Much has been said and written about Jimi Hendrix in the four decades since the legendary guitarist’s untimely death at the age of 27 on September 18, 1970. Yet it seems that history has made peace with Hendrix’ well documented turbulent rock n' roll lifestyle and it is now his music that is doing all the talking.
And talk it does. In fact Hendrix music speaks volumes. On hearing the new deluxe set of recordings made over three days at San Francisco's Winterland Ballroom in 1968, Winterland brings listeners closer to hearing the Jimi Hendrix Experience as they intended to be heard, raw, uncompromising, uncut and with volume.
Jimi Hendrix' Winterland Features Uncut Live Performances
The Four CD set captures The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Jimi Hendrix, Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell, on the second anniversary of their formation prior to the release of their classic album Electric Ladyland.
Featuring 35 tracks Winterland includes several versions of classics such as Tax Free, Are You Experienced, Purple Haze, Hey Joe, and Cream’s Sunshine of Your Love recorded over the six concerts.
Some listeners may question the presence of multiple versions of some of these tracks, but it soon becomes apparent as to why they are all present. Winterland is to a degree, a bootleggers dream featuring multiple live jam performances all totally uncut and wonderfully different.
There are some wonderful musical twists from the borrowing of notes from The Beatles I Feel Fine on Hey Joe to the pomp and circumstantial teasing on Star Spangled Banner.
Between tracks, Hendrix comes across as polite and unassuming which seems uncharacteristic of such a rock giant but also wonderfully refreshing.
Jimi Hendrix Cites His Influences In Previously Unissued Interview
Hendrix personality is examined further as the deluxe set also features a previously unissued interview with the legend recorded only weeks after the Winterland concerts at the Boston Garden.
In this insightfully honest and frank interview, Hendrix comes across open and honest citing his appreciation of Muddy Waters, Eddie Cochran, Howlin’ Wolf and Ritchie Valens.
However, it’s also clear he hasn’t got a lot of time for his American music contemporaries who “get big headed” and are just out to make “a lot of bread” from their music or the comparisons the interviewer makes between him and British guitarist Jeff Beck.
What also comes across in the interview is Hendrix’ passion for his music and his love for what he does which is probably why it ties in so well with the rest of this collection.
Jimi Hendrix : Winterland - A Fitting Tribute
Winterland is a fitting tribute to a guitar legend and will be released as standard and deluxe editions on Compact Disc and vinyl from Experience Hendrix LLC and Sony Commercial Music Group on Monday, September 12, 2011.
Source:
- Winterland Promo Release - Jimi Hendrix, Sony Music, 2011.
