Rating: B-
Jimi Hendrix remains one of hard rock’s most revered
artists over four decades after he first came to
prominence. Experience Hendrix has teamed up with Sony’s
Legacy label and have released the second round of new
Hendrix products guaranteed to get Jimi’s fans freak
flags flying.
Here are but a few of the esteemed colleges of Mr.
Hendrix on this album: Prince, Earth Wind & Fire, Bootsy
Collins, Sting, Santana, Eric Clapton, Chaka Khan,
Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble and John Lee Hooker.
Ever song is done well and each artist puts a spin on
the song, sometimes more so than others. Earth, Wind &
Fire perform “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” in their own
style, and while it takes a moment to get used to, one
quickly sees the brilliance in this remake. Prince
performs “Red House” but calls is “Purple House.”
Santana tears up “Spanish Castle Magic” while Clapton
kicks behind on “Burning of the Midnight Lamp.” Eric
Gales and Robert Randolph, two of the younger artists on
the album, do well with “”May This Be Love” and “Purple
Haze,” respectively.
This is a solid tribute album that showcases the many
flavors of Hendrix music and the many genres he inspired
in his brief career.
By Jeb Wright