Jimi Hendrix, ‘In the West’ Remastered – Album Review

A newly expanded version of Jimi Hendrix's already excellent 1972 live compilation 'In the West' offers further proof -- as if we needed it -- of the late guitarist's amazing charisma and restless creativity in the live concert setting.

This updated edition of one of the first posthumous compilations of live material following the guitarist's tragic death has had two of its eight songs switched with new performances for legal reasons, and three more added. (That's 11 now, if we confused you.)

You could talk to some people who say there's an overabundance of Hendrix live material out there, but think about it like this: wouldn't you go to each and every one of those concerts if you had the chance?

Of course you would, and therefore you'll be thrilled to know that Hendrix is in fine form at each of the four concerts represented here, ranging from Oct. 1968 to Aug. 1970 and featuring both Billy Cox and Noel Redding on bass at various times.

In addition to epic and creatively exploratory readings of his own songs, such as 'Spanish Castle Magic' and 'Voodoo Child (Slight Return),' Hendrix shows love for early rock and roll with covers of Chuck Berry's 'Johnny B. Goode' and Carl Perkins' 'Blue Suede Shoes.'

He also makes sure to stretch out with a 13-plus minute long reading of 'Red House' to honor his affection for the blues. In short, all bases are covered, and this is the shorter of the two live album re-issues Legacy's putting out from Hendrix this week! Wait till you get a load of 'Winterland!'