Message To Love     3:35

Recorded: Record Plant, New York,
December 19, 1969
January 20, 1970
Producer: Jimi Hendrix
Engineer: Bob Cotto [December 1969]
Bob Hughes [January 1970]

Mixed By Eddie Kramer
Electric Lady Studios, July 18, 1997

Guitar, Vocals: Jimi Hendrix
Bass, Backing Vocals: Billy Cox
Drums, Percussion, Backing Vocals: Buddy Miles

Previously Unreleased Alternate Version

The transformation which Jimi1s recordings with Gypsy Sun & Rainbows had only hinted, was now complete. By October 1969, with Mitch Mitchell having returned to England, Jimi teamed with Cox and former Electric Flag drummer Buddy Miles to form the Band Of Gypsys. Jimi1s recordings with Cox and Miles signaled that a new chapter had begun. "Message Of Love" was indicative of this exciting transition, incorporating rock, funk, and soul within Jimi1s own, entirely original style.

Formal work on "Message To Love" initiated on December 19, 1969. Eighteen takes were required before the group had achieved a satisfactory backing track. "We toyed with the tempo on that song," explains Cox. "Buddy wanted to slow it down, but Jimi wanted it more upbeat. Jimi would say, If you can1t see little kids skippin1 on your fast songs, you got nothing.1" Work on the song was completed one month later on January 20, 1970.

Before this studio recording could be issued, Hendrix instead released a live version taped at the Fillmore East on January 1, 1970 as part of Band Of Gypsys. With the live version now available, issuing a studio recording of the same song, however different in style or arrangement, seemed regressive in Hendrix1s view and not in keeping with his plans for the projected double album First Rays Of The New Rising Sun.

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