LA Forum April 26, 1969
Artist: Jimi Hendrix Experience
Label: Legacy Recordings
Released: 2022
Number of Tracks: 11
Duration: 79:35
Website: https://www.jimihendrix.com/
Review by Craig Whittington
Guess how many official record label Hendrix albums have been released since his passing over 50 years ago? How about 23 studio, 28 live and 23 bootlegs. There’s a reason that wasn’t on your radar. This one passes the test though, and it is a great recording of a great performance. Wally Heider was a pioneer of mobile recording and he did the recording. It was mixed by Eddie Kramer who engineered and produced for Hendrix. That explains the great recording. The great performance is due to Jimi’s ability to be present in the way the songs sound “right friggin’ now.” And the band clearly has their chops and are embracing variations on a theme.
This might sound crazy, but I’ve always heard Muddy in what Jimi plays, as his starting point. At times I’ve heard live shows where Jimi’s audience banter sounds nervous, cryptic and uncomprehended. He’s cool here, even effectively reasons with stage crashers that are causing increased police presence. How many new licks does he play that you haven’t heard before? Ample. Wanna fall in love with Jimi again? It’s as easy as turning it up.
Hear for yourself: Listen on YouTube
