Up From The Skies

"Up From The Skies," a track from Jimi Hendrix's 1967 album Axis: Bold as Love, is a fascinating piece with a unique vibe and story. The song, written by Hendrix, channels the perspective of an extraterrestrial visitor returning to Earth, curious about human life and concerned about the planet's state. Its lyrics, like “I come back to find the stars misplaced and the smell of a world that has burned,” are often praised for their poetic, sci-fi flair, reflecting Hendrix’s love for science fiction. Fans on Reddit have called it “prophetic” and a groovy, mood-lifting track, with one user sharing how it became their go-to for everything from dancing to gardening after discovering it as a casual listener. The song’s jazzy feel, driven by drummer Mitch Mitchell’s brushwork and Hendrix’s wah-wah pedal, sets it apart from the heavier rock of Hendrix’s debut album, as noted by biographer Harry Shapiro for its “easy triplet jazz feel.”

Critics and musicians have long admired the song’s innovation. Rolling Stone reviewer Parke Puterbaugh described it as an effective opener for Axis: Bold as Love, drawing listeners into an album that aimed to transcend limits. Drummer Michael Welch, in a Substack post, recalled how Mitch Mitchell’s brush technique, inspired by jazz legend Elvin Jones, blew him away as a young musician in 1968, highlighting the track’s old-school swing and “psychedelic beatnik” vibe. Recorded on October 29, 1967, at Olympic Sound Studios in London, it was the last track laid down for the album. Interestingly, Hendrix reportedly lost the original mix of the album’s first side in a taxi, adding a layer of chaos to the production process. Released as a single in 1968 by Reprise Records, it reached number 82 on the Billboard Hot 100, less commercially successful than other Hendrix hits but critically well-received for its funky, bluesy groove.

Jimi Hendrix, born Johnny Allen Hendrix on November 27, 1942, in Seattle, Washington, started his musical journey with humble roots. Entirely self-taught, he couldn’t read or write music, yet his ear for sound was extraordinary. As a kid, he’d strum a broom like a guitar, as his father recalled finding straws scattered by the bed, until he got a one-string ukulele. Inspired by blues giants like Muddy Waters and rock pioneers like Elvis Presley, Hendrix got his first electric guitar at 16 and dropped out of high school to play with his first band, the Rocking Kings. After a brief stint in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper, where he formed the King Kasuals with fellow soldiers, he was discharged in 1962. Hendrix then hit the road as a session musician, backing icons like Little Richard, the Isley Brothers, and Sam Cooke under the name Jimmy James, honing his craft on the chitlin’ circuit.

His big break came in 1966 when Animals bassist Chas Chandler caught his act at New York’s Cafe Wha? Impressed, Chandler convinced Hendrix to move to London, where he changed his name to Jimi and formed the Jimi Hendrix Experience with drummer Mitch Mitchell and bassist Noel Redding. Their debut single, “Hey Joe,” hit the UK Top Ten, followed by the groundbreaking album Are You Experienced? in 1967. Hendrix’s incendiary performance at the Monterey Pop Festival that year, where he famously set his guitar on fire, made him a U.S. sensation. His innovative use of fuzz, feedback, and distortion redefined the electric guitar, blending blues, rock, soul, and psychedelic elements. Despite a career spanning just four years until his tragic death in 1970, Hendrix’s influence endures, with the Experience inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.

Fans can dive deeper into Hendrix’s world through his official website, which offers news, music, and videos. His official Facebook and Instagram pages share updates and archival content, while the X account posts about milestones, like the 1968 release of “Up From The Skies” as a single. For community vibes, check out the Jimi Hendrix Fans Facebook group, where enthusiasts share stories and rare finds. Fan sites like Jimi Hendrix Guide offer detailed discographies and histories, keeping the Zoo Freaks’ love for Hendrix alive.