Jimi Hendrix
People, Hell, and Angels
Legacy

Although his recording career spanned less than five years, Jimi Hendrix was a visionary beyond his time.  His vision of music and experimentation with an electric guitar to create sounds never before thought possible is still a major influence to guitarists of all genres today.  I find it hard to believe that these recordings were just found locked away in some old basement somewhere.  I can only assume it is for financial reasons – isn’t it always?  Regardless, this album is sure to help educate and inspire a new generation of rockers and put out less commercial music and more raw music that comes from the heart and soul of its writers.

I can’t help but question the continuity and ordering of the songs on People, Hell and Angels as “Earth Blues” wouldn’t have been my first choice, particularly if you’re looking to introduce Jimi to the Millennium generation. Even the second track, “Generation” would have been further down the list, although the guitar solos are classic Hendrix.  It’s not until we get to “Hear My Train a Comin” that we really kick in to “Jimi-mode”, as I like to call it.  You remember that classic rhythm guitar with its bluesy/soulful touch mixed in with the unmistakable vocals, rich and from the heart.  The best part is the guitar solo which seems to last forever (it’s actually over three minutes long!) that catches my full, un-divided attention. Now this is what I’ve been waiting to hear!  It is raw, controlled chaotic magic stemming from a self-taught genius. If you could see into Jimi’s heart, this solo is what you would see. 

“Bleeding Heart” showcases Jimi’s blues influences including the likes of B.B. King with its slow, deep feeling and killer guitar riffs. The instrumental “Easy Blues” is so electric you feel as if you’re in the room while they recorded it.

Unfortunately the rest of the discs’ songs feel unfinished and lacking.  All in all, the record is okay, not something that I would listen to over and over.  But if someone wanted a history lesson on classic electric guitar, this would be a good starting point! – Chris Zambello