Not to sound trite but this performance was indeed one of Hendrix's mediocre concerts. However, (still sounding trite) this is a must see film for die-hard Hendrix fans and others considering that he died 18 days after the show. One reviewer mentioned that The Isle of Wight had scheduled Hendrix to perform early in the morning. Yes, that is true but also at this time Hendrix was consuming a large amount of drugs which eventually led to his state of depression and respectively accidental death. This latter factor had also played a part in his inability to play as well as his previous shows --ie, Monterey Pop and Winterland. Nevertheless, the lineup had considerably worked with enough energy to crank out some of Jimi's new compositions, some that already appeared on Band of Gypsies, and others that were about ready to be put on New Rays of the Rising Sun, Hendrix's next album. Some of this new songs "Freedom" and "In From The Storm" and "Machine Gun" were presented hastily and rough compared to there polished studio versions. In addition, some old songs (All Along The Watchtower, Spanish Castle Magic) were performed as well. Unfortunately, Jimi died before the releasing of his new album New Rays so producer Alan Douglas distributed them in several posthumous collections. Alan Douglas, the "butcher" as some Hendrix historians called him, had released several rearranged (and rerecorded) tracks that Hendrix left unfinished. In other words, some studio musicians was ordered by Douglas to taped over some of Jimi's guitar tracks and add other wall of sound instruments in order to fool fans that they were buying unissued gems. Douglas's name is featured in credits of the Isle Of Wight video as producer. It's not surprising to me that he took his little carving knife and embellished some of what we're watching as well. These embellishments were apparently (I had to listen clearly) added audience cheers, double vocals and backstage chatter, and edits of long songs, ie Machine Gun. My suggestion for the die-hard fans is to seek out the posthumous LPs Live at the Isle Of Wight vol. 1-2 and compare to difference of the record from the video. All in all, Isle of Wight could have presented more accurately but check out the film anyway considering it being a part of rock n' roll history.
Review of Jimi Hendrix at the Isle of Wight
