“Axis: Bold As Love” is somewhat of a forgotten gem in the Jimi Hendrix catalogue. Hendrix’s recording reputation has clearly been secured over time with his groundbreaking work on epic albums like his 1967 debut “Are You Experienced?” and his 1968 magnum opus “Electric Ladyland.” And while “Axis: Bold As Love” housed the well-known classic “Little Wing” and blistering stage number “Spanish Castle Magic,” when conversations allude to Hendrix’s finest studio work, rarely is “Axis: Bold As Love” mentioned as a defining moment.
After Hendrix released “Are You Experienced?” along with the dynamic singles “Purple Haze,” “Hey Joe” and “The Wind Cries Mary” in early 1967, his record label directed him to quickly issue a follow up album to capitalize on his quickly growing popularity. Hendrix delivered the brilliant “Axis: Bold As Love” album by the end of the year, but ultimately it would not be released until early 1968.
“Axis: Bold As Love” comes off as an extension of the “Are You Experienced?” project. Both albums share a similar feel in terms of innovative production and colorful musical landscapes. Chas Chandler was listed as producer, but really, Hendrix was co-producer in terms of the overall musical vision. The collaboration between Chandler, Hendrix and engineer Eddie Kramer created a magical sound on both albums. This was the era when the studio became an instrument. The Beach Boys and The Beatles are often mentioned as being pioneers in the recording studio, but Jimi Hendrix’s name should most definitely be associated with this creative movement as well.
Much is always made of his unparalleled guitar skills, but with “Axis: Bold As Love,” Hendrix continued to evolve as one of the finest songwriters in contemporary music. A great deal of the material is an exceptional intertwining of musical styles and production techniques creating a spacey, psychedelic, rock symphony. For example, dreamy, romantic ballads such as “Castles Made of Sand” and “One Rainy Wish” or sensual, psychedelic grooves of tracks like “Up From The Skies” are coupled with full-out rock numbers like “Spanish Castle Magic.” The album also showcases one of his finest studio epics, “If 6 Was 9.” The lyrics and imagery are pure poetry throughout the proceedings.
“Axis: Bold As Love” stands alongside Hendrix’s other studio masterpieces with ease. It is one of the finest rock albums ever recorded. While his studio work would continue to grow in complexity, the results would not necessarily ever tower over the thrilling recordings he created with Chas Chandler and Eddie Kramer during 1967. When exploring the brilliant works of Jimi Hendrix, make sure never to pass this one up.
After Hendrix released “Are You Experienced?” along with the dynamic singles “Purple Haze,” “Hey Joe” and “The Wind Cries Mary” in early 1967, his record label directed him to quickly issue a follow up album to capitalize on his quickly growing popularity. Hendrix delivered the brilliant “Axis: Bold As Love” album by the end of the year, but ultimately it would not be released until early 1968.
“Axis: Bold As Love” comes off as an extension of the “Are You Experienced?” project. Both albums share a similar feel in terms of innovative production and colorful musical landscapes. Chas Chandler was listed as producer, but really, Hendrix was co-producer in terms of the overall musical vision. The collaboration between Chandler, Hendrix and engineer Eddie Kramer created a magical sound on both albums. This was the era when the studio became an instrument. The Beach Boys and The Beatles are often mentioned as being pioneers in the recording studio, but Jimi Hendrix’s name should most definitely be associated with this creative movement as well.
Much is always made of his unparalleled guitar skills, but with “Axis: Bold As Love,” Hendrix continued to evolve as one of the finest songwriters in contemporary music. A great deal of the material is an exceptional intertwining of musical styles and production techniques creating a spacey, psychedelic, rock symphony. For example, dreamy, romantic ballads such as “Castles Made of Sand” and “One Rainy Wish” or sensual, psychedelic grooves of tracks like “Up From The Skies” are coupled with full-out rock numbers like “Spanish Castle Magic.” The album also showcases one of his finest studio epics, “If 6 Was 9.” The lyrics and imagery are pure poetry throughout the proceedings.
“Axis: Bold As Love” stands alongside Hendrix’s other studio masterpieces with ease. It is one of the finest rock albums ever recorded. While his studio work would continue to grow in complexity, the results would not necessarily ever tower over the thrilling recordings he created with Chas Chandler and Eddie Kramer during 1967. When exploring the brilliant works of Jimi Hendrix, make sure never to pass this one up.
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