Jimi Hendrix - Live at the Fillmore East

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. --James Rotondi Amazon.com

 Where's "Message to Love"?
They left off "Message to Love"! It's hard to believe... This song is available on the original release 'Band of Gypsies'. Why not here? Simple! They spect the fans to buy both. What a shame! March 25, 2008

 HENDRIX!!!
ONE OF HENDRIX'S BEST LIVE SHOWS. RECORDED NEW YEAR'S EVE 69-70 IN NEW YORK. IT IS A MUST FOR HENDRIX FAN'S COLLECTION. THE VERSION OF MACHINE GUN IS NOTHING SHORT OF A PSYCHEDELIC MIND-BENDING BLUES MELTDOWN AS ONLY JIMI COULD PLAY IT. March 8, 2008

 Missing a song
Hard to believe, but they left off "Message to Love" the best song from the whole concert. It's available on the Band of Gypsies. Why not here? Greed. They want fans to buy both albums. Typical. January 19, 2008

 Jimi Hendrix.. Nothing like him.
This man was, and still is the best guitarist of all time.. hands down, without any disrespect to all the other greats. This unique human soul was only 27 years of age at the time of his death. Wish I could have seen what he would be like in 2007 with other modern influences to feed off of, as well as would feed off of him.. November 2, 2007

 Machine Gun
I'm giving this four stars because of Hendrix' performance And I removed a star because there were a few slow moments that should perhaps have been left off. And I don't think Buddy Miles was the right drummer for him. But when Hendrix was on, he was on! Machine Gun alone is a terrifyingly intense performance wherein Hendrix played everything that can possibly be played on an electric guitar. Earth Blues showcased a marvelous guitar work, as did Power of Soul and others.
I know some people who were at these concerts. They told me that listening to recordings were nothing compared to being there. Unfortunately, this is all we have. August 31, 2007

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