Lifelines: The Jimi Hendrix Story

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Lifelines: The Jimi Hendrix Story is a 4 disc box set released in 1990 on Reprise Records. This is from disc one's liner notes -
LIFELINES
The Jimi Hendrix Story
I've been a Jimi Hendrix fanatic since 1967. A friend who lived in my neighborhood in Southern California's San Fernando Valley regularly received import albums from England. In one of those shipments was a copy of Are You Experienced?. He called me immediately to come have a listen. From that day on, I became a diehard collector of every Hendrix recording I could get my hands on. The concept for LIFELINES/The Jimi Hendrix Story began with a 1985 phone call from friend and producer Alan Douglas, asking me to help search through the many hours of multi-track recordings made during Jimi's career. The sheer scope of his music became more fascinating with each tape we rolled. By 1988, we had yet to find a home for the many musical gems discovered among those dusty old tapes. Around that time, the Westwood One radio network began airing a series called "The Lost Lennon Tapes"-with a format that allowed virtually every type of archival Lennon material to be played publicly. Impressed with the concept, I contacted the show's engineer, Dave Kephart. Together, we decided to develop a similar program showcasing Jimi's archives; thus, the radio show "Jimi Hendrix - Live & Unreleased" was conceived. The show aired three consecutive nights over the 1988 Labor Day weekend, and was a huge success. Since that time, interest in the program, and in Jimi's story, has continued to escalate. So with a few revisions - and a major musical surprise in the form of the legendary April 26, 1969 Los Angeles Forum concert by the Jimi Hendrix Experience - we present LIFELINES/ The Jimi Hendrix Story.
-BRUCE GARY

The tracklist is as follows -

Contents 1 Disc one 2 Disc two 3 Disc three 4 Disc four

[edit] Disc one

1. Introduction 9:55
2. Testify 4:25 - with the Isley Brothers
Recorded in New York in April 1964, during Jimi's tenure with the pioneering R&B group from Cincinnati. An alternate take was released as a single.
3. Lawdy Miss Clawdy 3:34 - with Little Richard
Recorded in Los Angeles in 1964, this was another one of the many sessions Hendrix performed on as a sideman in the early 1960s. Jimi's stint with Little Richard was brief, but obviously left an indelible effect on his onstage flamboyance.
4. I'm A Man 4:02 - with Curtis Knight and The Squires
Recorded live in Hackensack, New Jersey, in December 1965. One of the earliest examples of Hendrix singing in front of a band, this Bo Diddley classic demonstrates Jimi's blues and R&B roots-as well as how his guitar playing was already becoming quite stylized.
5. Like A Rolling Stone 6:01 - Live, previously unreleased
Recorded at the Unganos Club in Manhattan in 1969, this version of the Dylan favorite features Al Kooper on the Hammond organ. From 1967 to 1969 - whenever he wasn't playing his own concerts - it seems Jimi was constantly jamming, either in the studio or (as in this selection) in the clubs.
6. Red House 6:45 - live, previously unreleased
Here's a wonderful early live version of Jimi's blues masterpiece, recorded at the Olympia Theater in Paris on October 9, 1967. Studio versions were originally found on the British edition of Are You Experienced? (released in may 1967) and the American collection Smash Hits.
7. Hey Joe 5:26
Recorded on October 23, 1969 at London's Kingsway Studios, "Hey Joe" was the first single from the Jimi Hendrix Experience in both the U.K. and the U.S., and appeared on the American edition of their debut album Are You Experienced? (released in August 1967). It seemed every prominent band of the day recorded this Billy Roberts composition, but few will argue that Jimi's was the ultimate "experience".
8. Hoochie Koochie Man 3:34
Recorded on BBC Radio's "Alexis Korner Rhythm & Blues Show" on October 17, 1967, Hendrix's fiery version of this Chicago Blues standard gets a little help from host Korner on bottleneck guitar.
9. Purple Haze 4:40
Recorded February 3, 1967 at London's Olympic Studios. Released on March 18 as the follow-up single to "Hey Joe" in the U.K., and shortly afterward as the second reprise single in the U.S. When I first heard it, my mind was completely blown. It was as if all the soul music and rock & roll I'd ever heard had become this raging flood!
10. The Wind Cries Mary 5:16
Recorded in February 1967 (most likely at Kingsway Studios), this was released as the B-side of the "Purple Haze" single in the U.S. Although a Top Ten hit int the U.K., it appeared only on the American edition of Are You Experienced?
11. Foxey Lady 2:54 - previously unreleased
Recorded for the BBC on February 13, 1967. The studio version became the Experience's third U.S. single and appeared on Are You Experienced?. When this came out, the psychedelic overdrive of Jimi's guitar firmly established his unforgettable sound.

[edit] Disc two

1. Third Stone From The Sun 6:21
Recorded either in late 1966 or early 1967 at Kingsway Studios, this track was included on Are You Experienced?. This is certainly a classic example of Jimi's visionary mastery of recording techniques - not to mention a true guitar anthem.
2. Rock Me Baby 7:19 - Live at The Monterey Pop Festival
Recorded at the Jimi Hendrix Experience's celebrated American concert debut on June 18, 1967. From the album Jimi Plays Monterey. Jimi's rhythm guitar propels this reworking of B.B. King's trademark blues. It's interesting to note that Hendrix would later expand upon this arrangement for his own original song "Lover Man".
3. Look Over Yonder/Mister Bad Luck 3:43 - previously unreleased
A few years ago, I had the privilege of traveling to Seattle to meet Jimi's dad, Al Hendrix - for the purpose of examining master tapes he had in storage. In the process, I stumbled upon a reel-to-reel tape labeled "Mr. Bad Luck". When I got back to Los Angeles, what I heard was obviously an Are You Experienced? outtake of a song that eventually became "Look Over Yonder" - a number recorded shortly after the Electric Ladyland sessions, that wasn't to turn up officially until 1971's Rainbow Bridge soundtrack album.
4. Burning Of The Midnight Lamp 5:14
Recorded in New York in July 1967, this track appeared on Electric Ladyland and became the B-side of the "All Along The Watchtower" single in the U.S. This was the first record to showcase the "wah-wah" pedal effects that would become one of Jimi's signature guitar sounds. Backing vocals come courtesy of the Sweet Inspirations, Aretha Franklin's background singers at the time.
5. Spanish Castle Magic 2:58
Recorded in October 1967 at London's Olympic Studios this appeared on the Experience's second album, 1968's Axis: Bold as Love.
6. Bold As Love 5:17
Also recorded during the October 1967 Olympic Studios sessions for Axis: Bold as Love, this is another Hendrix anthem I'll never tire of. It certainly has one of the greatest guitar solos ever recorded.
7. One Rainy Wish 4:24 - previously unreleased alternate mix
Yet another gem from October's 1967 Olympic sessions. Engineer Eddie Kramer claims that the original mixes of Axis: Bold as Love were lost. I believe this selection is one of those missing mixes. To my ears, it sounds more realized - and includes an extended guitar ending not found on the released track.
8. Little Wing 2:37
One of the most beautiful and tender songs Jimi ever composed, this was also a product of the Experience's fruitful Olympic Studios stay in October 1967 - and was one of the many highlights of Axis: Bold As Love.
9. Drivin' South 5:24 - previously unreleased
Recorded in the BBC's London studios on October 17, 1967, this may well be the guitar showpiece of this collection. Jimi used to perform this in the early days with [[Curtis Knight], but he never released his own version.
10. The Things That I Used To Do 6:11 - previously unreleased
Recorded at The Record Plant in New York on May 15, 1969, this rendition of Guitar Slim's monstrous swamp blues features Johnny Winter guesting on slide guitar. The master tape box indicates that this sessions began at 7:45 a.m. and ended at 10 a.m. It was not unusual for Jimi to drag his late-night jamming buddies into the recording studio for a few more hours of playing.
11. All Along The Watchtower 5:50
Recorded at London's Olympic Studios on January 21, 1968, Jimi's electrifying interpretation of Bob Dylan's song became the Experience's fifth U.S. single, and was included on their third album, Electric Ladyland. The single rose to No. 20 on the Billboard charts - unbelievably, the group's only appearance on the American Top 40!
12. Drifter's Escape 4:51 - previously unreleased
Recorded at New York's Electric Ladyland Studios in May 1970, here's another fine example of Jimi covering a Bob Dylan song (this one from the same Dylan album that provided "All Along The Watchtower" - 1968's John Wesley Harding). This mix differs from the one found on the album Loose Ends.
13. Cherokee Mist 4:23 - previously unreleased
Recorded May 2, 1968 at The Record Plant in New York. Jimi recorded this piece twice during the Axis: Bold As Love sessions, and then again during the recording of the Electric Ladyland album (the source of this particular version). Jimi's grandmother was part Cherokee, and it's said this is an homage to his Indian ancestry.
14. Voodoo Child (Slight Return) 4:38 - previously unreleased
The original version appeared on 1968's Electric Ladyland album. This alternate take is take four of eight takes recorded at The Record Plant in New York on May 3, 1968. One of the true highlights of compiling this album was listening to complete tracking sessions of Jimi's master tapes. Of the eight takes of "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)", take four (this one) was the longest run-through before the selected master take (number eight).
15. 1983...(A Merman I Should Turn To Be) 4:37 - previously unreleased alternate mix
Recorded at The Record Plant in New York on April 23, 1968, this is an alternate mix of a song that appeared on Electric Ladyland. It is one of a series of experimental mixes - each totally unique - made by Jimi and engineer Eddie Kramer while they were determining the sound effects for the final mix.

[edit] Disc three

1. Voodoo Chile 8:58
Recorded may 3, 1968 for inclusion on the Electric Ladyland album (released in September 1968). Features Steve Winwood on organ and the Jefferson Airplane's Jack Casady on bass.
2. Come On (Part 1) 4:40 - previously unreleased alternate take
Recorded at The Record Plant in New York, August 27, 1968. Jimi's version of Earl King's New Orleans R&B classic appeared on Electric Ladyland. This is take nine of 14 takes-the last of which was the keeper.
3. Manic Depression 8:10 - Live at Winterland
Recorded onstage at San Francisco's Winterland on October 12, 1968-one of the few times Jimi is known to have performed this Are You Experienced? track in concert.
4. Machine Gun 6:52 - live, previously unreleased
Recorded at New York's Fillmore East on New Year's Eve 1969. An alternate version appeared on the 1970 Band Of Gypsys album; this was recorded during that night's second set. Features Billy Cox on bass and Buddy Miles on drums.
5. Room Full Of Mirrors 4:37 - previously unreleased alternate mix
This song was released as part of the 1971 Rainbow Bridge album. This alternate mix was recorded at The Record Plant in New York on November 17, 1969 with the Band Of Gypsys.
6. Angel 3:23 - previously unreleased home demo
Recorded on Jimi's portable tape deck in early 1968, while he was composing songs for the Electric Ladyland project. "Angel" wasn't recorded properly until 1970, during sessions for what would become The Cry Of Love. A very intimiate glimpse into Jimi's songwriting process. When you hear this beautiful rendition, you almost fell as though you're intruding on his privacy.
7. Rainy Day Shuffle 2:52 - previously unreleased
Recorded at The Record Plant in New York on June 10, 1968. Sometimes, to break the tension in the studio, Jimi and the band would break into jams like this one. It occurred during the recording of "Rainy Day, Dream Away," and features Mike Finnigan on Hammond organ and Buddy Miles on drums.
8. Valley Of Neptune 4:44 - previously unreleased
Recorded at The Record Plant in New York in January 1970. This is one of the songs Jimi wrote for the projected First Rays of the New Rising Sun double album. It was never fully realized.
9. Send My Love To Linda 2:46
Recorded at New York's Electric Ladyland Studios in August 1970, this comes from one of Jimi's last recording sessions.
10. South Saturn Delta 4:15
Recorded at The Record Plant in New York in June 1968. This interesting instrumental track features the Brecker Brothers horn section, and shows Jimi experimenting with a very jazzy approach. A shape of things to come?
11. Dolly Dagger 6:44 - Live, Isle Of Wight
Recorded at the Isle Of Wight Festival off the coast of England on August 30, 1970. This was Jimi's last concert int he British Isles. The song was written for Jimi's girlfriend, Devon Wilson, and was released in studio form as a posthumous U.S. single - as well as part of the 1971 Rainbow Bridge album.
12. Night Bird flying 5:32
Recorded at Electric Ladyland Studios in June 1970. This guitar extravaganza came out of sessions for what would become 1971's The Cry Of Love album.

[edit] Disc four

The L.A. Forum Concert April 26, 1969

1. Tax Free (Bo Hansson/John Karlsson) 13:33
2. Red House 11:07
3. Spanish Castle Magic 11:43
4. Star Spangled Banner (F.S. Key, adapt. by Jimi Hendrix)2:30
5. Purple Haze 6:56
7. Voodoo Chile/Sunshine Of Your Love (Brown/Bruce/Clapton) 17:15
We've omitted the Forum performance of "Foxey Lady," which is already available on the Jimi Hendrix Concerts album.

Notes For The L.A. Forum Concert - April 26, 1969

There were no cable-TV music channels in the late 1960s. The few weekly network programs that did include rock music in America did not rush to book the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Consequently, to thew majority of rock fans who had only heard about or read about this legendary act, a Jimi Hendrix performance remained a highly mysterious event.
When the film "Monterey Pop" came out in march 1969, millions of theatergoers were finally able to witness Jimi's guitar flambe version of "Wild Thing." So completely did the Hendrix mystique capture the public's imagination that this spring 1969 American tour turned the Experience into the highest-paid concert attraction in the world. Ironically, what Jimi offered his audiences at this stage of his career was less the fabled "act" than it was serious music.
The year 1969 saw unprecedented mass gatherings in America-gatherings of rock fans celebrating the new music' gatherings of protesters denouncing the war in Vietnam. It was during that year that Jimi emerged as an outspoken leader of both these groups.
The last Experience tour of the U.S. ran from April 11 to June 29, 1969, and produced the band's most evolved stage music. Jimi's onstage improvising grew increasingly detailed and complex. His solo melodies became the most balanced and resolved instrumental music ever heard in popular music. Never before-or since-has a rock musician so single-handedly broken so much ground with such stirring imagination and grace.
On Saturday, April 26, 1969, the Jimi Hendrix Experience appeared before a capacity crowd in the 18,000-seat Forum in Los Angeles, California. L.A. had already been heavily Experienced the previous yea-with a February 13 show at the Shrine Auditorium and a September 14 concert at the Hollywood Bowl. By 1969, the Experience was one of only a handful of bands-the Rolling Stones, Blind Faith, the Doors, Janis Joplin among them-with the drawing power to sell out huge venues like the Forum and New York's Madison Square Garden. Supporting the Experience bill that night were two new bands-the Chicago Transit Authority (soon to be re-christened simply Chicago) and Cat Mother & The All Night News Boys (whose debut album Jimi produced). After a brief intermission, KRLA DJ Jimmy Rabbitt introduced "three of the heaviest musicians in the world!" When Jimi stepped out, one reviewer noted: "the wild hair is gone, replaced by an African natural topped by a long pink scarf tied Indian-fashion around his head." The wild guitar-smashing act was gone as well, replaced by Jimi's more natural spiritual concerns. His first words to the crowd were: "Okay, we're all at church, alright? Pretend there's a sky above you, alright?"
After introductory comments about the Smothers Brothers and predictions of a massive earthquake striking Southern California that year, Jimi shouts "Tango samba!" and kicks off the show with "Tax Free"-an exploratory instrumental! That's about as far removed from a pop hit entrance as possible, but Jimi seemed intent on dispelling all expectations that night. And his 1969 rebel audience loved him all the more for it.
Although "Red House" hadn't yet been released in the U.S. (that would happen when the Smash Hits album came out in June 1969), the number was already legendary to experience concertgoers-as the response of this L.S. crowd confirms.
Jimi's flamenco fantasy "Spanish Castle Magic", features a chordal soloing style that was characteristic of much of his 1969 concert work. These ingenious sections became progressively more elaborate throughout that year, culminating in a tumultous sequence at the Woodstock festival in August.
Reflecting the protest sentiments of the day, Jimi's star-spangled was machine version of the national anthem pops all its fuses. One reviewer noted: "Anyone who was outraged with Jose Feliciano's rendition...would have broken every blood vessel in his head, had he heard this arrangement."
During "Purple Haze", a wall of fans standing tip-toe on seats ten rows deep surrounded the stage. When the next number began, so many people had surged forward that Jimi was crowded to the back of the stage-where he played one of the finest versions of "I Don't Live Today" ever recorded.
The inevitable run-in with security personnel provoked Jimi's comic prelude to "Voodoo Chile." One reviewer reported that "the cops had lined up on the stage in front of him, in some mysterious police method of crowd control." Acrobatic guitar gymnastics egged the crowd on during "Voodoo Chile," but, for reasons unknown, the sound system failed to pick up Jimi's last set of lyrics. Then, to the dismay of authorities threatening to cut the power, Jimi, Mitch and Noel heightened tension with an instrumental jam on Cream's "Sunshine Of Your Love"."
"A lot of people just stayed in their seats unable to believe it was really over, others unable to believe it had really ever happened," read the L.A. Image review. It concluded by predicting: "It will be a long time before this performance is equaled at the Forum-probably as long as it takes for the Jimi Hendrix Experience to return there."
Two months later, having become the highest-paid act on the concert circuit, the Experience disbanded without making that encore Forum appearance.