BLUES

Alan Douglas produced this album in 1994. When one knows that Jimi was so deeply influenced by blues music, it might sound strange that a compilation of blues songs from the master only saw the light in the middle nineties.

Douglas also had a bad reputation in terms of the releases of studio albums; so lots of fans were taken by surprise when they discovered the quality of this material. This record had a very decent career in the US charts (it peaked at spot 45).

This is more than just a compilation since six songs were unreleased at that time. It is a combination of Hendrix songs and several cover ones.

Highlights are many: ''Red House'' (although inferior to any live version) and ''Catfish Blues'' for instance. But one of the most interesting piece here is the mixing of several takes of ''Voodoo Chile''. Not only is the final mixing appropriate but to listen to Steve Winwood on the organ is quite fine as well (he was also playing on the final version available on ''Electric Ladyland''). Another highlight.

Although a cover of a blues legend (Muddy Waters), these mixings which will deliver this version of ''Mannish Boys'' sounds more rock than blues. Again, it is a very good track that denotes from the overall mood of this album.

Some tracks as ''Jelly 292'' could have been avoided and to be honest, I don't find that the acoustic version of ''Hear My Train?'' will be much remembered.

My favourite moment form this release is the live version of ''Hear My Train?''. It was performed at Berkeley during the first of the two concerts Jimi played that night of May, 30 (1970). To my knowledge, this version was officially unreleased so far. It is at times slower and heavier than on other occasions and one can figure out the huge difference between this accomplished version and the one played at Winterland (October 68) which was one of the first version played by The Experience. This is Hendrix at his best. THE highlight.

Overall, this semi-compilation is a valuable item for Hendrix fans. Three stars.