The Jimi Hendrix Experience’ 1967 album “Are You Experienced” was a landmark album that broke ground in numerous ways. The album was so groundbreaking that The Experience’ follow-up LP “Axis: Bold As Love” is often sadly overlooked. Hendrix and The Experience were under contract to release two LPs in the year of 1967. The early part of the year saw the release of “Are You Experienced” and in December of ‘67 “Axis: Bold As Love” was completed. The album shows Jimi in a much more “songwriter” based approach. There is plenty of great lead guitar to go around but it also highlights Hendrix as a great rhythm guitarist, much more than his debut album in many ways.
Many great stories go along with the recording of “Axis: Bold As Love.” Legend has it that the scheduled release date was almost delayed due to Hendrix leaving the master tape of side one of the LP in the backseat of a London taxi. Deadlines had to be met and Producer Chas Chandler and Engineer Eddie Kramer had to remix side one of “Axis” in one night! Hendrix often said through the years he wasn’t 100% satisfied with the remixed versions because they had to be done in such a rushed time. He also voiced his opinion over disliking the albums cover art .
“Axis: Bold As Love” saw an English release in December of 1967. The album was recorded and all Hendrix contracts fulfilled for ‘67, but in the U.S. the album was held back for a 1968 release as executives didn’t want it to interfere with the Experience’ debut album sales which were still going strong at the time. The Experience released the phenomenal “Electric Ladyland” in 1968 as well. I’ve often thought that because “Axis: Bold As Love” was sandwiched between Hendrix’ outstanding debut and 68’s “Electric Ladyland” it many times gets overlooked. “Axis: Bold As Love” is one of the all time greatest albums and it definitely shows Hendrix maturing in a very short amount of time as not only a songwriter and arranger but also as a craftsman in the studio as well.
“Axis” may not be the most flamboyant example of Jimi Hendrix, but it shows the depth of the man perhaps better than any of his recorded works. The album “Axis: Bold As Love” will forever stand as a shining examples of all things Jimi Hendrix.
The first track “EXP” is a psychedelic tune with references to UFOs. It starts off with a interview with one “Paul Caruso” played by Jimi himself! Emulating UFOs and other space effects Hendrix uses his guitar and literally melts speakers in this 1:55 track. One might think from this massive introduction that we are being set up for an album full of feedback and crafted distortion that will even leave “Are You Experienced” in the dust! However with track number 2, “Up From The Skies”, we are set to a nice, mellow groove that again shows Hendrix as a phenomenal rhythm guitar player all around. Drummer Mitch Mitchell kicks the track off, and sets the tone for great things to come!
With track number 3, “Spanish Castle Magic”, Hendrix once again cranks up the volume and brings out one of his best tunes. This was a constant showcase in his live shows as well right up until the end of his life. “Wait Until Tomorrow” once again brings the volume down a notch and puts us into a mellow mood. The lead breaks are classic Hendrix, using single notes mixed with chords to fill the gaps as only Hendrix can!
Recorded during the Summer of Love, “If 6 was 9” was a track the psychedelic/ hippie movement could completely relate to. Lyrically the track reflects on the state of the nation during this time.
“You Got Me Floatin’” is a fun track that takes the listener to the other end of the spectrum from “If 6 was 9.” It is a perfect segue into “Castles Made Of Sand” which once again focuses on Hendrix’s great rhythm playing. “She’s So Fine” was a tune written by the great Experience Bassist Noel Redding. It was said to have been the very first track ever recorded for “Axis: Bold As Love.”
“One Rainy Wish” and “Little Miss Lover” build the album’s finale up to the finale, “Bold As Love.” With this track Hendrix and The Experience used the studio to all its effect and blast off into the stratosphere, taking the listener with them! It is a classic ending to a classic album.
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