Release Date: March
9, 2018
Label: Sony Legacy
Although the man has been gone since 1970
,
the legend of Jimi Hendrix is alive and well and continues to grow
exponentially. There was a period of 4 years that this amazing guitar player
created some of the most remarkable music. From what I understand, if he wasn’t
playing to audiences, he was in the studio with the tapes always rolling. So as
one can imagine, he left behind an overabundance of material on the shelf. He
made more music in a 4-year period than anyone I am aware of.
This falls right in line with the Hendrix family taking
control of his legacy and contributions. When that happened, all of his music was
handled properly. Since then, every year we see at least one or two unearthed
and remastered albums coming out. It has been a true renaissance for arguably
the greatest six-string bender ever. And because of this flow of music over the
years, it feels like he never left us. For my musical tastes, that is a
beautiful thing. If you like the music of Hendrix I am pretty sure you would
agree. I think it goes beyond like at this point for a lot of us.
Both
Sides of the Sky is part of trilogy that included Valleys of Neptune (2010) and People, Hell and Angels (2013). So, what
is really cool about this release? It is the cast of legendary artists that
played with Jimi on these tracks. I had always heard of the different sessions
he had at Electric Ladyland Studios (the renowned music church), however I have
not heard anything with so many different artists on one recording. Ten of the tracks are previously unreleased
(see all the notations provided on the track list). The sound and engineering
on this set is phenomenally crisp and clear. I would expect that goes without
saying after all the previous reissued music that set the bar so high.
“$20 Fine” has
one of the most recognizable vocalist in rock history, Stephen Stills. “Things
I Used to Do” features the master of the white boy blues Johnny Winter. Now
that is quite a paring of guitar players. The classic track “Woodstock,” which
was originally recorded with Stills on lead vocals (CSN), is in a totally
different incarnation with Hendrix laying down the guitar lines. With all the
other layers of instruments that were added, it made for a maximum overhaul of
the track. I found comfort out right out of the gate knowing Stills is there on
vocals, just to remind us who sang it first. With Hendrix’s blues-based rock
hammering away, it was a perfect opportunity for the vocalist to step in and
complete the changing shades and colors of the track. It worked for me but may
not for some purists. It is more meat and potatoes (musically) if you will, and
a totally different but interesting take on the song.
“Power of Soul” has always been one of my favorites ever
since I heard it back in the 70’s on vinyl courtesy of the Crash Landing album. This extended version is terrific.
There are some real blues barn burners on this set. The playing
is pinpoint, biting and memorable. Hendrix had it down, he owned it. Once you
hear “Things I Used to Do” and “Georgia Blues” you will find out exactly what I
mean. Lonnie Youngblood does a great job belting out those ‘Georgia Blues,”
answering Jimi’s sting like a bee leads. The sax that comes in towards the
curtain closing on the number is a nice touch as well. That horn just cries and
screeches “do you hear me now?” And trust me, there is no filler anywhere on
these tracks. If you enjoy a total blues workout then you will love those two
rippers.
Any time I cover anything by Hendrix I feel like I could
write a book instead of an overview, but I have to reel it in and let the music
fans decide if they have the same feelings and or thoughts about this release. Both Sides of the Sky is a fine addition
to the archives and one release any rock or blues fan should get ASAP!
5/5
Stars
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
February 10, 2018
Founder of:
Review
Provided By MuzikMan Reviews
Tracks:
*Previously unreleased
^ Previously unavailable extended version
+Featuring Stephen Stills
#Featuring Johnny Winter
++Featuring Lonnie Youngblood
01.Mannish Boy *
02. Lover Man *
03. Hear My Train A Comin’ *
04. Stepping Stone *
05. $20 Fine *+
06. Power Of Soul ^
07. Jungle *
08. Things I Used to Do #
09. Georgia Blues ++
10. Sweet Angel *
11. Woodstock *+
12. Send My Love To Linda *
13. Cherokee Mist *
Tracks:
*Previously unreleased
^ Previously unavailable extended version
+Featuring Stephen Stills
#Featuring Johnny Winter
++Featuring Lonnie Youngblood
01.Mannish Boy *
02. Lover Man *
03. Hear My Train A Comin’ *
04. Stepping Stone *
05. $20 Fine *+
06. Power Of Soul ^
07. Jungle *
08. Things I Used to Do #
09. Georgia Blues ++
10. Sweet Angel *
11. Woodstock *+
12. Send My Love To Linda *
13. Cherokee Mist *
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