Jimi Hendrix’s third album, “Electric Ladyland”, rose to #1 on the album chart today in 1968. The success of this album also propelled Hendrix’s first record, “Are You Experienced”, up to the #8 spot despite the debut album being almost two years old.
“Electric Ladyland” was a double album over 75 minutes in length. It was the first Hendrix album to be mixed entirely in stereo and was produced at the new Record Plant Studios in New York City. The studio sessions caused serious rifts between Hendrix and bassist Noel Redding as well as between Hendrix and producer Chas Chandler.
There was a constant stream of Hendrix’s friends, musicians and hangers-on through the studio during the sessions. “Electric Ladyland” is actually an album by The Jimi Hendrix Experience but the atmosphere during recording caused Redding to leave the band and many of bass parts were recorded by Hendrix. That same atmosphere along with Hendrix’s micromanaging perfectionism caused Chandler to split as well.
Due to this chaos we see Hendrix at his most experimental on this album. We are treated to guest appearances by Brian Jones, Al Kooper, Steve Winwood, Dave Mason and Buddy Miles. Harpsichords, kazoos, flute and saxophone are included on this album as well. In spite of all of this, the album yielded some of Hendrix’s most famous songs. “Crosstown Traffic”, “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” and the cover of Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower” all appear on “Electric Ladyland”.
On “Electric Ladyland”, we can almost see Hendrix putting the finishing touches on his psychedelic era and passing the torch to himself to begin his blues-heavy funk-rhythm & blues work that would define the last stage of his career.
“Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” live 1969:
“All Along the Watchtower”:
“Crosstown Traffic” behind the scenes:
