Will there ever be an end to the posthumous release of Jimi Hendrix recordings? Don't count on it. The next archival scrape comes from Burning Desire, a double LP of psychedelic-blues-heavy studio sessions from late '69/early '70 that Hendrix cut with bassist Billy Cox and drummer Buddy Miles. Dagger Records is issuing it November 27 for Record Store Day's Black Friday. It's sanctioned by Experience Hendrix, the corporation founded by the late guitarist's father, James "Al" Hendrix, to oversee the consensus GOAT rock guitarist's legacy. Check out the press release, tracklist, and some of the songs (probably not the versions you'll hear on Burning Desire, but still) after the jump.
In celebration of Record Store Dayâs âBack To Black Fridayâ event, Experience Hendrix L.L.C., in conjunction with Legacy Recordings, is releasing the official âbootlegâ Burning Desire, a 2 LP set of rare Jimi Hendrix studio recordings issued under the Dagger Records imprint. Dagger Records was started by Experience Hendrix in 1998 as an official âbootlegâ label whose releases would provide Hendrixâs fans throughout the world with additional live performances, home demos and studio recordings not issued on commercial albums or sold in retail stores. Burning Desire is the twelfth release by Dagger Records. It will be available in record stores for the first time ever on November 27 (the day after Thanksgiving).
Burning Desire presents compelling new examples of Jimi Hendrixâs remarkable creative explorations between November 1969 and January 1970. Like its Dagger Records counterparts Hear My Music (released for last yearâs Record Store Day Black Friday event) and Morning Symphony Ideas, this package provides a window into Hendrixâs growth as a musician and composer. While Hear My Music focuses on recordings from early 1969 with the original Jimi Hendrix Experience (including bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell), Burning Desire presents exciting explorations made with a newer rhythm section consisting of bassist Billy Cox and drummer Buddy Miles.
Recorded at the Record Plant in New York immediately before and after the four legendary New Yearâs Eve/Day Fillmore East concerts that produced the live album Band of Gypsys, Burning Desire sheds light on Hendrixâs nature as a prolific songwriter and producer with a limitless ability to create. Songs such as âIzabella,â âVillanova Junctionâ and âStepping Stoneâ were among the brightest examples of Jimiâs new music. Burning Desire also features the extraordinary âEzy Ryder/MLK Jamâ and âRecord Plant 2X,â which showcases some of Hendrixâs finest ever guitar playing in full flight.
Burning Desire showcases the evolution Jimi Hendrixâs music was taking at the turn of the decade. While still firmly rooted in rock music, elements of funk and soul became more apparent not only in the composition, but also in the execution of these extended jam sessions. Instrumentation also expanded beyond the standard guitar/bass/drums format of rock, and sometimes included piano and organ, as evidenced on this version of âIzabella.â
November 27 marks the debut vinyl release of Burning Desire. The double LP package has been pressed on 150 gram vinyl by Quality Record Manufacturing (QRP). The first 5,000 copies will be numbered. This collection is essential for both diehard fans of Jimi Hendrix and those interested in his continuing development as an artist during the final year of his life.
Burning Desire tracklist:
Disc 1, Side A
Izabella
Cherokee Mist/Astro Man
Villanova Junction Blues
Disc 1, Side BEzy Ryder/MLK Jam
Disc 2, Side ABurning Desire
Stepping Stone/Villanova Junction Blues
Disc 2, Side BRecord Plant 2X
Slow Time Blues
All tracks recorded at the Record Plant, New York on 11/7/69, 1/7/70 and 1/23/70
Mixed by Eddie Kramer
