četvrtak, 01.01.2009.
Jimi Hendrix Band Of Gypsys - Live At The Fillmore (1999)
A series of Jimi Hendrix performances from the Band of Gypsys concerts finally gets the deluxe treatment from MCA and Experience Hendrix, as tapes from both first and second shows are brought together, correctly identified (1986's Band of Gypsys 2 actually featured three tracks that weren't by the band at all) in one deluxe two-disc set. This newly expanded edition contains the only live versions of "Earth Blues," "Auld Lang Syne," "Stepping Stone," and "Burning Desire"; Hendrix tunes specifically worked up for the performance that rarely surfaced again like "Izabella," "Power of Soul," and "Whomore… Knows"; newly remastered versions of "Stop" and "Hear My Train a-Comin'" (both originally presented on Band of Gypsys 2 in horrendous sound) and classic performances of "Stone Free," "Changes," "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)," and "Wild Thing." Equally as revelatory is one of the two alternate versions included of "Machine Gun," every bit as stunning as the better-known version. Though this new edition hardly makes all previous incarnations obsolete, it presents the man at his most challenged and brilliant.
Though it was made largely to help disentangle Hendrix from a thorny contractual dispute, 1970's live Band of Gypsys LP--six tracks pulled from four concerts recorded over New Year's Eve and Day in 1969-70--stands as one of Hendrix's most remarkable guitar statements, and an integral part of his recorded legacy. This two-CD set accounts for a large portion of the remainder of those concerts, and though uneven and ragged in spots, it offers some minor revelations. Highlights include a stunning jam in a revamped "Stone Free," "Auld Lang Syne" as only Hendrix could have played it, a playful "Who Knows" with an improvised New Year's lyric, alternate versions of the guitar showcases "Machine Gun" and "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)," and a downright weird "Earth Blues." Drummer Buddy Miles (with bassist Billy Cox, the Band of Gypsys in full) takes the spotlight on the funky--if very out-of-tune--"Stop." Clearly, Hendrix did well to select the cream of these gigs for the far more consistent original Gypsys album. Still, as his legend deepens, thirsty Hendrix devotees will find plenty of refreshment here...ames Rotondi
The music on these 2 CDs is incredible, especially considering the BOGs didn't have much time to write and/or rehearse new and old material. Being that the music is so great, the CD layout itself is a dissapointment.
The 4 shows at the Fillmore were all recorded in their entirety, and should have been released that way. The chopped-up order and deleted songs are an insult to the band and listeners. Bootleggers have done a better job on this material. This CD is the left-overs from the shows that were recorded to get out of a contract Jimi signed with Capitol before the Experience. Wanting to legally fulfill his obligation, he recorded his 4 shows at the Fillmore in NYC and picked a few songs to make up the Band of Gypsies album.
With that said, it's still worth buying. The alternate versions of "Machine Gun" alone are worth the price. When Jimi kicked the Fuzz Face and Uni-Vibe on, his guitar took off even farther than before.
I think a special mention should go to Jimi as a person. There he was, a super-star with unparalleled abilites, and he still shared the mike and songwriting with Buddy Miles. Very honorable. Jimi's playing on all 4 sets was excellent, and the technical difficulties that usually plagued him were kept at bay. Buddy Miles' drum kit was solid, and his presence lended a smooth vibe to Jimi's music. Although I've seen criticism on Billy Cox's bass playing, I feel it was perfect for Jimi. With Jimi's playing style of doing both lead and rhythem work, Billy was an excellent anchor for the music. You can't have everyone flying all over the fretboards and come out with anything that sounds like solid music.
Buy this along with the Band of Gypsies album and you'll have a nice archive of a short-lived but important piece of Hendrix (and musical) history...Rick Bulwicz
Codec: mp3
Bitrate: 320 kB/s
Size: 262 MB
Genre : Psychedelic Rock
2000mustangs
Tracklist
CD 1
01. Stone Free 12.56
02. Power Of Soul 6.19
03. Hear My Train A Comin' 9.02
04. Izabella 3.41
05. Machine Gun 11.36
06. Voodoo Child (Slight Return) 6.02
07. We Gotta Live Together 9.55
CD 2
01. Auld Lang Syne 3.54
02 . Who Knows 3.56
03. Changes 5.38
04. Machine Gun 13.37
05. Stepping Stone 5.20
06. Stop 5.43
07. Earth Blues 5.58
08. Burning Desire 8.23
09. Wild Thing 3.07
