BBC Sessions

Got this when it first came out in late 80's/early 90's as the RADIO ONE album which didn't have nearly HALF the material contained on this 2-disc set. Some of the recordings sound really gritty and dirty and the power of the trio comes through loud 'n clear; you can only imagine how this sounded back then hearing it for the first time in swinging London. If you've never heard it, DRIVIN' SOUTH (especially the 2nd version on this set, I believe) is the epitome of Hendrix at his blistering best and should be played LOUD to anyone wondering who Jimi Hendrix was. It is Sound & Fury signifying much more than nothing and absolutely one of his best recordings. A must-buy collection for any serious rock fan.

In addition to the music the Hendrix personality and sense of humor is on display on the recordings and footage provided from the BCC tapes with Lulu. The instant formation of the “Radio One (jingle)” on the air while recording or the barking on “Hound Dog” are good examples of the ongoing lightheartedness. Everything you will hear is impromptu jams on this session and several tracks that were never attempted live. It is also interesting to watch what transpires on the show with Lulu. Hendrix decided to ignore industry standards and the show guidelines while launching into a free form intro for “Hey Joe” that the rest of the band did not seem too sure how to follow but they managed to pull it off just the same. Then to make it more confusing Hendrix decided to suddenly abandon “Hey Joe” entirely and go into a tribute to Cream with “Sunshine of Your Love”, all the while the director was waving his arms for the band to stop. We can witness here again the absolute genius of Hendrix playing these songs in such an “off the cuff manner” while still sounding so amazingly fresh and innovative. It was displays like this that prove my point that he was one of the progenitors of progressive rock, if not the man that started it all. Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck