There used to be a time when I winced at the news of some “new” Hendrix album. Since James Hendrix founded Experience Hendrix and put some love into the management, I now salivate. This latest release is a perfect example…
Jimi Hendrix’s first show at the Fillmore East on New Years Eve 1969 with his Band of Gypsys is dutifully documented here in all of its rocking glory. The ultimate Power Trio of Hendrix with Billy Cox/b and Buddy Miles/dr is caught during an 11 song, 70 minute concert, and it’s a defining moment in rock and guitar playing.
With almost a half century of retrospection, it’s now easy to observe how drenched in the blues Hendrix stayed throughout his career. Yes, there are guitar wah wahs and “made up words” on the hip “Ezy Ryder” and psychedelia is definitely in the air as he sings with Buddy Miles on “Stop,” but for the most part, you get earthy vocals with an irresistible boogaloo on “Lover Man” and the essence of cool as he wails the blues on “Power of Soul.”
Buddy Miles delivers his nifty and catch anthem “Changes,” but and the team feels comfortable on the spacey jam of “Burning Desire.” Still, Hendrix takes you to the Delta on a masterful “Hear My Train A Comin’” and the stark and ominous “Machine Gun” with Cox is a growling force of nature. What seemed so revelatory then is now feeling like a return to the roots of the guitar with a suede jacket and bell bottoms.