Jimi Hendrix - 2002 "Blue Wild Angel" - Live at the Isle of Wight

 

In 1970, Jimi Hendrix returned to the country where he'd skyrocketed to fame and gave his first performances in almost two years when he headlined the Isle of Wight festival. Sadly, it was also to be his last major public appearance: less than three weeks later, he would be dead. Compiled from that performance (also available in its entirety as a limited-edition double disc), these recordings reveal a guitar legend in good humor, yet restlessly exploring the broader musical directions he'd just laid down on sessions for what would become First Rays of the New Rising Sun (initially released posthumously as The Cry of Love). Backed by Experience drummer Mitch Mitchell and Band of Gypsys bassist Billy Cox, Hendrix ranges from the improvisatory cacophony of "Machine Gun" and a retooling of his standard blues workout "Red House" to renditions of "Dolly Dagger," "Freedom," and "Hey Baby" that trade on the more rhythmic R&B and jazz influences he'd diligently worked into his music. At times jagged, and straining the limitations of the trio format (Hendrix had publicly mused about working with a big band shortly before his death), it's nonetheless a passionate, intriguing clue as to Hendrix's true ambitions and potential beyond his initial hype and stardom.

Blue Wild Angel: Live at the Isle of Wight is a posthumous live album by Jimi Hendrix released on November 12, 2002. The album documents Hendrix's last U.K. live performance at the Isle of Wight Festival on August 31, 1970, three weeks before his death. The set list for the concert contained songs from the original Experience albums, as well as new songs. Some were previously available on Isle of Wight (1971) and Live Isle of Wight '70 (1991). "Power to Love (Message of Love)", "Midnight Lightning", and "Foxy Lady" released in the US on the three record set The First Great Rock Festivals of the 70s: Isle of Wight/Atlanta Pop Festival" released on Columbia Records in 1971.

"Isle of Wight" is one of Jimi Hendrix' last recorded live sets and it's a winner! There has been some restoration from roadie tapes to fill in some bad sound, but you'd never know it. All Music Guide has savaged this performance (as well as the excellent Woodstock set), but don't let that discourage you. I prefer this set over "Band of Gypsies" and it even includes a killer version of "Machine Gun" minus Buddy Miles' whooping and hollering. Subtle he was not. Mitch Mitchell is back on drums along with Billy Cox on bass (his main instument is bass, unlike doubler Noel Redding). All the fire and energy we all love from Jimi and company are on display here. What more could the Hendrix fan want?

Track listing:

01 God Save The Queen     
02 Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band     
03 Spanish Castle Magic     
04 All Along The Watchtower     
05 Machine Gun     
06 Lover Man     
07 Freedom     
08 Red House     
09 Dolly Dagger     
10 Hey Baby (New Rising Sun)    
11 In From The Storm     

Personnel:

Jimi Hendrix - Guitar
Billy Cox - Bass
Mitch Mitchel - Drums