What Year Is This? Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Zombies shine in 2023

On Nov. 10, the highly anticipated Jimi Hendrix Experience: Live At The Hollywood Bowl: August 18, 1967 will be released via audio CD and vinyl. The concert recording captured more than 55 years ago features the legendary Jimi Hendrix Experience performance at the Hollywood Bowl where the trio (singer-guitarist Jimi Hendrix, drummer Mitch Mitchel and bassist/backing vocalist Noel Redding) performed just five days before the U.S. release of their groundbreaking debut Are You Experienced.

Indeed, Hendrix was extended an invitation by The Mamas & The Papas to open for them at the fabled Los Angeles venue. The two-track live recording of the nine-song set has never previously been released officially or even via bootleg; additionally, this landmark performance marked one of the last times the Jimi Hendrix Experience performed in front of an audience as relative unknowns.

This writer was provided an opportunity to preview Jimi Hendrix Experience: Live At The Hollywood Bowl: August 18, 1967 and the concert recording fully delivers as a showcase for the rock trio's collective powers. The setlist is a mesmerizing mix of amazing originals (notably "Purple Haze," "Foxey Lady" and "Fire") and masterful remakes of tracks from The Beatles ("Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band"), Bob Dylan ("Like a Rolling Stone"), The Troggs ("Wild Thing") and others. 

This writer's favorite tracks on the concert recording are a nuanced, lovely version of the Hendrix original "The Wind Cries Mary" and riveting 8-minute version of Muddy Waters' Chicago blues gem "Catfish Blues." Learn more at jimihendrix.com.

The forthcoming release of Jimi Hendrix Experience: Live At The Hollywood Bowl: August 18, 1967 marks another high-profile release by a 1960s favorite this year.

The Beatles' 1962-1966 ("The Red Album") will be released Nov. 10, 2023.

The Beatles have also returned to the spotlight via the release of the band's final song "Now And Then," which was released on Nov. 2. That new single was paired with the Fab Four's 1962 debut UK single, "Love Me Do." Acclaimed director Peter Jackson's official music video for "Now And Then" was released on Nov. 3 and has already amassed more than 19 million views on The Beatles' official YouTube channel.

The Beatles' 1967-1970 ("The Blue Album") will be released Nov. 10, 2023.

On Nov. 10, The Beatles' 1962-1966 ("The Red Album") and 1967-1970 ("The Blue Album") collections will be released in expanded 2023 Edition packages by Apple Corps Ltd./Capitol/UMe. Since their first incarnations released 50 years ago, these beloved collections have introduced successive generations to The Beatles' incredible music.

Now both titles' trackless have been expanded, with all the songs mixed in stereo and Dolby Atmosphere. Learn more at thebeatles.com.

In October 2023 The Rolling Stones returned with their wonderful studio album Hackney Diamonds. The band's first new album of original material since 2005's A Bigger Bang, the new album is a true masterwork. 

Indeed, the stellar production heard across the album is equaled by the strength and diversity of the song craft as well as the inspired performances of the players. And Jagger sounds outstanding across the title delivering vocals that are strong and stirring.

Hackney Diamonds' lead single "Angry" is among the album's more signature rockers, with Jagger's emotional appeal for forgiveness delivered against an uptempo beat and sharp guitar work from Richards and Wood. 

But it are the album's deep cuts and the diversity of material that make Hackney Diamonds a genuinely magnificent gem. Learn more at rollingstones.com.

Released in late March, The Zombies' eagerly-awaited return Different Game finds the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band continuing to conjure up the magic of the past while embracing the future. The 10-track album's stellar track listing spans from the opening title track (a gorgeous Baroque pop gem that includes a lush instrumental finale), jazzy "Dropped Reeling & Stupid" (the latter bolstered by a particularly sophisticated organ solo from Rod Argent that segues into a marvelous turn showcasing guitarist Tom Toomey), the lovely ballad "You Could Be My Love" featuring Colin Blunstone's amazing tenor vocals and sumptuous rocker "Merry-Go-Round." Other standouts include the shimmering "Love You," the rousing blues-rocker "Got To Move On" and tender closer "The Sun Will Rise Again." Learn more at thezombiesmusic.com.

Robert Kinsler