Yeah, I know-there have been a ton of unimpressive and disappointing “undiscovered” Hendrix sessions, but this one is a real dandy. Experience Hendrix LLC is doing a great service in bringing out material from the basement of one of the guitar’s most important innovators.
What you’ve got here is a hot collection of twelve tunes that Hendrix recorded from 1968, with various friends and associates sitting in for some intriguing musical combinations. Stuff you don’t (but should) associate Hendrix with-funk, soul and REAL blues-are included here, and they shine a creative spotlight on the six stringed genius.
You’ve got regulars like Billy Cox and Buddy Miles on a bunch of tunes, but even folkie Stephen Stills checks in as well on an Axis-ish “Somewhere.” This is the guy from CSNY?!? Likewise, “Earth Blues” is a hip little pop cooker, while “Bleeding Heart” is a dreamy blues, making you feel that this might just be where Hendrix’s home was. Some wild chops are on display on “Izabella” with Hendrix making his strings growl with anger. Old time Experience partner Mitch Mitchell teams with Hendrix on everything else on a Foxy Lady-hinting “Inside Out.” A laid back Strat is highlighted on “Easy Blues” while a rock boogie is infectious on the best take of “Crash Landing” you’ll ever hear. Then, with saxist Lonnie Younglood, Hendrix goes back to his sideman roots for a hot James Brownish R&B take of “Let Me Love You” as well as a Delaney and Bonnie sounding “Mojo Man” with vocalists Albert and Arthur Allen. You’re gonna get a kick out of this side of Jimi. While parts of the music are definitely sounds of the times, the style, attitude and feel is absolutely timeless.
Sony Legacy