Ezy Ryder (4:34)

“Ezy Ryder” (sometimes written as “Easy Ryder” and “Ezee Ryeder” also known as “Slow” and “Lullaby for the Summer”) is a song by American rock musician Jimi Hendrix, featured on his 1971 first posthumous studio album The Cry Of Love. Written and produced by vocalist and guitarist Hendrix, the song’s lyrics are said to be inspired by the 1969 film of the same name; The Jimi Hendrix Experience had previously contributed “If 6 Was 9” to the film’s soundtrack.

History

An early version of “Ezy Ryder” was first recorded, under the name “Slow”, on February 16, 1969 at Olympic Studios, in a session which also featured the debuts of “Room Full of Mirrors”, “In from the Storm” (under the name “Crying Blue Rain”) and “Here He Comes (Lover Man)”, an extended version of “Lover Man” The basic track for the song was not recorded until December 18, 1969 (at New York’s Record Plant Studios), on the same day as the rehearsal at Baggy’s Studios for the upcoming performances at the Fillmore East (from which the live album Band of Gypsys was produced). “Ezy Ryder” was also performed at aforementioned rehearsal session at Baggy’s.

Progression and completion

“Ezy Ryder” made its live debut during the first show of the December 31, 1969 performance at the Fillmore East, appearing in the middle of the set between covers of Howard Tate’s “Stop” and Elmore James’ “Bleeding Heart”. It was not performed during either of the January 1, 1970 shows. Back in the studio, “Ezy Ryder” was rehearsed, recorded and mixed a number of times during early 1970, at Olympic, Olmstead and Record Plant Studios.