New Jimi Hendrix Album Both Sides of the Sky out in March

Ask your correspondent to draft a list of all-time favorite records to listen on vinyl, and Band of Gyspys would be up there. Recorded over the course of two shows at the Fillmore East on the first day of 1970, the six-song album showcases Jimi Hendrix — backed by the supporting cast of Billy Cox (bass) and Buddy Miles (drums) — at the peak of his powers and gives a peek at the soulful funky fusion he might’ve gone on to create had he not passed away a little more than eight months later.

But it looks like we’re going to get a glimpse into what Hendrix was capable of on a Gypsys-heavy forthcoming album, Both Sides of the Sky, that features 13 tracks, 10 of which were previously unreleased.The third installment in a trilogy of posthumous albums, Both Sides of the Sky has appearances from Stephen Stills, Johnny Winter and Lonnie Youngblood, but the majority of the cuts have the same trio that comprised the Band of Gypsys: Hendrix, Cox and Miles, including their first-ever recording session from April 22, 1969 when they dipped into Muddy Waters’ “Mannish Boy.”

“Jimi and I once made a promise to each other. He said he would take care of me and I told him I would take care him,” says Jimi’s sister Janie. “We have a growing commitment to preserve the legacy of Jimi and also to continue to give the worldwide family of Jimi fans quality releases. That’s what Both Sides of The Sky reflects … our ongoing commitment. In a deeper sense, it’s the keeping of a promise.”

Stock up on incense, make sure your lava lamp works and pre-order Both Sides of the Sky. The record is set to release March 9th, 2018.