Released six months before his death, this was the last album Hendrix authorised. Group was formed after "Experience" break-up and consisted of friends Billy Cox and Buddy Miles. It's a live album recorded new year -69/70 at Fillmore East, where they did four shows on two nights. There was a legal obligation to produce an LP with original tracks for his new US Capitol contract, so while the concerts mostly had old numbers a bunch of new ones were pitched in for the LP. I may be seen as a blasphemer here, but the album doesn't hit me at all. The backing is appropriate and some of the guitars fly , but mostly it's just sounds like another day at work and no magic. It was forced by Capitol and maybe escaping a law-suite wasn't the best motive for a strong performance. 1:st US on Capitol green label (STAO-472) and f/o cover. 1:st UK had "Doll" cover - with Hendrix surronded by Brian Jones, Bob Dylan and John Peel figures. This was withdrawn and replaced with US style pics on wrapping. Earliest Track label is matt and flat as shown here, later ridged matt, and after that glossy. (JHÄ*)(LYBÖ*)(TRÄC*)
Despite the universal acclaim this album seems to have gotten (and being a Hendrix-nut myself), I pretty much agree with your assessment; this is a pretty lacklustre recording of a not particularly impressive R&B/Rock combo who happened to have one of the greatest musicians of the 60's as their frontman. Only Machine Gun is a stand-out track here and even then, it could have done without Buddy Miles' intrusive vocals.
As for pressings, I greatly prefer the Original US pressing with light green Capitol label (the one with RL Sterling in deadwax), the mastering/cutting process of which was actually attended by both Eddie Kramer and Hendrix himself. This original UK Track with withdrawn sleeve however seems to be much more desirable among collectors, but was likely made from a higher generation tape source.
Thanks for the tip. Next time I see a green label I will try it though it's much rarer here than the 1:st press "doll". The desire for the doll cover is very much a part of the UK craze. Original UK often pays triple a US original, no matter sound or other quality. An "All Things Must Pass" 100% English print is almost ten times more even if US sounds ten times better.
Despite the universal acclaim this album seems to have gotten (and being a Hendrix-nut myself), I pretty much agree with your assessment; this is a pretty lacklustre recording of a not particularly impressive R&B/Rock combo who happened to have one of the greatest musicians of the 60's as their frontman. Only Machine Gun is a stand-out track here and even then, it could have done without Buddy Miles' intrusive vocals.
SvaraRaderaAs for pressings, I greatly prefer the Original US pressing with light green Capitol label (the one with RL Sterling in deadwax), the mastering/cutting process of which was actually attended by both Eddie Kramer and Hendrix himself. This original UK Track with withdrawn sleeve however seems to be much more desirable among collectors, but was likely made from a higher generation tape source.
Thanks for the tip. Next time I see a green label I will try it though it's much rarer here than the 1:st press "doll". The desire for the doll cover is very much a part of the UK craze. Original UK often pays triple a US original, no matter sound or other quality. An "All Things Must Pass" 100% English print is almost ten times more even if US sounds ten times better.
SvaraRadera