THE JIMI HENDRIX CONCERTS

Though I am a fanatic guitar player myself, I've never been to fond of legendary Jimi Hendrix. I admire his skills and freedom of expression and the way he influenced some other bands I really like (mainly krautrock groups). I'm not too fond of the muddy sound, the unclear productions, the amateurism of the bands he played in and lack of well produced products (instead there is a long list of nearly acceptable compilations). Still, Jimi Hendrix started an era in which mastery of the instruments of the pop/rock assortment became acceptable and even admirable. This of course had a major influence on progressive rock, which was both blessed and cursed by mastery of the instrument.

On this double lp live set Hendrix plays most of his signature songs whilst leaving enough space for rock guitar experimentation and some blues sensibilities. The style of Hendrix's arrangements is recognized for it's mix of blues, black soul and proto-hard rock. The use of the tremolo, fast pull-offs and inventive use of equipment are all there to expand the guitar vocabulary to extraordinary lengths. The vocals of Hendrix are relaxing, but I can understand why he felt insecure about them. His timing is however great and interplay with the guitar brilliant.

The recordings have a similar sound and style, so the record can be listened to as if it were a single concert. The stadium sound works better then the studio recording for me. The combination of slight muddiness, the 'out there' stadium sound and the reverb on the vocals work quite well. The guitars sound heavy and well amplified and sometimes the combination of sounds create a gothic stadium appeal.

Conclusion. This is a good set of live recordings from Hendrix' prime period. Full of imperfections, but luckily also full moments on which the stratocaster guitar is celebrated as one of the main inventions of the 20th century. Three stars, recommended to fans, early hard rock collectors and seekers of guitar virtuosity.

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