Searching for Jimi Hendrix

by

Various Artists

Edit

Unlike most of the Stevie Ray, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, etc. tributes that have been coming out lately, this disc provides truly unique takes on the Jimi Hendrix legacy. Each artist truly makes the songs their own; no almost-but-not-quite the original versions here (except perhaps the Los Lobos version of Are You Experienced?), but rather songs in the artists own varied styles, that provide more interpretation of what they think Jimi meant and what the songs really are.

Styles vary from reggae (Neville and Sheena Staples) to country/blues (Roseanne Cash), traditional blues (Charlie Musslewhite), jazz (Isham) and even gospel (Blind Boys). Chuck D. and Laurie Anderson do their version of songs in their signature styles -- fans of either won't be disappointed - that truly expand on the originals. Not for those who are looking to relive the JHE -- for those who want to understand it.

try Power of Soul: A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix

at least there you got Bootsy and George Collins ripping up the Power of Soul, well arranged and worthy of repeated hearings.

and having fun with the funk

and you know that we do too

also there you got live little Stevie Ray Vaughn tearing his heart out with Little Wing live

cool off your player after that one

let it rip

and competent covers of eric on midnight lamp (oh, so that's what the words are . . .) and carlos WITH THAT GREAT BASS PLAYER STANLEY CLARKE JIMI COULDA USED LIVE playing a perfect cover of Spanish Castle Magic (except for the unbearable vocalist, what a crying shame)

but that's about it over there

here on SEARCHING FOR JIMI HENDRIX you get even less

Five BLind Boys are worth listening to in their sleep anytime any day

and CHUCK D must be heard (and read) whenever possible:

from

It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back

to

How You Sell Soul to a Soulless People Who Sold Their Soul?

and of course Mr. Charlie Musselwhite here really takes care of bidness with hear my train a coming

then you get a real competent cover of AYE by Los Lobos.

A few weekends ago up in Santa Fe I heard Los Lobos do a real tasty Them Changes too for a teacher's convention

it rocked righteously

but that is about it

laurie anderson is unhearable

and admits she never liked jimi

and they give her his best symphony

with nothing but a repeat machine

she ain't searching for jimi

no way

no when

no where

the rest:

faggedabowdid

even los illegales

good ghostly cover photo though

that's about it