BY THE VILLAGE SUN | A new documentary about Jimi Hendrix’s famed Greenwich Village recording studio aims to ensure that the place’s history won’t get lost in the “purple haze” of time.
“Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision,” opening Fri., Aug. 9, at The Quad, chronicles the creation of the state-of-the-art sound facility inspired by the rock god’s vision. It was the first-ever, artist-owned commercial recording studio.
Hendrix officially opened Electric Lady Studios 54 years ago at 52 W. Eighth Street, between Sixth Avenue and MacDougal Street. The “Foxy Lady” guitarist had bought the property, formerly home to the Village Barn nightclub, out of bankruptcy court for $50,000 with plans to reopen it as an experiential nightclub, or “an electric studio of participation,” as he put it. His model was the Cerebrum, a short-lived Village nightspot featuring robe-wearing dancers, flashing lights, spectral images and swirling sound.
However, a confidant convinced the “Hey Joe” singer that wasn’t the best idea — at least not back in 1970.
“I explained the facts of life in New York City and that Jimi was neither Italian or white and he would have a great difficulty operating an establishment of that nature on Eighth Street,” the friend recalls in the film. “So I proposed that we could build a recording studio that was like a nightclub.”
Electric Lady Studios has since gone on to become a creative home to top artists like Stevie Wonder, the Rolling Stones, John Lennon, David Bowie, Beyoncé, Prince, The Clash, AC/DC, Chic, Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift.
Sadly, Hendrix himself only recorded at Electric Lady for two and a half months before dying at age 27.
The feature-length film includes never-before-seen footage and photos, plus track breakdowns of Hendrix classics, such as “Freedom,” “Angel” and “Dolly Dagger,” by recording engineer Eddie Kramer. Kramer won an Emmy for his work on the film “Jimi Hendrix: Hear My Train A Comin’.”
The new doc is directed by John McDermott. It’s produced by Jimi’s sister Janie Hendrix, George Scott and McDermott.
Featured interviews include John Storyk, the architect of Electric Lady Studios, and Eddie Kramer, the place’s original recording engineer; plus musicians Billy Cox and Mitch Mitchell, the respective bassist and drummer of the Jimi Hendrix Experience; singer Steve Winwood and blues guitarist Buddy Guy.
After premiering in Greenwich Village, the film will go on to open at theaters nationally.
“Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision” screens from Aug. 9 to Aug. 14 at The Quad cinema, 34 W. 13th St. For information on showtimes and to buy tickets online, click here.
Michael Goldstein was Jimi’s publicist, who brought an ABC flm crew into the studio, on May 3, 1968, and served as an emissary between Hendrix and Dylan for “All Along the Watchtower.”
Our dear friend Michael is best remembered around these parts as the founder of the Soho Weekly News!