The Jimi Hendrix Experience – Live At Berkeley (2LP)
RARITY - Sealed
Guitar, Vocals – Jimi Hendrix [Click here to see more vinyl featuring Jimi Hendrix]
Bass – Billy Cox
Drums – Mitch Mitchell
Written by Jimi Hendrix (A1 to B1, B3 to C2, D2, D3), Billy Roberts (B2)
2 LPs, Gatefold jacket
Original analog Master tape : YES
Heavy Press : 180g
Record color : black
Speed : 33 RPM
Size : 12'’
Stereo
Live
Record Press : unspecified (US)
Label : Experience Hendrix
Original Label : Beech Marten Records
Recorded at the Berkeley Community Theatre on May 30, 1970
Engineered by Abe Jacob
Mastered by George Marino
Mixed by Eddie Kramer
Compilation Produced by Eddie Kramer, Janie Hendrix, John McDermott
Originally released in 1991
Reissued in 2003 (first time on Vinyl)
Tracks:
Side A:
- Introduction
- Pass It On (Straight Ahead)
- Hey Baby (New Rising Sun)
- Lover Man
Side B:
- Stone Free
- Hey Joe
- I Don't Live Today
Side C:
- Machine Gun
- Foxey Lady
Side D:
- Star Spangled Banner
- Purple Haze
- Voodoo Child (Slight Return)
Review :
« The Berkeley shows by Jimi Hendrix are fairly well known because not only were the shows filmed, but they have been bootlegged pretty extensively over the years as well. Live at Berkeley: 2nd Show marks the first official release of this material, and, like its predecessor, Blue Wild Angel: Live at the Isle of Wight, the show has its strengths and weaknesses. Things start loose, very loose, on "Pass It On," which is actually the music from "Straight Ahead" with some off-the-cuff lyrics, then into "Hey Baby (New Rising Sun)." Hendrix's guitar tone is fantastic, and there are some fine moments of soloing, but as far as the songs go, he seems distracted. Things start to pick up with "Lover Man" (check Billy Cox's bass playing here), and Hendrix really seems to find himself while romping through some older material like "Stone Free" and "Hey Joe." In fact, the solo on "Stone Free" is amazing, and quite unlike other live versions. It's clear that all the guitar electronics were working together (despite the brief security interruption on "Hey Joe"; again, shades of Isle of Wight), and by the time he gets into "I Don't Live Today" and "Machine Gun," Hendrix is in the stratosphere. The intensity drops just a bit as he finishes up the set, drifting into "Keep on Groovin'" while in the middle of "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)," but "Purple Haze" and "Foxey Lady" are still strong showings. The official release of more Hendrix archival material is not likely to ease his reputation as an inconsistent performer, but those who rightfully regard him as one of the finest electric guitarists ever will always be clamoring for good-sounding live shows, and Live at Berkeley: 2nd Show will not disappoint at that level. » AllMusic Review by Sean Westergaard
Ratings :
AllMusic : 3 / 5 , Discogs : 4,33 / 5