Jimi Hendrix - "Valleys of Neptune"

Jimi Hendrix - Valleys of Neptune

Jimi Hendrix has been dead for nearly forty years (the 40th anniversary will be this coming September 18), but more previously-unreleased recordings are being released by the family company, Experience Hendrix, L.L.C.

This album, Valleys of Neptune, consists of twelve studio recordings from 1969, described as "the most tumultuous year of his celebrated life and career." This collection includes the final studio recordings of The Jimi Hendrix Experience (with Noel Redding on bass and Mitch Mitchell on drums). Those were recorded in the post-Electric Ladyland period.

Tension within the group was beginning to form with Redding dissatisfied with the direction and methods Hendrix was employing. Redding left the band that year.

I have to acknowedge that better versions of some of the songs have already been released. But it is interesting to hear these alternate takes or versions of songs that were probably rejected by the perfectionistic Hendrix.

Three songs came from the JHE sessions at Olympic Studios: "Lover Man," "Sunshine of Your Love," and "Crying Blue Rain" on February 16, 1969.

Other JHE recordings include songs from April 7, 1969 of "Hear My Train A Comin'," "Lullaby For The Summer," and a remake of "Stone Free" (featuring Redding's replacement bassist, Billy Cox).

Other songs include "Bleeding Heart," "Valleys of Neptune," "Mr. Bad Luck," "Ships Passing Through The Night," "Fire" and "Red House." A more energetic version of "Mr. Bad Luck" was released on the Rainbow Bridge soundtrack album in 1971 and recently on South Saturn Delta as "Look Over Yonder."

It is an interesting collection of studio recordings from the 1969 period. For Hendrix enthusiasts, this is a must-have.

Note: The photograph of Jimi Hendrix on the album's cover was taken by Linda McCartney.