Hendrix In the West (Live)

gotta buy the record to get it… but, it’s worth it. Good album, not great, but there are gems worth the price

Granted, there are a couple of gems on here, but the stand out song on the original Hendrix in the West vinyl album was the most beautiful, heartfelt version of Little Wing ever captured. It was recorded in concert at the San Diego Sports Arena, not the vastly inferior Winterland version offered here, tape wobbling and all. I have asked John McDermott (part of the Experience Hendrix team) what's up and never get a straight answer. The version of which I speak seems to have somehow been lost and what a shame as it will bring tears to your eyes. Many forget what a great lyricist and vocalist Jimi was. It was all on display in that version from San Diego circa 1969. For me that made paying the freight worth it, but certainly not for this inferior substitute.

Don't be fooled because there is a good chance you already own 99% of these songs. Isle Of Wight, Live At Winterland, Jimi Hendrix Concerts and Live At Berkeley are the previously released albums these songs are from. With the (possible) exception of this album's version of Blue Suede Shoes live at Berkeley, this album is a trickster. BEWARE!!!!....I for one am very surprised the Experience Hendrix family would do such a thing....BOOOOOOOO!!!!!

I heard this LP when I was 12 and it blew me away and still does ! The one note that Jimi hits in Johnny B. Goode is still ringing out in another galaxy far far away...Don't pass this one up !

On the day I turned sixteen, I made the short trek from Wadesboro to Rockingham and picked this one up on 8-track. I promptly wore it out. Since then I've had the domestic and German import vinyl, although I don't recall seeing this one on the early Reprise CD releases. I'll echo earlier reviewers that this one is spirited, intense Jimi---a fantastic way to be introduced to this supremely talented guitarist. "Rainbow Bridge" was my other early favorite as I later backtracked to the earlier studio masterpieces. You simply cannot go wrong with this one.

I echo P Alberto's commentary above. I have had the vinyl since I bought it as a cutout in the late 70s, and it has always been my go-to Jimi album. I particularly love Red House here - best version I've heard as well. Also love Jimi's personality coming through with the between song banter with the crowd - Complete showman at the top of his game! Hard to believe he's been gone over 40 years! RIP Jimi