Word: hendrix
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Dates: during 1990-1999
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...Hendrix was a great admirer of songwriter and performer Bob Dylan's work and was a brilliant interpreter of his songs. The most well-known of these covers, "All Along The Watchtower," is included here along with a version of "Drifter's Escape." To the certain disappointment of many listeners, this "Watchtower" is not even a different take of the song but simply an earlier mix of the version included on Electric Ladyland. Since the differences are subtle at best--the original final version was mixed by Jimi himself while this one bears Chas Chandler's mark--there seems...
...curious instrumental version of the classic Hendrix balled "Little Wing" follows. An early demo with only guitar and drums, its heavy, muscular feel is very different from the delicate beauty of the final version. Many will be hard-pressed to recognize it as "Little Wing" --it seems more like Hendrix's "Angel," an early demo of which is also included on this collection. This "Angel" is much closer in feel to the almost final version available on First Rays, but is marred by the sound of the primitive drum machine Hendrix was using to keep time...
...title track of the collection is probably the most interesting stylistically. With its jazz sensibility and horn accompaniment, "South Saturn Delta" marks one of the most intriguing musical avenues Hendrix was pursuing before his death. One can only imagine what would have resulted had plans to collaborate with such jazz greats as trumpeter Miles Davis actually come to fruition. While the song represents an embryonic conception, the fusion of "South Saturn Delta" hints at what would undoubtedly have been a very exciting phase of Hendrix's career...
...Power of Soul" and "Message To The Universe" are both studio versions of songs which were featured on Band of Gypsys in live form. Both exhibit the funky tendencies of the rhythm section Hendrix assembled after the breakup of the original Experience band. With its overdubs and delay effects, this "Power of Soul" is distinct from the rawer Band of Gypsys version, but "Message to the Universe" has little to offer over its brilliant live counterpart...
There are three extended, bluesy instrumental jams on the album: "Tax Free," "Midnight" and "Pali Gap." All have merit--after all, anytime Hendrix digs into his guitar, sparks are bound to fly. "Pali Gap," with the flowing interplay between its two guitar parts, is the most remarkable and brilliant performance on this album, with inspired soloing and beautiful textures from beginning to end. "Pali Gap" belongs in the company of Hendrix's greatest recordings ever and is probably the most lamented omission from First Rays (the compilers of that album believed Hendrix did not intend to include the song...