Various Artists - 1995 "In From The Storm" - Tribute To Jimi Hendrix

The premise of this all-star tribute to the self-described “West Coast Seattle boy” is admirable: to focus on Jimi Hendrix's still-undervalued composing skills, and to flesh out (using the London Metropolitan Orchestra) the orchestral contours of haunting titles like “Drifting” and “...And the Gods Made Love.” Unlike a few previous attempts, Storm (made with the help of folks like drummer Tony Williams, guitarists John McLaughlin and Steve Vai, and bassist-vocalist Bootsy Collins) captures both the unabashedly funky (“Rainy Day, Dream Away,” “Purple Haze”) and lyrical (“Drifting,” “The Wind Cries Mary”) sides of the vocalist-guitarist. In fact, the collection is only annoying when the orchestra overreaches in its attempts to add “serious” overtones to otherwise enjoyable readings of the title track and “Have You Ever Been (to Electric Ladyland)”—the result being closer to Hendrix-lite than symphonic homage. Still, the deliciously raspy vocals of Taj Mahal and former Living Colour lead singer Corey Glover (“Drifting”), and McLaughlin's searing, sensitive axwork should not be overlooked because of the occasionally excessive frosting. By no means should Storm be considered an alternative to the real thing, but its best moments could serve as either a reminder or an introduction for anyone wondering what the enduring fuss over Hendrix is all about.

Beautiful tribute, including one by the late great Toots Thielemanns on harmonica. If you appreciate cover songs that don't try to imitate the originals, this is a great CD. I bought it at Wal Mart in the bargain bin back when it first came out, and paid 3.99 for it! Now it's a collectors item LOL.. "Hey Joe" by Body Count, with D-Roc on a tasteful, raw lead guitar is one of my favorite tracks on this CD. Seal sings "Manic Depression" and really does it justice. I think Jimi would have enjoyed this and been flattered. I love a great cover, so bear that in mind. These aren't pale imitations, they are mostly unique renditions with the artist's own spin. Music is subjective, hope this helps.

Some really super artists performing wonderful personal interpretations of Jimi Hendrix's most memorable tunes. Especially love the Joss Stone/Carlos Santana pairing on Spanish Castle Magic (which cannot be found online, otherwise), and the match-up between John McLaughlin and Sting in their version of Little Wing.

This CD has some amazing moments. It's a wonderful group of top flight players. It also sounds like they enjoyed being part of a great project.

https://jazz-rock-fusion-guitar.blogspot.com/search?q=Jimi+Hendrix

Track Listing:

01. Tony Williams* - ...And The Gods Made Love 1:37
02. Buddy Miles/Steve Lukather - Have You Ever Been (To Electric Ladyland) 5:07
03. Taj Mahal/Robben Ford - Rainy Day, Dream Away 5:23
04. Sting/John McLaughlin/Vinnie Colaiuta - The Wind Cries Mary 4:34
05. Sass Jordan/Carlos Santana - Spanish Castle Magic 4:11
06. Toots Thielemans/The London Metropolitan Orchestra - Little Wing 3:04
07. Corey Glover/Billy Cox - In From The Storm 3:50
08. Corey Glover/Steve Vai/Hiram Bullok - Drifting 4:04
09. Paul Rodgers/Steve Vai - Bold As Love 5:11
10. Doug Pinnick/Noel Redding - Burning Of The Midnight Lamp 4:43
11. Buddy Miles/Steve Lukather/Dennis Chambers - Purple Haze 5:09
12. Brian May/Cozy Powell - One Rainy Wish 4:12

Personnel:

- Steve Vai / guitars
- John McLaughlin / guitars
- Carlos Santana / guitars
- Brian May / vocals, guitars
- Steve Lukather / guitars
- Robben Ford / guitars
- Eric Schenkman / guitars
- Doug Pinnick / vocals
- Buddy Miles / vocals
- Taj Mahal / vocals
- Sass Jordan / vocals
- Sting / vocals, bass
- Corey Glover / vocals
- Paul Rodgers / vocals
- Stanley Clarke / bass
- Billy Cox / bass
- Noel Redding / bass
- Bob Daisley / bass
- Neil Murray / bass
- Vinnie Colaiuta / drums
- Tony Williams / drums
- Dave Abbruzzese / drums
- Tony Beard / drums
- Dennis Chambers / drums
- Cozy Powell / drums
- The London Metropolitan Orchestra / Orchestra