Before he became famous for playing the National Anthem at Woodstock. Before “Purple Haze.” Before “Little Wing.” Before “Hey Joe.” Before every song he ever recorded with The Jimi Hendrix Experience, the left-handed innovator who pioneered rock guitar, recorded the song “Station Break” with Curtis Knight and the Squires. A song you can hear here now, for the very first time.
Stuck in legal limbo since it was recorded in 1965 because of a contract Hendrix signed for to appear on the record, Station Break is one of fourteen songs that will be released on March 24, on the album, You Can’t Use My Name released by Legacy Records. The kicks off with “How Would You Feel,” a 1966 single based in part on Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone.” Its b-side “Welcome Home” is also featured on the collection. These tracks are significant, as Hendrix received his first ever label credit as an arranger for both songs. The album also includes the instrumental “Hornet’s Nest” and “Knock Yourself Out [Flying On Instruments],” both of which were composed by Hendrix.
About the songs on the album, Experience Hendrix President and CEO Janie Hendrix, Jimi’s sister, said, “What makes them so special is that they provide an honest look at a great artist during the pivotal time when he was on the cusp of his breakthrough, a time when Jimi’s number one priority was playing and recording, and this set captures him doing just that, both as a collaborator and an innovator. They are more than just recordings, they represent a significant segment in the timeline of Jimi’s musical existence.”
You can purchase the album on the Jimi Hendrix website.