This posthumous release is the latest in a long line of
albums comprised of what were unfinished, partially recorded songs, and lengthy
jams captured before the legendary guitarist’s death in 1970. Unlike many of
the others, however, this is the most complete “album” released since the
1990s. Made up from cuts of various musical experiments and line-ups which
never made it onto full length albums, this collection includes interesting
snapshots and insights into the working process of Jimi Hendrix’s various
bands.
The tracks on People, Hell and Angels offer a snapshot into
the various directions that Hendrix was moving toward, with either his later
trio- Band of Gypsies, or expanded groups to include extra percussion, horns
and secondary guitarists. This album comprises of a mix of hard, rock epics,
showing Jimi playing at his best, soulful-jazz drenched, funky numbers and
driving electric blues tracks. Despite the fact that some of the tracks on this
album have been released on earlier posthumous albums, this is the first time
that many of those have been released to the public at large without any extra
overdubs or too much electronic alteration to remove the spirit and essence of
Jimi’s playing from the takes.
Highlights include the wonderful Somewhere: A slow, acidic ballad, which is reminiscent of Little
Wing, with slower verses and ample space for the fiery guitar work Jimi is
famous for to shine through. Also, the funky, soulful Let Me Move You, which features Lonnie Youngblood on saxophone and
vocals, showing off the roots of all the musicians involved on the recording, backing
up Rhythm & Blues and Soul acts in the 1960s. The addition here of an organ
as well as the sax shows how well Jimi could perform with a much fuller
sounding line-up.
Whilst still nothing compared to the fully complete albums
that were released during Jimi Hendrix’s lifetime, People, Hell and Angels represents a respectful look at the
unpublished work which was unreleased until now, showing off the best of what
could have been.
7/10
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