Hendrix. That's it. I'm done.No seriously I don't need to say anything else do I? Well for the purposes of this blog I suppose I will continue to follow the rules.
This entry reviews the next pull of the shelf; 1997's South Saturn Delta, from the legendary Jimi Hendrix.
Now you may be asking yourself, 'Is this just another Hendrix re-release or compilation?', well yes and no. This album serves as a glimpse into what Jimi loved to do; experiment with sound. However I'm not referring to Jimi experimenting on stage. This release takes us into the studio for a rare look at the development and infancy of some of his best tracks. It's truly a treat in many regards to hear what these songs sounded like as opposed to the standard versions you hear on any classic rock radio station. This release was partially produced by Jimi's cousin Janie, so it gives a family-esque feel to the project.
As for my story, I remember purchasing this disc upon its release, but unfortunately it does not strike up many memories while listening to it. All I can focus on is how amazing Hendrix was not only in front of a live audience but also behind the sound board. Much like the Beatles, studio manipulation adds an element to music that just can't be replicated on stage; but then again, Jimi Hendrix sure as hell tried to.
Let's jump in shall we?
1. "Look Over Yonder"- originally recorded in '68, but not released until Rainbow Bridge in '71. This tune by the Jimi Hendrix Experience could have actually wound up on Axis: Bold as Love but was stashed aside for a revisit down the road. Several name changes it had, but a solid classic that more should know about. If you dig "Crosstown Traffic", you'll enjoy "Look Over Yonder".
2. "Little Wing"- If you don't know this song you've been living under a rock. This studio cutting room floor version is incredible. No lyrics. Just Jimi and Mitch Mitchell on drums. You can totally hear the room in this unreleased track. Wow. In this pure and faster tempo recording take, it's interesting to see the transformation that "Little Wing" went through in order to get to the lovely ballad that we've all come to admire as one of Jimi's best. This tune is often covered by other artists, including one of my all time favorites Stevie Ray Vaughn, but Jimi owns this tune.
Here's a cool video with the exact same version:
3. "Here He Comes (Lover Man)- After Electric Ladyland was recorded and done with, Jimi went back into the studio to lay down additional tracks. This unreleased tune and others including a cover of Van Morrison's "Gloria" never made their way onto disc. However Jimi kept this cookin' tune in heavy rotation throughout the rest of his career on stage.
4. "South Saturn Delta"- is unlike anything Jimi ever did. Many knew of his passion for the blues, but not many new of his love for jazz. This alternate take pieces jazz, rock, and blues into a fantastic gem; complete with horn section! How many times have you heard Jimi Hendrix backed by a horn section? During this period, he had hopes of collaborating with Al Brown, Gil Evans, and Miles Davis, but his death came before these projects took off. Too bad, this is hot stuff.
Check it out!
5. "Power of Soul"- straight following the Fillmore performance with the Band of Gypsys, the power trio of Hendrix, Buddy Miles, and Billy Cox went into the studio to put together the official release for Band of Gypsys, but instead of this studio version, they went with the live version. No harm or foul to me because the Gypsys were my favorite Hendrix outfit throughout his career. Sure the Jimi Hendrix Experience was great, but let's be honest, three brothers playing soul has its own funk element that you can't really copy.
6. "Message to the Universe" - recorded in '69 and performed at Woodstock, this tune saw Mitch Mitchell on drums come together with Billy Cox on bass, so a sort of pre-Gypsys feel. This was the first take of this song ever put down on tape. Pretty cool if you ask me.
7. "Tax Free"- an Experience performance that was not included on Electric Ladyland but still performed on tour in '69. An instrumental with heavy jazz drumming influences and slick guitar overdubs.
8. "All Along the Watchtower"- an alternate take of the version everyone knows. But what some may not know is that this track almost featured Rolling Stone's guitarist Brian Jones on piano. Jimi scrapped the piano and Jones moved onto to percussion, full of tambourines and shakers. Jimi also played bass on this cut cause he got in a fight with Noel Redding.
9. "The Stars that Play with Laughing Sam's Dice"- one of the first tracks Jimi used 8-track technology on. An Experience 'experiment' so to speak, with crunchy guitar licks.
10. "Midnight"- another instrumental jam recorded in '69 but not released until '72. The Experience had a handful of tune to put forth towards another release, but never got there.
11. "Sweet Angel (Angel)"- probably my favorite track on this release. After Axis: Bold as Love, Jimi went back to the studio, recorded the bass line on a drum machine and played along with that and a metronome tick to record this demo. He recorded it, and left it alone for 2 1/2 years before coming back to it and calling it "Angel". Another classic. Sweet
12. "Bleeding Heart"- a track recorded along side with "Isabella" that showed off more of what Billy Cox could do on a bass guitar.
13. "Pali Gap"- originally the "slow part" after "Dolly Dagger", this track has almost a Santana style flow to it. Hendrix never named the tune through, his manager did after Jimi died.
14. "Drifter's Escape"- honestly a Bob Dylan cover tune, that I don't care much for. Stands as another cover.
15. "Midnight Lightning"- solo Jimi on guitar. 1970. Blues finger picking. The beat is his foot tapping on the floor. Delta blues Jimi at his best. He died 6 months after this was recorded. Shame.
I'm so glad I could find this version to share:
Who knows what Jimi Hendrix would have accomplished after 1970. Can you imagine Jimi's influence had he'd been alive for the disco era? Or better yet, the 80's? It's hard to say, but I'm glad I have this release to turn back to. If you don't have it and you're looking for some "fresh" Hendrix, get it.
Jimi Hendrix
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