The Legendary Dawn Jam: Jack Casady and Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Voodoo Child’ Creation
Among the pantheon of iconic recordings, the 15-minute jam of Voodoo Child from the Jimi hendrix Experience’s Electric Ladyland stands out as a legendary masterpiece.
Recorded in the early hours of May 2, 1968, this epic blues session featured an impressive lineup, including Steve Winwood and Jefferson Airplane’s bassist Jack Casady. The spontaneous jam took place at New York City’s Record Plant Studios, showcasing the magic that can happen during late-night creativity.
A Fortuitous Invitation
For Casady, the opportunity to collaborate with Hendrix came after years of intersecting paths on the late-’60s touring circuit. His friendship with drummer Mitch mitchell paved the way for one of rock’s most revered recordings.
“In the late ’60s, Bill Graham was managing us, and we would often recommend artists for our shows,” Casady recounted in the October ’93 issue of bass Player. “Jimi was one of those artists we suggested.”
“Our first concert together was at Monterey Pop, where we quickly became friends. Mitch Mitchell and I connected both musically and personally.”
the Electric Ladyland Session
“Later, while Jimi was working on Electric Ladyland, we found ourselves in New York, and a group of musicians, including Steve Winwood, decided to visit him,” Casady recalled.
“Around 4 AM, Jimi suggested we jam together – luckily, I had my Guild guitar with me. He kicked off a blues tune that we played through several times before recording it; this session ultimately became the extended version of voodoo Child on the album.”
“I also contributed to a few tracks from the Live at Winterland recordings that rykodisc later released.”
Casady’s Unique Bass Style
In contrast to his more melodic work with jefferson Airplane, casady’s bass lines during this session tightly intertwined with drummer Mitch Mitchell, allowing Hendrix and Winwood to shine in the spotlight.
His bass tone is unmistakably reflective of the late ’60s – rich in low-mids, slightly overdriven, and characterized by the natural resonance that comes from a cranked amp in a live studio setting.
“After experiencing bands like Cream and the Jimi Hendrix Experience, I became fascinated with overdriving my amp. I had been using the semi-hollow guild Starfire alongside my jazz Bass, and I noticed that the Fender didn’t distort well. However, when I played overdriven chords and moved up the neck on the Guild, it produced a sweet sustain with captivating overtones.”
A Harmonious Collaboration
Reflecting on his almost telepathic connection with drummer Mitch Mitchell, Casady shared: “When I collaborate with drummers, we often face challenges in syncing up because I don’t play patterns with them. It’s still a rhythmic partnership, but playing together doesn’t mean merely hitting the same notes.”
“Fortunately, most drummers I work with grasp this concept, allowing us to support one another while exploring new musical ideas.”
Jam Session Magic: How Jack Casady and Jimi hendrix Created ‘Voodoo Child’ at Dawn
The Legendary Jam Session
In the early hours of May 2, 1968, a remarkable musical moment unfolded at New York City’s Record Plant studios. The legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix and jefferson Airplane bassist Jack Casady came together for an impromptu jam session that would lead to one of rock music’s most iconic tracks: Voodoo Child.
The Players Involved
This unusual session featured an all-star lineup:
- Jimi Hendrix: Renowned for his innovative guitar techniques and explosive stage presence.
- Jack Casady: The bassist of Jefferson Airplane, known for his unique playing style and deep musicality.
- steve Winwood: A multi-instrumentalist and vocalist who added depth to the jam.
Setting the Scene
The atmosphere at Record Plant Studios was electric. The late-night vibe encouraged creativity and spontaneity, allowing the musicians to explore their musical boundaries. Casady recalls, “Around 4 AM, Jimi suggested we should play together. I was lucky to have my Guild guitar wiht me.”
The Birth of ‘Voodoo Child’
What started as a casual jam quickly evolved into a powerful blues workout. The musicians ran through a blues tune several times, capturing the raw energy of their collaboration. This session ultimately resulted in the extended version of Voodoo Child featured on the Electric Ladyland album.
Musical Techniques and Styles
During the jam, Casady’s bass playing was characterized by:
- Rich Low-Mids: His tone was full-bodied, providing a solid foundation for the jam.
- Slight Overdrive: Casady embraced overdriven sounds, enhancing the overall texture of the music.
- natural Bloom: The sound was enriched by the dynamics of a live studio surroundings.
Casady’s Approach to bass Playing
Casady’s unique approach to bass playing allowed him to lock in rhythmically with drummer Mitch Mitchell while giving Hendrix and Winwood the freedom to shine. He explains,”When I work with drummers,I don’t play patterns with them. It’s a rhythmic marriage, but it doesn’t mean playing the same notes.”
Benefits of Jam Sessions
Jam sessions like the one between Casady and Hendrix offer numerous benefits for musicians:
- Creativity Boost: Spontaneous collaboration can lead to unexpected musical ideas.
- Improvisation Skills: Musicians enhance their ability to think on their feet and adapt to different musical styles.
- Networking Opportunities: Jamming with other artists can lead to new collaborations and friendships.
Case studies: Iconic Jam Sessions
throughout music history, several legendary jam sessions have resulted in unforgettable tracks:
| Jam Session |
Artists Involved |
Resulting Track |
| Voodoo Child |
Jimi Hendrix, Jack Casady, Steve Winwood |
voodoo Child (Slight Return) |
| Live at the Fillmore |
The Allman Brothers Band |
in Memory of Elizabeth Reed |
| Monterey Pop Festival |
Various Artists |
Various Live Performances |
First-Hand Experience: jack Casady’s Reflections
casady’s reflections on the jam session reveal the magic of spontaneous creativity. He notes, “After hearing bands like Cream and the Jimi Hendrix Experience, I became really interested in overdriving my amp. The Guild Starfire I used had a sweet sustain that complemented the overdriven chords beautifully.”
Practical Tips for Aspiring Musicians
If you’re looking to create your own jam session magic, consider these practical tips:
- Choose the Right Space: Find a cozy and inspiring environment to foster creativity.
- Invite Diverse Musicians: Collaborate with artists from different genres to expand your musical horizons.
- Be Open to Experimentation: Allow for improvisation and exploration of new sounds.
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