Up From The Skies

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Up From The Skies" by Jimi Hendrix from the iconic album Axis: Bold as Love, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its cosmic jazz groove. This track, recorded on October 29, 1967, at Olympic Sound Studios in London, stands out for its unique blend of science fiction themes and jazz elements, a departure from the heavier rock of Hendrix’s debut album. The song’s lyrics, written from the perspective of an alien visitor curious about Earth’s changes since the Ice Age, reflect Hendrix’s fascination with extraterrestrial concepts, inspired by his childhood love for sci-fi shows like Flash Gordon. As AllMusic’s Matthew Greenwald noted, it’s a “breezy, jazz-based stroll,” with drummer Mitch Mitchell’s brushwork evoking the style of jazz great Elvin Jones. Hendrix’s delicate wah-wah guitar adds a dreamy texture, making it a perfect fit for the psychedelic airwaves of THE ZOO.

Interestingly, a 2021 post on X from the official Jimi Hendrix account highlighted that Reprise Records chose "Up From The Skies" as the lead single for Axis: Bold as Love in 1968, backed by "One Rainy Wish," a surprising choice over heavier tracks like "If 6 Was 9" or "Spanish Castle Magic." Despite only reaching number 82 on the Billboard Hot 100, the song was praised for its innovative sound. Rolling Stone’s Parke Puterbaugh called it an effective opener, drawing listeners into the album’s expansive vision. A fan on X, @vurnt22, shared in 2023 that the song’s lyrics, like “I come back to find the stars misplaced and the smell of a world that’s burned,” felt prophetic, capturing Hendrix’s poetic depth. The song’s recording also showcased Hendrix’s studio creativity, with engineer Eddie Kramer’s deft mixing enhancing its otherworldly vibe.

Jimi Hendrix, born Johnny Allen Hendrix on November 27, 1942, in Seattle, Washington, began his musical journey as a self-taught guitarist, inspired by blues legends like Muddy Waters and B.B. King. After serving briefly in the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division, he played as a backing musician for acts like The Isley Brothers and Little Richard in the early 1960s. His big break came when Chas Chandler, former bassist of The Animals, discovered him in New York City and convinced him to move to London in 1966. There, Hendrix formed The Jimi Hendrix Experience with bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell, releasing their debut album Are You Experienced in 1967, which skyrocketed them to fame with hits like "Purple Haze" and "Hey Joe."

Zoo Freaks can stay connected with Hendrix’s legacy through his official website, which offers detailed discographies and updates on releases like the Axis: Bold as Love Deluxe Edition. Social media keeps the vibe alive at Facebook, Instagram, and X, where posts celebrate milestones and share studio insights. Fans can also join communities like the Jimi Hendrix Fans Facebook group or explore r/jimihendrix on Reddit for discussions and rare finds. For deeper dives, The Jimi Hendrix Guide offers a fan-curated archive of his life and work, perfect for any Zoo Freak looking to groove deeper into Hendrix’s cosmic sound.