40 years in the making – a first new album by Jimi Hendrix

TRACKS recorded by legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix more than 40 years ago are to be released for the first time.

Many of the songs to feature on new release Valleys of Neptune were recorded in London's Olympic Studios, as well as New York's Record Plant in 1969.

Although many out-takes and sessions have circulated in Hendrix bootlegs over the years, this is the first time the Jimi Hendrix Experience recordings have been officially released. They have been mixed by Hendrix's studio sidekick, Eddie Kramer.

The album was mainly recorded in the months after the guitarist, who died in London in 1970 at the age of 27, released his Electric Ladyland album.

However, one track, Mr Bad Luck, dates from 1967 and was produced by the band's manager, Chas Chandler, formerly of 1960s band The Animals.

Material on the 12-track release includes a cover of the Cream song Sunshine of Your Love and Elmore James's Bleeding Heart, plus original tracks, such as Lullaby of Summer and Red House, for which Hendrix himself acted as producer.

The guitarist's sister, Janie Hendrix, the chief executive of Experience Hendrix which looks after his legacy, said: "Jimi was at home in the studio. Valleys of Neptune offers deep insight into his mastery of the recording process and demonstrates the fact that he was as unparalleled a recording innovator as he was a guitarist.

"His brilliance shines through on every one of these tracks."

Most of the songs – to be released on 8 March – feature Hendrix's original Experience, the late British musicians Mitch Mitchell on drums and bass player Noel Redding. However, three feature Redding's replacement, Billy Cox.

Other releases which will come ahead of the 40th anniversary of Hendrix's death will be deluxe editions of the albums Are You Experienced?, Axis: Bold As Love, Electric Ladyland and First Rays of the New Rising Sun.