Jeff Bridges Announces Release of Archival Music Album from the 1970s
Legendary actor and musician Jeff Bridges is set to release an album, Slow Magic, 1977-1978, featuring archival recordings never before heard by the public. The collection comprises music written and recorded by Bridges alongside a close-knit group of friends during the late 1970s. The album will be made available digitally and on transparent blue vinyl as part of this year’s Record Store Day, scheduled for April 12.
A Journey into the Past
The inspiration for Slow Magic stems from a decaying cassette labeled “July 1978,” which contained recordings of impromptu jam sessions that took place following Bridges’ work on the 1976 remake of King Kong. After wrapping up the film, Bridges and a group of friends rented a warehouse in Venice, California, where they recorded numerous tracks, including the album’s title track, “Slow Magic.” The sessions were directed by songwriter Ken Lauber, who played a crucial role in shaping the sound of the music.
Bridges reflected on the significance of the rediscovery, stating, “Pretty wild that this thing that happened around 50 years ago wants to bloom. I guess weirdness is what’s happening these days. You never can tell what’s gonna happen.”
Track and Album Features
The album features 11 previously unreleased tracks, which have been newly mastered by engineer John Baldwin. Physical editions will include a 20-page booklet and liner notes written by author Sam Sweet. Notably, this booklet will feature a new interview with Bridges, as well as archival photographs contributed by photographers Loretta Ayeroff and Candy Clark.
Bridges recorded the album with various close friends and guest musicians, some of whom have since attained notable success in the entertainment industry. Collaborators included Stan Ayeroff and David Greenwalt on guitar, Matthew Bright on bass, and Steve Baim on drums. The sessions were characterized by their laid-back, unstructured nature, with additional musicians, such as horn players Sam "Sluggo" Phipps and Billy Superball, visiting to contribute.
Accompanying Documentary Series
In conjunction with the album’s release, filmmakers Isaac Gale, Paul Lovelace, and Ben Wu—known for their work on the documentary Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted—are producing a series of short documentaries that will shed light on Bridges’ journey and the significance of these recordings. These films are scheduled to be released in the spring, adding a visual narrative to the nostalgic audio experience.
Impact and Significance
The revival of this long-forgotten music from Jeff Bridges reflects an intriguing intersection of film and music history. The album not only provides fans of Bridges an opportunity to explore a less familiar facet of his artistic identity but also serves as a testament to the rich tapestry of collaborations that characterized the creative environment of the 1970s.
As the music industry has increasingly turned to archival releases, the unveiling of Slow Magic, 1977-1978, invites reflection on the enduring power of creativity and friendship. The project could resonate with those curious about the evolution of music and art over the decades.
For those eager to experience the first taste of this archival collection, Bridges has released the single “Obnoxious,” the initial offering from the album, which can be listened to here.
In summary, Jeff Bridges’ revival of his musical past may inspire a renewed appreciation for the collaborative spirit of those formative years, contributing to the ongoing dialogue about artistic expression across generations.
