Jimi Hendrix – People, Hell and Angels
Experience Hendrix
http://www.jimihendrix.com/us/home
Rating: B
From deep in the Hendrix archives come 12 never before released Jimi Hendrix studio recordings.
The story of these songs goes back to 1968 when Jimi was itching to jam with some musicians other than those in his band. It is widely believed that Hendrix was crafting soundscapes for a new musical direction, his future music, if you will.
Jimi was experimenting musically, as well as jamming with some notable names during these sessions. The album sees Buddy Miles, Billy Cox, Stephen Stills and Larry Lee appearing on the album.
Track By Track:
Earth Blues
While “Earth Blues” did appear on Rainbow Bridge, it was not this version. This version of the song features only Jimi, Cox and Miles and is much more a groovy funk thing than the one that is famous.
Somewhere
In March of 1968, Stephen Stills dropped by and picked up a bass guitar and Jimi and CSN veteran recorded “Somewhere.” This version is made special because it was newly discovered in the vault while compiling tracks for this album.
Hear My Train A Comin’
This is a historical tune as it is the first time Jimi recorded with what would become his rhythm section in the band of Gypsys.
Bleeding Heart
Jimi recorded this Elmore James tune and the result is a blues classic. Hendrix made a point to not play this like the original and succeeded making the song his own by changing the tempo.
Let Me Move You
Saxophonist Lonnie Youngblood jams with Jimi as this song shows the musical direction Hendrix was striving for, adding more instruments and flavor to his tunes.
Izabella
Jimi’s old buddy Larry Lee joined him on guitar on this classic tune. This was recorded in 1969 and is much different than the single that would come out in 1970. This is edgier than the version most have heard.
Easy Blues
This song saw an edited version appear in 1981. Now it is restored to its original length. Basic blues Hendrix style.
Crash Landing
An anti-drug song, this is a song that was heard in 1975 with different backing musicians. Now, it is restored to the original version recorded in 1969.
Inside Out
This song is basically an early version, musically, of what would be come “Ezy Ryder.”
Hey Gypsy Boy
This is pure Hendrix blues and one of the best tunes on the album. Buddy Miles joins Jimi on this one.
Mojo Man
Sung by Albert & Arthur Allen of the Ghetto Fighters, this is a funky tune that features a horn section. Jimi adds the guitar to the song making this one of the most upbeat and funky things he has ever done.
Villanova Junction Blues
In May of 1969, Jimi recorded this tune with Billy Cox and Buddy Miles. While the song is not finished, it shows the musical direction that Hendrix was hoping to achieve.
At the end of the day, this one holds up well to scrutiny. Where most ‘from the vault’ albums are rather dull and don’t really add anything to the artists legacy, this one is actually very interesting. The album shows Hendrix during a creative burst trying to figure out where he wanted to be in the future.
There is still the classic Hendrix guitar and vocal, making this one appeal to his fans, yet there is a bit of glimpse into his music mind and soul that makes this very important to his hardcore following.
By Jeb Wright
