Unreleased Jimi Hendrix Tracks Might Get AI Treatment

In the wake of the Beatles’ AI-assisted final song “Now and Then,” there’s a buzz about AI technology potentially being used to unearth some unheard recordings of the legendary Jimi Hendrix.

Producer and engineer, Eddie Kramer, who also manages the late guitarist’s archival work, recently shed light on the prospects of using AI in exploring Hendrix’s unreleased material.

In an interview with The Vinyl Guide podcast, Kramer shared the details of the advanced capabilities of AI technology in digital manipulation, emphasizing its transformative impact on audio production.

He expressed optimism about the potential of AI, stating:

“I’m sure if we found another tape [on which] Jimi’s voice is buried, I know I could use something similar, which I’ve done before, but now it’s going to be on a much higher level.”

As a vital member of the Experience Hendrix team, alongside Janie Hendrix (Jimi’s step-sister) and archivist John McDermott, Kramer is instrumental in managing Hendrix’s catalog and legacy.

Knowing about these exclusive materials, he expressed a desire to revisit the tapes with AI technology and mused about the possibilities:

“Yes, there are tapes that I would love to get my hands on with John and Janie and say, ‘Hey, maybe we can do X or Y.'”

Although he mentioned that no imminent release was in the cards, Kramer expressed curiosity about the future of these archival feats.

Jimi Hendrix’s 1967 Live Album Hits the Scene

Kramer recently mixed a live album titled Jimi Hendrix Experience: Hollywood Bowl August 18, 1967, recorded just five days before the debut album release of the Jimi Hendrix Experience.

The discovery of the tapes, by a chance encounter with a third party who contacted the Experience Hendrix team, adds to the excitement of Kramer’s role.

Describing the restoration process, he likened it to an archaeologist’s work, brushing away the metaphorical dirt to reveal something musically spectacular.

For Kramer, the thrill lies in unveiling these hidden gems, making the entire concept of restoration his labor of love.