Jimi Hendrix - Both Sides of the Sky
Experience Hendrix
https://www.jimihendrix.com/experience-hendrix-llc/
Rating; B+
Experience Hendrix and Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment will release the album Both Sides of the Sky on March 9, 2018. The album is the third volume in a trilogy of albums. The albums present the most significant unissued studio recordings remaining in the Jimi’s archive. This one features 13 tunes, 10 of which have never before been released. The album will be released on multiple formats including CD, digital, and as a numbered 180 gram audiophile vinyl 2LP.
The album was originally recorded between 1968 and 1970. The album features several guest artists as well, which only adds to the excitement. A remake of CSN&Y’s “Woodstock” features Stephen Stills on vocals. This is a very surreal and historical rock moment. Stills is also featured on the bluesy “$20 Fine.” Johnny Winters makes an appearance as well on the song “Things I Used to Do” as well. The two men have a blast playing off of each other’s riffs and solos.
The Band of Gypsys, with Jimi on guitar and vocals, Billy Cox on bass, and Buddy Miles on drums are documented for their first time together in the studio on the guitar soaked version on the Muddy Waters classic “Mannish Boy.” From this opening song one quickly realizes the third installment of this trilogy is the best.
“Hear My Train A Comin’” features drummer Mitch Mitchell and bassist Noel Redding from the original Jimi Hendrix Experience. This was recorded in 1969 and, until now, has been unreleased. Joining that tune are unheard versions of Stepping Stone,” “Jungle,” “Cherokee Mist” and the amazing song “Sweet Angel.”
Most of the time when fans hear these ‘unreleased’ albums from artists long gone they roll their eyes and think, “Here we go again…there must have been a reason this was never released.” Not so on this one! This is a great album and Jimi would be proud to know his fans, nearly five decades down the line are now able to hear some of his bold sonic experiments. There are zero fillers on this sucker! It is a solid album that helps celebrate the legacy of the most beloved rock guitarist of all time.
Jimi’s sister Janie, the President and CEO of Experience Hendrix, L.L.C. commented, “We have a growing commitment to preserve the legacy of Jimi and also to continue to give the worldwide family of Jimi fans quality releases. That’s what Both Sides of The Sky reflects…our ongoing 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 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.”
Jimi’s favorite producer Eddie Kramer is, once again, onboard to provide the tender loving care that these albums deserve. Eddie remarked, “Jimi’s true home was the studio, 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.”
Pick this one up. It is good.
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
By Jeb "Watchtower" Wright
