People, Hell and Angels
Eddie Kramer – Multiple Grammy Award Winning Engineer
There are two names that are synonymous with rock ‘n roll, Jimi Hendrix and Eddie Kramer. Saturday evening Fender held an intimate listening party for the release of the new album “People, Hell and Angels. The album is a set of 12 unreleased Studio recordings By Jimi Hendrix co produced by Janie Hendrix, Eddie Kramer and John McDermott and fully authorized by Experience Hendrix LLC. The room was full of musicians from all genres of music including Spencer Davis and radio personalities Gary Moore and Cynthia Fox from KLOS. Also in attendances were Fender representatives Del Breckenfeld, Jason Farrell and CEO Larry Thomas.
A musical companion piece as successor to 2010 Valley of Neptune the album collection featuring the final recordings with the original Jimi Hendrix experience, People, Hell and Angels offers new clues as to the direction Hendrix was considering. The recordings showcase the legendary guitarist working outside the original Jimi Hendrix Experience trio. The title for the album was coined by Jimi. Janie Hendrix, President and CEO of Experience Hendrix LLC, commented “we are thrilled to be able to release People, Hell and Angels during the celebration of the seventh anniversary of my brother’s birth.
Janie Hendrix
Billy Cox – The Band of Gypsys
As the evening progressed we were given a historical overview Of the importance of Jimi’s influence by Fenders Director of Entertainment Marketing, Dell Breckenfeld. Janie Hendrix then discussed the process on which these recordings have come to be and personal antidotes of her life growing up and being the younger sister of Jimi’s which were both insightful and enlightening. She spoke of the massive amounts of recordings still stored in a vault 30 feet long and as high as the ceiling full of Jimmy’s recordings but eluded this will probably be the last release of studio recordings from her brother. This conversation was followed by the introduction of discussion panel members, Janie Hendrix, Eddie Kramer and Jimi’s longtime friend and Band of Gypsies bassist, Billy Cox. The panel discussion was led by Gary Moore from KLOS radio. Hearing the thoughts and recollections from Eddie and Billy on Jimi’s attitude and professionalism with a dedication to perfection in the studio was a revelation to hear. This discussion was followed by a full listening of People, Hell and Angels, which I highly recommended buying. The evening concluded With Billy Cox strapping on a fender bass and leading a trio into a rousing version of Red House. Many thanks to all for the special treat of allowing backstage360 to cover this special event.
by Jim McCluney / BackStage360
Images by Brian Tierney