LPCDreissues: Looking forward to the past

The music contained on this the fourth volume of the "In The Studio Series" comes from the period 7th November 1969 through to May 1970 and was recorded at The Record Plant in New York. During this period Jimi became involved in what would turn out to be the short-lived Band Of Gypsies project that featured drummer Buddy Miles and bassist Billy Cox. Billy had been playing with Jimi since the break up of the original Experience following a concert in Denver in June 1969. Many people have since claimed that The Band Of Gypsies were never meant to be a long term project but merely an opportunity to fulfil a contractual obligation. Whatever the reason halfway through an appearance at Madison Square garden in early 1970 the Band Of Gypsies broke up rather spectacularly and Jimi once again began working with Billy Cox and Mitch Mitchell.

Some of the key tracks recorded during this period would go on to appear in different forms on albums released following Jimis death in September 1970 such as Rainbow Bridge, The Cry Of Love and Loose Ends.

Lover Man (2:51): Recorded on the15th May 1970 this recording features Billy Cox (bass), Mitch Mitchell (drums). The engineer was Eddie Kramer and the 2nd engineer Tom Flye. Sadly this version is cut short but is included as it is the only take we have of this song and thought for historical reasons it should be included

Message To Love (3:34): Recorded on the 19th December 1969. The band here was Billy Cox (bass), Buddy Miles (drums). The engineer was Bob Cotto and the 2nd engineer R. Beekman. This song was originally entitled Message To The Universe. As with the above track this take is abruptly cut short but once again is included for historical reference.

Izabella (take 2) (3:51): Recorded on the 7th November 1969 and engineered by Jack Adams and Dave Ragno. With no bass player Hendrix and Buddy Miles ran through many takes of this track which ended with technical problems. A young Tony Bongiovi was ultimately sent for to sort out the problems

Bleeding Heart (blues in C sharp) (3:26): This alternate mix comes from the session that too place on 24th March 1970. The band was the one that would remain in place until Jimis death in September of 1970. Billy Cox (bass) , Mitch Mitchell (drums). The engineer was Jack Adams and the 2nd engineer Dave Ragno. Only 4 versions of this song were ever recorded with the 4th take appearing on the Rainbow Bridge album. Originally recorded with an unknown drummer and no bassist. Billy Cox later joined the session but Mitch Mitchells drums were done later at Electric Lady Studios.

Izabella (take 1) (4:41): This another take from the session listed above and featuring the same line up which lends the song a different feel from the version recorded with the Band Of Gypsies some four months previously

Blue Suede Shoes (11:36): This is the most complete version of the old Carl Perkins song. Another shorter version of this song would eventually surface on the Loose Ends album. This rather rough run through soon turns into a lengthy jam complete with Jimi doing an impersonation of Elvis Presley singing snatches of Heartbreak Hotel and Trouble at the start of the song was recorded during the final days of the Band Of Gypsies on the 23rd January 1970. The engineer was Bob Hughes and the 2nd engineer Dave Ragno. The band here is Billy Cox (bass) and Buddy Miles (drums).

Power of Soul (takes nos.1 to 16) (26:41): This work in progress was recorded on the 21st November 1969 The Band Of Gypsies were deep into recordings and rehearsals for what would turn out to be their only major appearance at the Fillmore East at the end of the year. The band was Billy Cox (bass) and Buddy Miles (drums). The engineer was Tony Bongiovi and the 2nd Engineer Tom Erdelyi. The song was originally called Paper Airplanes and has appeared listed on some bootlegs under this title. Interestingly enough, both Tommy Erdelyi and Tony Bongiovi would work together in the seventies when Tony produced the Ramones with Tommy, now known as Tommy Ramone, the bands drummer.

1. Lover Man (2:51)
2. Message To Love (3:34)
3. Izabella (take 2) (3:51)
4. Bleeding Heart (blues in C sharp) (3:26)
5. Izabella (take 1) (4:41
6. Blue Suede Shoes (11:36)
7. Power of Soul (takes nos.1 to 16) (26:41)