The Power of 3 releases single featuring unheard Jimi Hendrix riff
The Power of 3, the new trio featuring guitarist and vocalist Orianthi, drummer Cindy Blackman Santana, and bassist Rhonda Smith, has released its new single “Taxi,” featuring a previously unreleased guitar riff from Jimi Hendrix.
The song will appear on the group’s self-titled debut album, The Power of 3, which is scheduled for release on January 29, 2027, via She2Music.
The Hendrix connection came through Orianthi and producer Eddie Kramer, who were granted access to the guitarist’s archives through their longstanding relationships with the Hendrix estate. While exploring the recordings, Orianthi discovered an unreleased riff that became the foundation for “Taxi.”
Orianthi recreated Hendrix’s original riff and brought the idea to Blackman Santana and Smith. The three musicians then developed an entirely new song around it.
“Getting to hear something from Jimi that the world hasn’t heard before was pretty incredible,” says Orianthi. “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 honouring Jimi while making something that’s completely our own.”
“Taxi” follows the group’s debut double single, “War In The Streets” and “Treat Me Like A Lady.”
The upcoming album was produced by Kramer, whose credits include Hendrix, David Bowie, KISS, and The Rolling Stones. Recorded entirely in analog, the album also features a guest appearance from Carlos Santana.
The Power of 3 was formed after Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis encouraged Orianthi to put together a power trio inspired by Hendrix’s Band of Gypsys. She recruited Blackman Santana and Smith, both of whom have extensive backgrounds performing with major artists.
Blackman Santana has worked with artists including Lenny Kravitz and Santana, while Smith has performed with Prince and Jeff Beck. Orianthi’s career includes collaborations with Michael Jackson and Alice Cooper.
The trio has already performed twice at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas and is preparing for additional performances.
“Taxi” is available now on streaming platforms, while The Power of 3 is available for pre-order on CD and vinyl ahead of its January 29 release.