March 25, 1970 - Band Of Gypsys

It's been almost a year and a half since the release of "Electric Ladyland", and finally Jimi Hendrix is releasing new music again, this time with a live album titled "Band Of Gypsys" released on March 25, 1970. This would be Hendrix's first release without the Experience: joining Jimi on guitar is bassist Billy Cox and drummer/singer Buddy Miles. The performance was done on January 1, 1970 at the Fillmore East in New York City. It's a different style of album, with the two new members adding soul and funk influences to Hendrix's blues-based playing. Miles sings on almost every track as well, though his vocals were not liked by all; including Hendrix who was quoted during the mixing of the album saying "Oh man, I wish Buddy would shut the fuck up." Wow. Seems harsh, but let's see if it's warranted!

Side 1 begins with a jam song called "Who Knows". It starts with slow bass and of course some cool guitar. The whole first verse, Miles echoes whatever Hendrix sings, and it certainly seems unnecessary to me. Jimi plays a nice solo and he sings the second verse without Miles. I like it better for sure. Hendrix then tops his first solo with another great one. After this Hendrix takes a break (excuse me?!) and we hear just bass and drums with Miles on vocals. Alone he sounds better than just copying Jimi, but I'm not not a big fan of his voice either. He continues to do some scat-style singing, some of which is okay, bit most of which sounds a little too much. It gets very quiet and finally the guitar returns (kinda why we're all here). Jimi plays another solo, this one very high-pitched and feedback-y just like Hendrix loves to do. The next song is almost 13 minutes long, titled "Machine Gun". Jimi begins by dedicating the song "to all the soldiers fighting in Chicago, and Milwaukee, and New York oh and the soldiers in Vietnam". It's lyrics are anti-war and describe how people are helpless to guns and bombs. The rhythm section is slow and Jimi is able to wander, delivering lots of good licks. You can hear Jimi step on a pedal as the distortion gets very heavy to kick off a guitar solo. He is all over the map in this solo and it is some really excellent stuff. It's great to hear Hendrix shred again, and man does he let loose here. Just before the 8 minute mark, Hendrix returns on vocals, with Miles "oooo-ing" in the background. The two synchronize their guitar and snare to sound like a machine gun in a cool little bit before Miles takes over lead vocals with some soul-style singing. It doesn't last too long before we get a whole bunch of crazy effects on Jimi's guitar that sound very weird. It's crazy that he could do all this live on his guitar though. The song ends with some crazy wah-wah guitar and this is a great example of the insanity that was a live Hendrix show. 

Side 2 begins with "Changes", written and sung by Buddy Miles. It's led by a bass riff by Cox and I'm not a huge fan of Miles vocals here (or anywhere really). Hendrix has some nice bits inbetween the verses, including a solo before it gets quiet with handclaps from the audience. Miles does a "yeah" call and response with the audience and Jimi and there's a solid rock flourish to end the song. Hendrix opens the next song "Power To Love" with a wicked solo and plays a cool catchy riff to back the first verse. It's certainly nice to hear Hendrix on lead vocals again too. Jimi sings in the chorus "with the power of soul, anything is possible", followed by another solo. Miles joins in on vocals late, but thankfully his input was minimal on this one. Track 7 is called "Message Of Love" which has a cool opening riff and Miles on background vocals. Jimi sings lead while playing also playing some great guitar. After the second verse they really jam out and Hendrix has another great solo. Unfortunately, Miles scat-sings over top of it, and my guess is this is one of those moments Jimi had in the studio. Just shut up Buddy and let us listen to the awesome guitar! The album closes with a song featuring all three members on vocals called "We Gotta Live Together". The audience claps them in as Hendeix plays a nice riff while Miles sings. Cox and Miles sing "home sweet home" with Hendrox getting some good licks in inbetween. Jimi starts tongonoff on another epic solo and Miles sings for.the first bit, but thankfully stops; and expectedly it is better when you can focus on Jimi. Cox plays some great backing bass and this is some of the best stuff on the record. Hendrix starts a slow riff and increases the speed bit by bit until he's going insane! He goes absolutely bonkers and it is this solo that ends the album. What a fantastic finish to the album, and what would have been a great live finale!

That wraps up "Band Of Gypsys" and Jimi  certainly has some excellent stuff on this live album. It's awesome to see him really just let loose in a more jam-based setting as opposed to writing songs for a studio album. Miles singing is definitely a downer though and I felt neither of the other two members were particularly talented. Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell were much better musicians in my opinion and I don't think this live album is as good as any of Jimi's work with the Experience. Still a welcome addition to the library though! Back to studio albums next time with another familiar face...