Every now and then, a music project calls to you—not just because it sounds good, but because it feels like a piece of musical history waiting to be rediscovered. Lately, I’ve found myself pulled back into the world of Jimi Hendrix, more specifically, to one of the lesser-known releases associated with his unfinished fourth studio album: Voodoo Soup, assembled by producer Alan Douglas and released in 1995.
Now, Voodoo Soup isn’t often mentioned in the same breath as Are You Experienced?, Axis: Bold as Love, or Electric Ladyland, but it holds a special place in the timeline of posthumous Hendrix releases. While not as widely celebrated or critically embraced, it attempted to piece together what Hendrix might have delivered next, had fate not intervened in 1970. It’s been long forgotten by many fans and buried under more recent, carefully curated compilations. Still, I believe Voodoo Soup deserves a second look—and perhaps a second life.
That’s why I’ve decided to embark on a small personal project: a remake of Voodoo Soup. This isn’t about trying to “correct” it or pretending to speak for Hendrix’s true intentions. It’s about exploring what the album could be if reimagined with the benefit of hindsight, improved audio fidelity, and the wealth of material released since the original compilation.
One of the most significant changes in my version is the absence of the overdubs that Douglas added in the ’90s. While those production choices were made with the best of intentions, they’ve always felt somewhat detached from Hendrix’s raw, untamed sound. Instead, I’m leaning into more authentic takes—stripped back where necessary, but filled with the energy and soul that Hendrix poured into every session.
I’m also considering including alternate mixes of certain tracks, such as “Angel,” “In From the Storm,” and “Ezy Ryder.” The versions from the Electric Lady Studio Sessions box set have a certain clarity and power that bring out new dimensions in these songs. The single version of “Stepping Stone” is also in the running, as are other variants like “Drifting,” which deserves to be heard in its most emotionally resonant form.
The idea isn’t to build a perfect album—Hendrix himself might have changed things a dozen more times before calling it finished. Rather, it’s about experimenting, paying homage, and maybe even inspiring a few other fans to rediscover this overlooked collection.
Here’s the current track list I’ve put together for this project. It’s still a work in progress, but I think it captures the spirit of what Voodoo Soup was trying to achieve:
- The New Rising Sun
- Belly Button Window
- Stepping Stone (possibly the single version)
- Freedom
- Angel (alternate mix consideration)
- Room Full of Mirrors
- Midnight
- Night Bird Flying
- Drifting (box set version maybe)
- Ezy Ryder
- Pali Gap
- Message to Love
- Peace in Mississippi
- In From the Storm (alternate mix consideration)
This is just a little side project—something I’m doing for fun, for myself, and for anyone who loves Hendrix and wants to see one of his lesser-known posthumous releases brought back to life with a fresh perspective. It’s part restoration, part remix, and entirely driven by admiration for the music and the man behind it.
Should I go for it? I think I just might.