THE POWER OF 3, the dynamic trio featuring acclaimed singer and guitarist Orianthi, drummer Cindy Blackman Santana and bassist Rhonda Smith, returns with a brand-new single, “Taxi”, which incorporates a previously unreleased guitar riff by Jimi Hendrix.
Thanks to their longstanding connections with the Hendrix estate, Orianthi and legendary producer Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, KISS, THE ROLLING STONES) were given access to Hendrix’s archives. While exploring the vault, Orianthi came across an unreleased guitar riff that immediately caught her attention and inspired her to develop a new musical idea. She then shared it with Blackman Santana and Smith, and the three musicians joined forces to create “Taxi”. Orianthi recreated Hendrix’s original riff, while the trio built an entirely new composition around it.
Orianthi shares: “Getting to hear something from Jimi that the world hasn’t heard before was pretty incredible. The moment I heard that riff, I knew there was something special there and immediately started imagining what we could do with it. I brought it to Cindy and Rhonda, and we just took off from there. There’s something really powerful about the three of us creating something new around a piece of music from someone who has inspired us so much. It’s our way of honoring Jimi while making something that’s completely our own.”
“Taxi” follows the release of the trio’s debut double single, “War In The Streets” b/w “Treat Me Like A Lady”, and is featured on their eagerly awaited self-titled debut album, set to arrive on December 11 through She2Music. Produced by Eddie Kramer and recorded entirely using analog equipment, the album also features a special guest appearance by Carlos Santana. It showcases the natural chemistry and musical power of three exceptional musicians whose impressive careers have seen them work with the likes of Michael Jackson, Prince, Jeff Beck, Alice Cooper, Beyoncé, Lenny Kravitz, Santana and Pharoah Sanders.
The idea behind THE POWER OF 3 dates back several years, when Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis encouraged Orianthi to put together a power trio inspired by Jimi Hendrix’s legendary BAND OF GYPSYS. Orianthi subsequently brought in Cindy Blackman Santana and Rhonda Smith, uniting three outstanding musicians with impressive individual careers and a common desire to explore new musical territories. Since then, the trio has performed twice at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium and is now getting ready to take its music to audiences worldwide.
