as good on their albums as on stage.  The Jimi Hendrix Experience is in the latter category. While the trio was only together for a short time ­– only a few years – the band’s records and concerts remain some of the greatest in the modern history of music.  The band’s brand new live recording, Los Angeles Forum April 26, 1969 is no exception to that rule.  Set for release Friday through Sony Music, Experience Hendrix, LLC, the 11-song concert is just as much an essential for any Hendrix fan’s collection as its most recent live predecessor, Live in Maui (2020).  That is due in large part to the featured set list and the trio’s performance thereof.  This will be discussed shortly.  The companion booklet that accompanies the recording building on the foundation formed by the concert and makes this recording even more enjoyable.  That is because of the liner notes therein.  This will be examined a little later.  The recording’s production puts the finishing touch to its presentation and brings everything full circle.  It will also be examined later.  Each item noted here is important in its own way to the whole of Los Angeles Forum April 26, 1969.  All things considered they make this recording easily one of the best new live CDs released so far this year.

Los Angeles Forum April 26, 1969, the latest archived Jimi Hendrix Experience live show to see the light of day, is yet another essential addition to the library of any Hendrix fan.  That is due in no small part to its featured set list and the trio’s performance thereof.  The concert’s set list spans 11 songs and 79 minutes (one hour, 19 minutes) and features a hand full of songs which audiences had come to know at that time (and that are still beloved to this day) while also including some lesser-performed songs, such as ‘Spanish Castle Magic,’ ‘I Don’t Live Today’ and ‘Tax Free,’ which opens the concert.  Yes, Hendrix and his fellow musicians – drummer Mitch Mitchell and bassist Noel Redding – played ‘Tax Free’ many times, but few of the group’s live recordings feature performances of the song.  To that end, it is correct to say that the song is lesser performed.  What’s more, the overall set list featured in this concert was, as noted in music journalist Randy Lewis in the recording’s second set of liner notes (this will be discussed a little later), an example of Hendrix being more concerned simply with a set list, not which songs from the trio were popular and charting at the time.  It really is an example that few bands today follow when they tour.  To that end, this set list is such a joy in its own right, giving audiences something familiar and lesser so.

Staying on the topic of the concert itself, the collective performance put on by Hendrix and company makes the show even more enjoyable.  That is because it proves to be so natural and “organic.”  Jimi seems to relaxed as he tries to get the audience at the famed forum to not rush the stage, actually noting at one point that the band couldn’t perform until the crowd settled down.  The trio’s performance of ‘Tax Free’ lasts more than 15 minutes (15 minutes, 34 seconds to be exact), with much of it being a jam session.  The band takes the same style approach through each song that follows, simply enjoying being in the moment and bringing the audience into the moment.  The result is a general effect between the songs and performances thereof that makes for so much engagement and entertainment for audiences.

The content featured in this recording is itself more than reason enough for audiences to own the concert.  It is just one part of what makes the recording so deserving of applause, too.  The companion booklet that accompanies the recording builds on the foundation formed by the concert and makes for even more enjoyment and engagement.  That is because it features not just one but two separate sets of liner notes.  The first set of liner notes was crafted by ZZ Top front man/bassist/founder Billy F. Gibbons and the second by Lewis.  As already noted, Lewis points out in his writing, that the concert featured in this recording was an example of Hendrix caring less about which of the band’s songs were performing well on the charts and simply being more in the moment and making the concert enjoyable for everyone.  The jam sessions that grow out of each song make that completely clear.  Lewis also points out in his notes, The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s performance at the Forum was important because prior to its presentation the only rock acts that had preceded the group’s came from Deep Purple, Cream, and The Doors.  Prior to those concerts (and that of The Jimi Hendrix Experience), the Forum’s concerts were much more in another direction in terms of genre.  Audiences will be left to find out more about that topic for themselves when they buy this recording. 

Gibbons’ liner notes meanwhile offer their own engagement and entertainment.  Gibbons reminisces at one point in his comments, about having actually been there at the Forum for the band’s show.  He writes in his liner notes that Hendrix actually came back stage after the concert and asked Gibbons what he thought of the show.  Gibbons’ response in his recollection is humble and in its simplicity, shows the respect that even someone of Gibbons’ status had and has even today for Hendrix as a person and musician.  Gibbons also points out his amazement at and respect for Hendrix’s talents on the guitar, writing, “What unfolded thereafter was firsthand evidence of how Jimmy Hendrix had figured out how to do things on a Fender Stratocaster that had obviously never been imagined by its designers.”  That is a strong statement of pure respect from one now famous musician to one who remains among the most influential in the music community in whole.  It is just one more of so many insights shared by Gibbons that make his comments just as entertaining and engaging as those crafted by Lewis.  Gibbons even shares a brief anecdote about Hendrix requiring a record player in any hotel room where he stayed.  That is one more story that audiences will be left to enjoy for themselves when they buy this recording and even more example of the importance of the recording’s liner notes.  When the comments shared by Gibbons and Lewis are considered collectively, they make the overall liner notes even more reason for Hendrix fans to own this recording.

The production that went into this concert recording rounds out its most important elements.  That is because it surprisingly immerses audiences in the experience, making listeners really feel like they are right there.  The production isn’t some spit-shined presentation.  It is raw and organic.  Audiences can hear the audience noise “in the distance” while the band’s performance sounds so natural.  There is a certain richness and warmth to the sound quality in its approach.  It is a tribute to those who were charged with bringing the master tapes back to life for this presentation.  The result of the overall audio production is a positive general effect here, too.  Keeping that in mind, the effect of the production pairs with the effect of the band’s performance and the set list itself to make the whole a complete presentation that every Jimi Hendrix fan and rock fan will find enjoyable.

Los Angeles Forum April 26, 1969, the brand new live recording from The Jimi Hendrix Experience, is another thoroughly enjoyable presentation from the band, even with the band no longer being around.  It is a presentation that will appeal to a wide range of audiences.  That is due in no small part to its featured set list and the band’s performance thereof.  The set list features plenty of familiar songs and some that are less common place on live Jimi Hendrix Experience recordings that have already been released.  The band’s performance of said set list feels so natural that it makes for its own enjoyment.  The liner notes featured in the recording’s companion booklet make for even more entertainment and engagement.  That is because of the background that they offer from both Gibbons and Lewis.  The recording’s production creates a sound quality that is organic and natural in its own right that makes for its own immersion in the experience.  Each item examined is important in its own right to the whole of this recording.  All things considered they make Los Angeles Forum April 26, 1969 one more of the best of this year’s new live CDs if not the best so far.

Los Angeles Forum April 26, 1969 is scheduled for release Friday through Sony Music and Experience Hendrix, LLC. More information on Los Angeles Forum April 26, 1969 and other Jimi Hendrix releases is available online at:

Website: http://www.jimihendrix.com

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‘Live In Maui’ Is An Essential Experience For Any Jimi Hendrix Fan

Courtesy: Sony/Legacy Recordings/Experience Hendrix, LLC

Sony/Legacy Recordings and Experience Hendrix, LLC released another important chapter to the story of Jimi Hendrix’s life and career Friday.  The “chapter” came in the form of the new live recording/documentary Live in Maui.  The brand new release is a presentation that every Hendrix aficionados.  The liner notes that accompany the hybrid recording forms the package’s foundation and will be discussed shortly.  After having read through the extensive liner notes in the set’s companion booklet, audiences will then remain engaged and entertained by the set’s two live performances by Hendrix and company, as well as the fiasco that was the Rainbow Bridge documentary.  The two elements together make the presentation in whole, and unforgettable story on what would sadly become the last chapter of Hendrix’s life.  The three-disc set’s packaging rounds out its most important elements and will also be discussed later.  When it is considered along with the collection’s primary and secondary content, the whole becomes a must have for any Jimi Hendrix fan.

On July 30, 1970, legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix and his fellow musicians Mitch Mitchell and Billy Cox played what would be one of the group’s final performances together.  Only days after the intimate concert, Hendrix would die of a drug overdose.  Now thanks to Sony/Legacy Recordings and Experience Hendrix, LLC, audiences can experience the ill-fated concert any time they want on Blu-ray and CD in the form of Live in Maui.  Released Friday, the three-disc set is an important chapter in the story of Hendrix’s life and career in part because of the story behind the concert and the documentary that spawned the concert, Rainbow Bridge.  That story is told through liner notes featured in the recording’s companion booklet, which were crafted separately by journalists Jeff Slate and John McDermott.  Slate points out in his portion of the liner notes, a variety of interesting facts about the documentary that Hendrix was not initially on board for the documentary, which his manager Michael Jeffrey had bankrolled, in large part on Hendrix’s back.  It points out that in order to pay for the creation of Rainbow Bridge, Jeffrey had gotten a $1 million advance from Reprise Records – Hendrix’s label at the time – to pay for the creation of Rainbow Bridge, and that half of that amount was taken against potential future royalties from sales of the next album that Hendrix was working on at the time.  That is rather selfish of Jeffrey to have done that to Hendrix,  let alone trying to get Hendrix and his band mates on board for the documentary even though they already had a packed schedule.  This is just a part of what makes this set’s liner notes so important.  Slate’s revelation that few if any preparations were made for Hendrix and company ahead of their performance — a rickety stage, microphones that were unable to handle the sound impacts of high winds, and sound problems that are audible and visible in the final recording – shows how short-sighted Jeffrey was in his attempt at an art style production.  Viewers will note from Slate’s statements that the foam covering the mics was in fact from the band’s equipment cases, and was meant to muffle the sound of the strong winds that were blowing that day.  There are also issues with sound syncing throughout the performance, which Slate also addresses in his liner notes.  It reminds audiences that the production problems seen and heard in the concert are not the fault of anyone at Sony/Legacy Recordings and Experience Hendrix, LLC, but rather of those who were behind the creation of Rainbow Bridge and the associated two-set concert.

McDermott, in his notes, backs up Slate’s writing about the production problems that faced Hendrix and his band mates, but pointing out that the trio took the whole thing in stride, performing just as professionally as it would at any other concert.  Additionally, McDermott takes time to point out why the concert’s order was presented as was.  As a hint, that is also related to the production problems caused by those behind Rainbow Bridge’s creation and that of the concert.  Keeping in mind this, everything pointed out in Slate’s notes and even more not mentioned here, the liner notes featured with Live in Maui form a strong foundation for the recording’s presentation.  It is just one aspect of what make the recording so appealing.  The two sets that make up the recording’s featured concert build on that foundation, making for even more enjoyment and engagement.

The two sets that are featured in Live in Maui are important both for their content and their presentation.  As is noted in the recording’s liner notes, the set opens with what was then one of Hendrix’s newest songs, ‘Hey Baby (New Rising Sun).’  From there, the concert went into a series of fan favorites, such as ‘Hear My Train A-Comin’,’ ‘Foxey Lady’ and ‘Purple Haze’ before presenting another new song, ‘Spanish Castle Magic.’  That then new song is followed by another new tune, ‘Lover Man,’ which is itself followed by the first set’s closer, ‘Message to Love.’  In simple terms, Hendrix and company presented the audience with a well-balanced set featuring some familiar content and something new from beginning to end in this case.  The second set gives listeners a fair share of familiar songs, too, again, doing its own part to ensure audiences’ engagement and entertainment.  The two sets clearly entertained the audience who attended the event.  The intimate audience, who had originally taken part in the filming of Rainbow Bridge danced nonstop to the performance.

While the featured set lists do plenty to keep audiences engaged, it should also be noted that the editing used in the recording is impressive in its own right.  That is because, as noted in the liner notes, the whole concert was not recorded by cameras during the shoot for Rainbow Bridge.  There are plenty of points at which cameras apparently stopped rolling.  It is at those points at which the post production came into play.  That aspect was also discussed in the liner notes.  The painstaking efforts that were taken to assemble the concert’s audio in post paid off, as the transitions are seamless.  The result of those efforts is a full concert recording that even without full visual footage still proves so enjoyable.  To that end, the combination of the previously unreleased concert footage and audio proves just as enjoyable as the liner notes that accompany the concert and its associated documentary.  These two elements together just make up one part of what makes the recording so appealing.  The set’s packaging rounds out its most important elements.

The packaging used for Live in Maui is important to note through the placement of its three discs.  This set’s packaging is not the standard multi-disc presentation.  Rather than using a familiar gatefold style packaging for the 2CD/BD set, it opens more like a box, with the cover section opening downward, the another portion opening up, and the final two portions opening left and right.  The companion booklet is held in the middle of it all while the CDs and Blu-ray disc each sit in their own spot in the gatefolds.  It is an original packaging style to say the very least that also manages to protect each disc.  The only downside to the packaging style is that it can put undue stress on the package, leading to the potential of each “wing” tearing over time.  Even with that in mind, if a person is careful enough with the packaging, that wear should be minimal over time.  To that end, the packaging is more of an aesthetic element here, but is still important to note in its own right.  When it is considered along with the liner notes and the concert footage itself, the whole of the recording proves that much more engaging and entertaining.  All things considered, this rare live/documentary hybrid set proves to be a welcome addition to the library of any Jimi Hendrix fan.

Sony/Legacy Recordings and Experience Hendrix, LLC’s new Jimi Hendrix recording Live in Maui is an important chapter of Jimi Hendrix’s life and career that until now has been unreleased.  Now thanks to the companies, it is out there for fans to experience.  The liner notes that fill the companion booklet tell a rich story in this chapter.  They set the stage for the previously unreleased live recording featured in this set.  The packaging that is used to house the set’s two discs and one Blu-ray puts the finishing touch to the set with is aesthetic value.  And of course for those who want, the much maligned documentary Rainbow Bridge is also included on the Blu-ray.  Though knowing the story, it will make some not even want to watch the program.  Regardless, its inclusion in the set along with the concert footage and liner notes, makes the set in whole a must have for any Jimi Hendrix fan and any classic rock fan.  It is available now.

More information on Music, Money, Madness…Live in Maui and other Jimi Hendrix releases is available online at:

Website: http://www.jimihendrix.com

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Twitter: http://twitter.com/JimiHendrix

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Experience Hendrix, LLC And Legacy Recordings Partner To Release The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s 1970 Maui Concert

Courtesy: Experience Hendrix, LLC/Legacy Recordings

Experience Hendrix, LLC will release a new Jimi Hendrix documentary and companion live recording this fall.

Music, Money, Madness…Live in Maui is scheduled for release Nov. 20 through Legacy Recordings.  The documentary and its companion recording center on The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s 1970 performance in Maui, HI.  The band’s performance was part of the now infamous documentary film Rainbow Bridge, which was produced by the band’s then manager Michael Jeffrey.

The central plot of Rainbow Bridge was that of a “rainbow bridge” that connected the unenlightened and the enlightened worlds.  It was shot without professional actors, and featured footage of people taking part in activities, such as surfing, Tai-Chi and meditation.

The film remains controversial to this day for a variety of reasons.  Jeffrey spent $500,000 — given to him as an advance from Warner Brothers — on the documentary.  It is alleged that Hendrix’s involvement in the film was not a guarantee.  It is alleged that Jeffrey had to convince Hendrix to perform, as he allegedly did not initially agree to take part.

The performance put on by Hendrix and his band mates ended up totaling only 17 minutes.  None of the performance footage featured in the film is a complete song.  The recording set for release in November will be the first time that the group’s performance has been released in full.

The Jimi Hendrix Experiences’ performance as part of Rainbow Bridge‘s production would be Hendrix’s last recorded concert and his second to last American Concert.  His final American concert was a performance on  Aug. 1, 1970 at the H.I.C. Arena in Honolulu, HI.  Hendrix had already committed to the concert before being convinced by Jeffrey to take part in Rainbow Bridge.

Hendrix died a short time later on Sept. 18, 1970 when he went to Europe to tour there.

The documentary and recording will release on Blu-ray/2CD combo pack and separate 3LP gatefold vinyl.

Pre-orders for Music, Money, Madness…Live in Maui are open.  Audiences can view a trailer for the documentary here.  The band’s performance of ‘Voodoo Child (Slight Return)‘ held during its performance in Maui, is also streaming.

The track listing for the concert is noted below.

 

DISC ONE

FIRST SHOW:

Chuck Wein Introduction

Hey Baby (New Rising Sun)

In From The Storm

Foxey Lady

Hear My Train A-Comin’

Voodoo Child (Slight Return)

Fire

Purple Haze

Spanish Castle Magic

Lover Man

Message to Love

DISC TWO

SECOND SHOW:

Dolly Dagger

Villanova Junction

Ezy Ryder

Red House

Freedom

Jam Back at the House

Straight Ahead

Hey Baby (New Rising Sun)/Midnight Lightning

Stone Free

 

More information on Music, Money, Madness…Live in Maui and other Jimi Hendrix releases is available online at:

 

Website: http://www.jimihendrix.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JimiHendrix

Twitter: http://twitter.com/JimiHendrix

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

 

‘Electric Ladyland’ Re-Issue Is A Fitting Tribute To A Legendary Musician

Courtesy: Experience Hendrix LLC/Legacy Recordings

Jimi Hendrix, over the course of his professional career, released a grand total of only three full-length studio recordings – Are You Experienced, Axis: Bold As Love and Electric Ladyland.  By today’s standards, releasing three albums is not that much of an accomplishment for any music act, yet somehow, Hendrix has remained one of the single most influential figures in the music industry to this date.  That is, again, despite having only released three full-length studio recordings.  It is an interesting concept.  He is considered so influential because of the creativity exhibited in the songs that he composed, both musically and lyrically.  That third noted album is one of the most powerful exhibitions of Hendrix’s creative range and his talent, and early this month, the music industry celebrated the 50^th anniversary of its original release, with a special re-issue of that record.  Electric Ladyland: 50^th Anniversary Deluxe Edition was released Nov.  9 via Sony Legacy and Experience Hendrix, LLC.  The four-disc collection is a wonderful new presentation of the landmark album.  That is due in no small part to its overall primary content, which will be discussed shortly.  The book in which that content is contained is just as important to the set’s presentation as the primary content.  It will be discussed a little later.  The set’s average price point rounds out its most important elements, and will also be discussed later.  Each item is important in its own right to the whole of Electric Ladyland: 50^th Anniversary Edition.  All things considered, they make this new deep dive into Hendrix’s groundbreaking final album one of the year’s top new album re-issues, if not the year’s best.

Sony Legacy and Experience Hendrix LLC’s recently released 50^th anniversary edition of Jimi Hendrix’s 1968 album Electric Ladyland is one of this year’s best new album re-issues, if not the single best in that category.  That is proven in part through the primary content included in the new “box set” of sorts.  The primary content features not only the original Electric Ladyland album on a single disc, but also a full disc of demos that Hendrix recorded during the Electric Ladyland sessions, a full recording of Hendrix and his band mates at the time – Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell – performing live at the Hollywood Bowl and a Blu-ray documentary that focuses on the creation of Electric Ladyland.  In other words, the primary content is spread across three CDs and one Blu-ray disc.  The documentary, At Last…The Beginning, originally aired in 1997 as part of the Classic Albums TV series, so its presentation here is not the first time that it has ever been available in any format.  As a matter of fact, Experience Hendrix, LLC last released the rock doc on DVD in 2008.  It features interviews with Buddy Miles, Mitch Mitchell, Noel Redding, Eddie Kramer and others involved in Electric Ladyland’s creation that offer plenty of insight and entertainment.  The entertainment includes anecdotes from Miles about his enjoyment of playing shuffles against Hendrix’s guitar riffs, one session keyboardist’s laughing story of having never been paid for his session work with Hendrix, and Redding’s own discussions about Hendrix’s creativity with each song.  The more insightful discussions feature talks on the eventual breakdown in the band over the course of the album’s recording, – including Hendrix allegedly coming in hours late for a recording session – the album’s various arrangements and how they came to be, and Hendrix’s own role in the album’s creation.  Overall, the documentary is something of an audio-visual presentation of the history presented in the set’s companion liner notes.  It even features many of the pictures that are featured in the set’s book.  To that end, it makes the documentary that much more important in its own right, as part of the set’s primary content.  Of course, the doc is only one part of what makes the set’s primary content so important.  The set’s live recording adds even more enjoyment to the set’s whole.

The live recording, Live at the Hollywood Bowl presents Hendrix and his fellow musicians performing live at the noted venue on September 14, 1968, only a month before Electric Ladyland’s initial release.  Interestingly enough, while the performance was recorded only weeks ahead of the album’s release, the concert pulled heavily from The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s debut 1967 album Are You Experienced.  Save for ‘Little Wing,’ which was included in 1968’s Axis: Bold As Love and ‘Voodoo Child (Slight Return),’ which is included in Electric Ladyland, the rest of the 11-song performance’s set list comes from Are You Experienced.  This is important to note as one would have thought the being so close to Electric Ladyland’s release, the group would have focused more attention on that album, yet for whatever reason, chose not to go that route.  That is not a bad thing, but rather just noted.  The band’s performance of the set list makes for its own enjoyment, as the whole thing feels so organic.  Even as Hendrix notes near the performance’s end the concerns about the powers that be wanting to turn off the power, he and his band mates never show any sense of stress or concern.  It is just one of so many moments that shows that organic feel.  Between the group’s casual nature as it preps for each song, its interactions with the audience between the songs and the very performance of the songs, the whole thing feels so natural.  This is all so important to note in that performances from so many of today’s big name acts do not have that organic feel, as much as acts – regardless of genre – try to make their performances feel.  Keeping this in mind, the fully organic, natural feel of the band’s performance here makes the recording so enjoyable.

On another level, the live recording is important to discuss because of its audio mix.  Listeners will note in taking in the recording that it sounds just as organic as it feels.  The scratchy, static-filled sound from the concert’s original recording is on full display here.  It adds so much pleasure to the concert experience.  In an age in which everything is digital, this sound shows that it is fully possible to transfer classic recordings to CD without any loss in the process.  It proves that as much as consumers today want to move toward all things digital, there is still very much a place for physical media, and a justified place for it at that.  When this is considered along with the positives of the performance – and the fact that this recording apparently has previously been unreleased —  it becomes clear why Live at the Hollywood Bowl is an important addition to Electric Ladyland: 50^th Anniversary Deluxe Edition’s whole.  It still is not the last important addition to the set’s presentation.  The audio companion to At Last: The Beginning is yet another important part of the set’s primary content to discuss.

The 20-song collection gives audiences a glimpse into the creative process for the Electric Ladyland sessions, and into Hendrix’s own mindset as he composed the album’s songs.  Early on in the collection, audiences get an interesting variance in the ‘Angel’ demo.  The demo for this song was played either on bass or in a rather low key on guitar.  By comparison, the final album cut features more depth with its added effects and bluesy riffs.  While maybe not a stark difference, it is still a notable difference.  Hendrix’s demo of ‘Hear My Train ‘A Comin’’ is another interesting moment from At Last…The Beginning.  While it sounds dramatically different from the final cut – and is very short here at just shy of 90 seconds – the pure approach here with just Jimi and his guitar conjures thoughts of Robert Johnson and Mississippi John Hurt just to name a couple equally well-known blues names.  The emotion in Hendrix’s voice in the demo for ‘My Friend’ is yet another example of what makes this collection of demos and rarities such a welcome addition to the Electric Ladyland: 50^th Anniversary Deluxe Edition.  It is hardly the last example of the compilation’s importance, too.  Between this demo, the others noted here and the rest of the collection’s featured works, the whole of the disc is sure to offer its own share of entertainment for listeners.  That includes the most devoted audiences and the most novice fans.  When its importance is considered alongside the importance of the rest of the noted primary content, it becomes wholly clear and without doubt that the extensive amount and type of material that makes up the set’s primary content makes for more than enough for audiences to appreciate here.  Of course as important and impressive as the set’s primary content is to the set’s whole is, that content is not the only content worth noting.  The secondary content is just as important to examine as the set’s primary content.

The secondary content presented in Electric Ladyland: 50^th Anniversary Deluxe Edition is composed mainly of the photos and liner notes inside the set’s “book.”  The liner notes and pictures take audiences even deeper into the set than the musical content.  A prime example of that depth is the revelation that the cover art proposed by Hendrix’s label at the time – Reprise Records – featured a bevy of completely nude females.  That cover, by the way, is featured in a picture in the book, so it is not proper for young eyes, as a warning for audiences.  The liner notes reveal that Hendrix was none too pleased with that proposal, especially after having proposed a far more tame cover, which is in fact presented in this release.  Another interesting revelation produed through the liner notes is that Hendrix did not want to take control of the album’s recording sessions, but ended up largely taking control, albeit very reluctantly.  Yet another intriguing revelation made through the set’s liner notes is that Hendrix was apparently a very devout fan of Bob Dylan, and that Dylan in fact appreciated Hendrix’s take of Dylan’s ‘All Along The Watchtower’ so much that he actually went on to use that version in so many of his own live shows.  That is a true sign of respect between two legendary musicians.

As if the revelations produced in the primary liner notes are not enough for audiences, there are also liner notes for many of the demos featured in the audio-only presentation of At Last…The Beginning.  Audiences learn through those notes that Hendrix was forced to take the lead in the sessions for ‘Little Miss Strange’ due to scheduling conflicts with producer Chas Chandler.  That revelation leads to even more interesting related discussions.  The notes on ‘Long Hot Summer Night (Take 14)’ provide their own interest as there is a discussion on the connection between Hendrix and cosmetics giant Revlon.  Audiences will be left here to find out more about that connection for themselves.  When that interesting story is considered along with the other equally interesting information shared in the liner notes (both those discussed and not discussed here), the whole of that information creates even more content for audiences to appreciate.  When it is collectively considered alongside the primary content already discussed here, the whole of that is more than enough reason for audiences to appreciate in this set.  Considering all of this, the set’s average price point proves to be money well-spent.

The average price point for Electric Ladyland: 50^th Anniversary Deluxe Edition comes to $52.50, using prices listed at Amazon, Walmart, Target, Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million.  The release is listed at Best Buy, however, its listing does not list specifically if the item listed is the CD Deluxe Edition or the vinyl deluxe edition.  The set’s mode price (most commonly listed price) is $49.19, which is the price listed at Amazon, Target and Walmart.  Keeping both of those prices in mind, both are relatively affordable considering the amount of content presented throughout the set.  Even when shipping and handling are included into the costs, audiences will agree that neither price is overly expensive.  When one takes this into consideration along with the noted content, the whole of this set proves a welcome addition to any Hendrix fan’s library.  As noted earlier, when one considers all of the elements together, they prove Electric Ladyland: 50^th Anniversary Deluxe Edition one of the year’s top new music re-issues, if not the year’s best so far.

Sony Legacy’s recently released Jimi Hendrix recording Electric Ladyland: 50^th Anniversary Deluxe Edition is a welcome addition to any Hendrix fan’s library.  That is due in no small part to the set’s extensive primary content, which includes the original pressing of the groundbreaking record, a full collection of the album’s demos and outtakes, a previously released documentary focusing on the album’s creation and a full live performance from 1968 at the Hollywood Bowl.  The secondary content presented inside the set’s companion “book” adds eve more entertainment and insight for audiences to appreciate.  When all of the noted content is considered along with the set’s average (and mode) price, the whole presentation proves to be money well-spent.  Keeping everything in mind, the re-issue in whole proves to be not only a welcome addition to any Hendrix fan’s library, but also one of the year’s top new music re-issues, if not its bet so far.  Electric Ladyland: 50^th Anniversary Deluxe Edition is available now.  More information on this and other Jimi Hendrix releases is available online now at:

 

 

 

Website: http://www.jimihendrix.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JimiHendrix

Twitter: http://twitter.com/JimiHendrix

 

 

 

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Hendrix’s Final Album To Be Re-issued This Fall

Courtesy: Experience Hendrix LLC/Legacy Recordings

Legacy Records and Experience Hendrix, LLC will re-issue another of Jimi Hendrix’s classic records this fall.

Electric Ladyland Deluxe Edition 50th Anniversary Box Set is currently scheduled to be released Nov. 9.  The forthcoming re-issue will be released on separate 3CD/1 Blu-ray and 6 LP/1 Blu-ray sets.

Both platforms will feature the original double album in a new 5.1 surround sound mix by Eddy Kramer — the first time any of Hendrix’s records have received such treatment.  They will also feature an expanded documentary following the making of Electric Ladyland, 24 bit/96 kz high resolution stereo audio, previously unreleased takes of songs recorded during the album’s recording sessions, a previously unreleased live album and new companion book featuring handwritten lyrics and previously unreleased photos.

The previously unreleased live album, Jimi Hendrix: Live at the Hollywood Bowl 9/14/68, was pulled from Experience Hendrix’s Dagger Records official bootlegs series.

Originally released October 16, 1968, Electric Ladyland is considered one of Jimi Hendrix’s most important albums.  That is because the album is considered to present Hendrix at his most focused and cohesive point.  The album, which features such hits as ‘All Along The Watchtower,’ ‘Crosstown Traffic,’ ‘Burning of the Midnight Lamp’ and ‘Voodoo Child (Slight Return),’ is the only of Hendrix’s studio recordings to ever reach the top spot on Billboard’s charts.  It was also his final album before his untimely death in 1970.

The bonus compilation Electric Ladyland: The Early Takes features song ideas that Hendrix himself recorded on a reel-to-reel tape machine in early 1968.  It also features songs recorded at Sound Center and The Record Plant in New York.  Some of the early takes featured in this collection are ‘Angel Caterina,’ ‘Little Miss Strange,’ which features guest appearances from Buddy Miles and Stephen Stills, and ‘Long Hot Summer,’ which features a guest appearance by Al Kooper on piano.

At Last…The Beginning: The Making of Electric Ladyland chronicles the album’s creation through interviews with those close to Hendrix including Kramer, Miles, Jimmy Hendrix bassist Noel Redding and band mate, drummer Mitch Mitchell among others.  Kramer discusses the techniques that Hendrix, Redding and Mitchell used to create the album during his interviews.

The companion 48-page booklet features essays by music critic David Fricke and producer John McDermott.  It also features previously unreleased photos taken by Kramer during the album’s creation and directions from Hendrix to executives at Warner Brothers Records taken from his own personal notebook accompanied by internal memos from the label.

The full track listing for the upcoming release of Electric Ladyland Deluxe Edition 50th Anniversary Box Set is noted below.  Pre-orders are open now, and a trailer for the box set is streaming online here.

Electric Ladyland Deluxe Edition includes:

Electric Ladyland – original album remixed by Eddie Kramer in 5.1 Surround Sound 

Side A

1)   … And the Gods Made Love

2)   Have You Ever Been (To Electric Ladyland)

3)   Crosstown Traffic

4)   Voodoo Chile

Side B

1)   Little Miss Strange

2)   Long Hot Summer Night

3)   Come On (Part I)

4)   Gypsy Eyes

5)   Burning of the Midnight Lamp

Side C

1)   Rainy Day, Dream Away

2)   1983….(A Merman I Should Turn To Be)

3)   Moon, Turn the Tides….Gently Gently Away

Side D

1)   Still Raining, Still Dreaming

2)   House Burning Down

3)   All Along the Watchtower

4)   Voodoo Child (Slight Return)

 

 At Last…The Beginning: The Making of Electric Ladyland: The Early Takes

Side A

1)   1983…(A Merman I Should Turn To Be)

2)   Voodoo Chile

3)   Cherokee Mist

4)   Hear My Train A Comin’

Side B

1)   Angel

2)   Gypsy Eyes

3)   Somewhere

4)   Long Hot Summer Night [Demo 1]

5)   Long Hot Summer Night [Demo 3]

6)   Long Hot Summer Night [Demo 4]

7)   Snowballs At My Window

8)   My Friend

Side C

1)   At Last…The Beginning

2)   Angel Caterina (1983)

3)   Little Miss Strange

4)   Long Hot Summer Night [Take 1]

5)   Long Hot Summer Night [Take 14]

Side D

1)   Rainy Day, Dream Away

2)   Rainy Day Shuffle

3)   1983…(A Merman I Should Turn To Be)

Jimi Hendrix Experience: Live At The Hollywood Bowl Sept. 14, 1968 (Dagger Records) 

Side A

 1)   Introduction

 2)   Are You Experienced

3)   Voodoo Child (Slight Return)

Side B

 1)   Red House

 2)   Foxey Lady

3)   Fire

Side C

 1)   Hey Joe

 2)   Sunshine of Your Love

3)   I Won’t Live Today

Side D

1)   Little Wing

2)   Star Spangled Banner

3)   Purple Haze

At Last… The Beginning: The Making of Electric Ladyland documentary (Blu-ray)

·       Uncompressed LPCM Stereo 24b/96k

·       Uncompressed LPCM 5.1 Surround 24b/96k

·       DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Surround 24b/96k

More information on the box set is available online along with all of the latest Jimi Hendrix news at:

 

Website: http://www.jimihendrix.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JimiHendrix

Twitter: http://twitter.com/JimiHendrix

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

 

 

‘Both Sides Of The Sky’ Reaches For, Reaches The Sky In Its Debut

Photo Credit: Mike Berkofsky

There’s good news for Jimi Hendrix’s new album.

Both Sides of the Sky, the latest collection of songs from the legendary guitarist, debuted at #8 on the Billboard 200.  This figure comes after the album’s first week sales were announced early this week.  The album was released March 9 in stores and online, with March 16 marking its first full week of availability.

Along with its Top 10 debut on Billboard’s Top 200 chart, the album also charted at #3 on Billboard’s Top Current Albums and Top Rock Albums chart.  It has also proven a success overseas, with Top 10 debuts in the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium and Austria.

These collective figures make Both Sides of the Sky the third consecutive Hendrix collection to debut in Billboard’s Top 10.  The 13-song record features guest appearances from Johnny Winter, Stephen Stills and Lonnie Youngblood. It was co-produced by Hendrix’s longtime producer, Eddie Kramer, Hendrix’s sister and Experience Hendrix, LLC head Janie Hendrix, and John McDermott, with liner notes penned by McDermott.

Both Sides of the Sky is available now.  It can be ordered online now here.  Its track listing is noted below.

Both Sides of the Sky tracklist:

1)    Mannish Boy*

2)    Lover Man*

3)    Hear My Train A Comin’*

4)    Stepping Stone*

5)    $20 Fine*+

6)    Power Of Soul^

7)    Jungle*

8)    Things I Used to Do#

9)    Georgia Blues++

10)  Sweet Angel*

11)  Woodstock*+

12)  Send My Love To Linda*

13)  Cherokee Mist*

 *Previously unreleased

^ Previously unavailable extended version

+Featuring Stephen Stills

#Featuring Johnny Winter

++Featuring Lonnie Youngblood

Produced by Janie Hendrix, Eddie Kramer and John McDermott for Experience Hendrix, L.L.C.

More information on Both Sides of the Sky is available online now along with all of Hendrix’s latest news and more at:

 

Website: http://jimihendrix.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JimiHendrix

Twitter: http://twitter.com/Jimihendrix

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

‘Both Sides Of The Sky’ Available Now; Performance & More Planned For Celebration

Photo Credit: Mike Berkofsky

The wait is officially over for the latest Jimi Hendrix compilation.

Both Sides of the Sky hit stores and online outlets today.  The 13-song record, co-produced by Hendrix’s lontime producer and friend Eddie Kramer, Hendrix’s sister Janie and fellow friend John McDermott, is available on CD, 2LP vinyl and digital platforms.  In celebration of the record’s release, an all-star cast of musicians — Billy Cox (whose work can be heard throughout the compilation), Buddy Guy, Nato Nanji, Tim Austin and The Slide Brothers — will perform live on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! next Tuesday, March 13.

Fashion designer John Varvatos is also joining the celebration.  He has created a new t-shirt featuring exclusive artwork.  the shirt is available exclusively via Varvatos stores, online and via retail partner Bloomingdales.  As an added bonus, the album’s 2LP vinyl pressings are also being sold in select John Varvatos locations.

The record’s track listing is noted below.

Both Sides of the Sky tracklist:

1)    Mannish Boy*

2)    Lover Man*

3)    Hear My Train A Comin’*

4)    Stepping Stone*

5)    $20 Fine*+

6)    Power Of Soul^

7)    Jungle*

8)    Things I Used to Do#

9)    Georgia Blues++

10)  Sweet Angel*

11)  Woodstock*+

12)  Send My Love To Linda*

13)  Cherokee Mist*

 *Previously unreleased

^ Previously unavailable extended version

+Featuring Stephen Stills

#Featuring Johnny Winter

++Featuring Lonnie Youngblood

Produced by Janie Hendrix, Eddie Kramer and John McDermott for Experience Hendrix, L.L.C.

More information on Both Sides of the Sky is available online now along with all of the latest Hendrix news at:

 

Website: http://www.jimihendrix.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JimiHendrix

Twitter: http://twitter.com/JimiHendrix

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

 

 

‘Both Sides Of The Sky’ Is Another Fitting Tribute To The Legacy Of Jimi Hendrix

Photo Credit: Mike Berkofsky

The wait for the next new Jimi Hendrix album is almost over. This Friday, March 9, Both Sides of the Sky will finally be available in stores and online. This 13-song, 66-minute collection of previously unreleased compositions, it goes without saying, was one that was well worth the wait, and a fitting finale to the trilogy of albums started eight years ago with 2010’s Valleys of Neptune. It is a record that will easily appeal to Hendrix’s longtime fans while also serving as yet another solid introduction to him and his body of work for those less familiar with said music. That is due in no small part to the songs that make up the record’s body. They will be discussed shortly. The companion booklet that comes with the album’s physical copy also plays an important part in making the album so impressive. It will be discussed later. The album’s production and sequencing collectively round out its most important elements. Each element is important in its own way, as will be pointed out through this review. All things considered, they make it a must have for Hendrix fans of all ages and one of this year’s best new overall albums.

Both Sides of the Sky, the latest Jimi Hendrix compilation record from Experience Hendrix, LLC and Legacy Recordings, is one of this year’s top new overall albums and a must have for Hendrix fans of all ages, hands down. That statement is proven in part through the songs that make up the body of this new compilation. As has been noted already so many times, the songs featured in this record were crafted at the height of Hendrix’s career. Given, not all of the songs featured here are his — the record’s opener is a Muddy Waters cover and ‘The Things I Used To Do’ pays homage to blues legend Guitar Slim. It also features Johnny Winter alongside Hendrix. There is even a take of Joni Mitchell’s hit single ‘Woodstock’ featuring none other than Stephen Stills (of CSNY fame) alongside Hendrix and company — but each of the songs still stands firmly on its own merits. One of the best of the featured songs is the extended take ‘Hear My Train A’ Comin’.’ This bluesy, down-tempo, fuzz-filled composition expertly puts on display Hendrix’s rock chops right alongside his blues talents alongside those of drummer Mitch Mitchell, who just as expertly keeps the song moving forward even with all of his fills, and bassist Noel Redding (the other 2/3 of the original Jimi Hendrix Experience). The overall impact of the trio’s combined talents serves to — as is noted in the album’s liner notes (which again will be discussed later) — push “blues far beyond any parameters its founders had ever imagined.”

‘$20 Fine’ is another of the featured songs that serves to show why the music in this record is so important to its presentation. This laid back arrangement, complete with organ and vocals from Stephen Stills is completely unlike anything else that Hendrix had recorded in his career. That’s because it wasn’t the standard blues-based rock arrangement or even straight up blues arrangement for which he had become known. Rather, it was more along the lines of works from CSNY, The Doobie Brothers and others of that ilk. What’s really impressive here is that even being such a departure for Hendrix, he still pulls off his line with full expertise. When the fuzz of his guitar line couples with Stills’ vocals, the organ and the song’s other elements, the end result is one of the album’s most standout moments.

In the same vein as ‘$20 Fine,’ ‘Woodstock’ is another departure for Hendrix in this collection. Unlike that composition, the organ takes center stage this time, laying the foundation for the arrangement. Buddy Miles’ work on the kit solidly builds on that foundation while Stills’ vocal delivery puts the finishing touch to its presentation. Even more impressive is that while it is more of a roots rock-based arrangement — again like ‘$20 Fine’ — it doesn’t just re-has that song’s arrangement. Instead it boasts its own arrangement that is just as enjoyable as that of the prior song and even the rest of the album’s entries. What’s really interesting here is that considering the time at which this song was crafted, its arrangement leaves one wondering if maybe Hendrix didn’t play at least some influence in the development of Deep Purple’s sound. Yes, this critic just aligned Jimi Hendrix with Deep Purple. Those familiar with their music history will hear the comparison, too. Odds are there likely isnt’ a connection, but one can’t deny the similarity between the latter’s work to the prior, regardless. That in itself shows even more the importance of this song to this record’s whole. When it is joined with the rest of the songs not noted here, the end result there is proof positive of why the album’s songs are key to the album’s presentation. They are not the album’s only collectively important element. The record’s companion booklet is just as important to its whole as its songs.

The companion booklet that comes with Both Sides of the Sky is critical to its overall presentation in that it provides audiences with so much valuable and interesting back story on the songs in question first and foremost. Right off the top, audiences learn through the booklet’s provided information that the recording of ‘Mannish Boy’ marked the very first recording session for the group that would eventually go on to be called Band of Gypsys. Each song’s personnel is listed in the back of the booklet — yet another positive to the booklet, proving again why the physical object is better than the digital — allowing listeners to learn that the group in question consisted of Hendrix, Billy Cox on bass and Buddy Miles on drums. Another interesting piece of information provided in the album’s companion booklet is the revelation that ‘Lover Man’ featured a tribute to the original 1966 Batman series. It’s a tribute that otherwise might not have even been realized, even with the riff, without this note. The liner notes also reveal that ‘Send My Love to Linda’ was never completed, so the version presented here is an edit of sorts that was done to “complete” it. What’s more listeners also learn in this discussion that just as with ‘Send My Love to Linda,’ much of Hendrix’s creative work was done in studio rather than outside. As if all of this is not enough, listeners are also treated to an in-depth back story on ‘Power of Soul’ that includes note of its creation starting with Hendrix hearing Cox playing a bass line from a song called ‘Mary Ann,’ which was made famous by Ray Charles. The take featured here, the notes state, was just one of a handful of takes recorded for the song. Audiences learn that the masters for an abridged take of the song were lost and have never been found. That shortened version, audiences learn, was included in the rare 1974 Hendrix record Crash Landing. This in-depth back story is just one more example of what makes this album’s companion booklet so critical to the album’s whole. When it is joined with the rest of the stories presented in the booklet, including the revelation that until now ‘Georgia Blues’ — which was part of the soundtrack to PBS’ documentary Martin Scorsese Presents The Blues — has never been commercially available, the whole of the stories makes the booklet its own entertaining presentation. When it is coupled with the songs, that pairing shows even more clearly why this record is so impressive. Even with that in mind, there is still at least one more element to discuss that makes the album so enjoyable. That element is the record’s collective production and sequencing.

The collective production and sequencing presented throughout Both Sides of the Sky are pivotal to its presentation because without the time, thought and effort put into these elements, the booklet and songs themselves would be worthless. Luckily, the team of John McDermott (who also crafted the booklet’s liner notes), Hendrix’s sister and not least of all Hendrix’s longtime producer Eddie Kramer, didn’t allow that to happen. It was thanks to their tireless efforts that each song was expertly re-mastered prior to being presented. Every riff, every word and every note is clearly represented in every single song. At no point does one part overpower the others. In other words, each song is expertly balanced, giving listeners the full experience. Staying on that note the effect of that time and effort is heightened even more through the record’s sequencing. Thanks to the time and thought put into the album’s sequencing, the energy that is exhibited through that expert production never wavers. That is the case even in the slower, full-on blues arrangements. Even as they are slower in tempo, the power in their arrangements still maintains the energy exhibited in the album’s other songs. Keeping this in mind, the whole of the album’s production and sequencing goes a long way in itself toward making this record enjoyable. When it is considered alongside the record’s songs and stories, the whole of those elements shows without doubt why Both Sides of the Sky is a must have for Hendrix fans and true music lovers alike and why it is unquestionably one of this year’s top new overall albums.

Experience Hendrix LLC and Legacy Recording’s latest Jimi Hendrix compilation Both Sides of the Sky is a wonderful must have for Hendrix fans and true music lovers alike. What’s more, it is one of this year’s top new overall albums. These statements are supported in part through the album’s featured songs. They give listeners something familiar and also something not so familiar, showing the reach of Hendrix’s talents. The stories provided by John McDermott — who co-produced the album with Hendrix’s longtime producer Eddie Kramer and Hendrix’s sister Janie — add even more interest and depth to the record. That is because they make the record’s companion booklet its own entertaining element. The collective production and sequencing used here put the finishing touch to the album’s presentation. Each element is important, as has been noted in this review. All things considered, they make Both Sides of the Sky another solid Hendrix offering from Experience Hendrix, LLC and Legacy Recordings, one that is, once more, one of this year’s top new overall albums. more information on Both Sides of the Sky is available online now along with all of the latest Hendrix news at:

Website: http://www.JimiHendrix.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JimiHendrix

Twitter: http://twitter.com/JimiHendrix

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

NPR Streaming ‘Both Sides Of The Sky’ In Whole

Photo Credit: Mike Berkofsky

Next Friday, March 9, Experience Hendrix, LLC and Legacy Recordings will release the next collection of previously unreleased Jimi Hendrix songs, Both Sides of the Sky in stores and online.  In anticipation of its release, National Public Radio is streaming the album in whole online now.

The 13-song album is streaming via NPR’s First Listen.  It is the finale of the companies’ current trilogy of what are considered some of Hendrix’s most significant, previously unissued work.  The trilogy’s other two albums are the previously released Valleys of Neptune (2010) and People, Hell and Angels (2013), both of which reached the top 5 of Billboard’s Top 100 chart.

The songs featured in Both Sides of the Sky were recorded between 1968 and 1970, and feature guest appearances by the likes of Stephen Stills, Johnny Winter and Lonnie Youngblood.  Jimi’s longtime producer Eddie Kramer co-produced the record alongside Jimi’s sister Janie and friend John McDermott.

Both Sides of the Sky‘s track listing is noted below. Pre-orders are open now.

Both Sides of the Sky tracklist:

1)    Mannish Boy*

2)    Lover Man*

3)    Hear My Train A Comin’*

4)    Stepping Stone*

5)    $20 Fine*+

6)    Power Of Soul^

7)    Jungle*

8)    Things I Used to Do#

9)    Georgia Blues++

10)  Sweet Angel*

11)  Woodstock*+

12)  Send My Love To Linda*

13)  Cherokee Mist*

*Previously unreleased

^ Previously unavailable extended version

+Featuring Stephen Stills

#Featuring Johnny Winter

++Featuring Lonnie Youngblood

Produced by Janie Hendrix, Eddie Kramer and John McDermott for Experience Hendrix, L.L.C.

More information on Both Sides of the Sky is available online now along with all of the latest Hendrix news at:

 

Website: http://www.jimihendrix.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JimiHendrix

Twitter: http://twitter.com/JimiHendrix

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Experience Hendrix LLC, Legacy Recordings Partner For Another New Hendrix Collection

Photo Credit: Mike Berkofsky

Mark your calendars, Jimi Hendrix fans. A new Hendrix album is coming in the new year.

Experience Hendrix, LLC and Legacy Recordings — the catalog division of Sony Music — will release a brand new collection of previously unreleased Jimi Hendrix songs in the new year titled Both Sides of the Sky. Currently set for release on Friday, March 9, the album completes a trilogy that started with Valleys of Neptune (2010) and continued with People, Hell and Angels (2013).

The new, forthcoming 13-song album includes 10 previously unreleasd Hendrix compilation. The songs overall were crafted between 1968 and 1970. The record will be available on CD, digital and limited, numbered 2 LP platform. It includes a preciously unreleased take on Muddy Waters’ classic hit ‘Mannish Boy’ as well as ‘$20 Fine,’ a piece that also featured work from Stephen Stills (Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young) and ‘Georgia Blues,’ which features Lonnie Youngblood — with whom Hendrix worked during his days with Curtis Knight & The Squires –along with 10 other equally interesting songs. The record’s full track listing is noted below.

Both Sides of the Sky tracklist:

1)    Mannish Boy*

2)    Lover Man*

3)    Hear My Train A Comin’*

4)    Stepping Stone*

5)    $20 Fine*+

6)    Power Of Soul^

7)    Jungle*

8)    Things I Used to Do#

9)    Georgia Blues++

10)  Sweet Angel*

11)  Woodstock*+

12)  Send My Love To Linda*

13)  Cherokee Mist*

*Previously unreleased

^ Previously unavailable extended version

+Featuring Stephen Stills

#Featuring Johnny Winter

++Featuring Lonnie Youngblood

Pre-orders are open now here.

Both Sides of the Sky is a significant release because it presents Hendrix’s abilities and talents with studio production and his increased use of that resource. Jimi’s sister Janie Hendrix — who is also Presdent and CEO of Experience Hendrix, LLC — produced this new album alongside John McDermott and Eddie Kramer. Kramer engineered every one of Hendrix’s albums during his life. The trio also has also teamed for every Hendrix audio and visual recording 1996 in order to maintain the high quality come to be expected in each release.

Janie Hendrix said in a recent interview that presenting only the best product possible has been the company’s goal from day one.

“We have a growing commitment to preserve the legacy of Jimi and also to cotninue to give the worldwide family of Jimi fans quality releases,” Hendrix said. “That’s what Both Sides of the Sky reflects…our growing commitment. In a deeper sense, it’s the keeping of a promise. Jimi and I once made a promise to each other. He said he would take care of me and I told him I would take care of him. Through his music and our preservation of his work, my brother and I honor one another. We are now in our third decade of watching over Jimi’s creative works and our resolve to maintain the integrity of what he left us has only grown stronger with time.”

Kramer echoed that sentiment.

“Jimi’s true home was the studio,” Kramer said. “That’s where the music and the magic happened. He loved everything about recording and it’s been my distinct pleasure and an honor to play a part in that process both then and now.”

More information on Both Sides of the Sky is available online now along with all of the latest Hendrix news at:

Website: http://www.jimihendrix.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JimiHendrix

Twitter: http://twitter.com/JimiHendrix

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.