Released today (November 20th) on DVD/Blu-ray and CD/vinyl is Music, Money, Madness . . . Jimi Hendrix In Maui. The film chronicles the Jimi Hendrix Experience’s legendary visit to Maui and "how they became ensnared with the ill-fated Rainbow Bridge movie produced by their controversial manager Michael Jeffery."
The Blu-ray edition will include the full documentary as well as bonus features featuring all of the existing 16mm color film shot of the two performances on July 30th, 1970 — mixed in both stereo and 5.1 surround sound by longtime Hendrix engineer Eddie Kramer, and mastered by Bernie Grundman.
Directed by John McDermott and produced by Janie Hendrix, George Scott and McDermott, Music, Money, Madness . . . Jimi Hendrix In Maui incorporates never before released original footage and new interviews with firsthand participants and key players such as Billy Cox, Eddie Kramer, Warner Bros. executives and several Rainbow Bridge cast members, as well as its director Chuck Wein. Their fascinating account tells the definitive story about one of the most controversial independent films ever made.
Hendrix's stepsister, Janey Hendrix, who heads up Experience Hendrix, LLC, said in a statement: "Jimi loved adventure and there was certainly no shortage of it during his time in Hawaii, a place he also loved. The back story of Rainbow Bridge and these recordings paint a picture of Jimi’s uncanny ability to turn the bizarre into something amazing! We’re excited about this release because it gives the world a closer look at Jimi’s genius."
Back on July 7th, 1969, Jimi Hendrix appeared on ABC's The Dick Cavett Show and explained how he felt that music was becoming the definitive and truest form of communication: ["It's getting to me more spiritual so. . . than anything now. Pretty soon I believe that we have to rely on music to get some peace of mind or some satisfaction — direction, actually. More so than politics, because, like, politics is really an ego scene. It's the art of words, which means nothing, y'know? So, therefore, you have to rely on more of an Earthier substance — like music."] SOUNDCUE (:19 OC: . . . substance like music)
Bassist Billy Cox told us that unlike most acts of the day, Hendrix enjoyed complete freedom during his live shows: ["He could do what he wanted to do onstage, and people loved that and accepted him, because at that time, and at that moment, he was unique — in every way, shape, or form. Therefore, he could get away with doing things that the average musician could not get away with."] SOUNDCUE (:14 OC: . . . get away with)
Billy Cox Says Jimi Hendrix Had An Unheard-Of Freedom Onstage :
Jimi Hendrix On Relying On Music :
