Blue Wild Angel: Jimi Hendrix Live at the Isle of Wight [Live]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
In 1970, Jimi Hendrix returned to the country where he'd skyrocketed to fame and gave his first performances in almost two years when he headlined the Isle of Wight festival. Sadly, it was also to be his last major public appearance: less than three weeks later, he would be dead. Compiled from that performance (also available in its entirety as a limited-edition double disc), these recordings reveal a guitar legend in good humor, yet restlessly exploring the broader musical directions he'd just laid down on sessions for what would become First Rays of the New Rising Sun (initially released posthumously as The Cry of Love). Backed by Experience drummer Mitch Mitchell and Band of Gypsys bassist Billy Cox, Hendrix ranges from the improvisatory cacophony of "Machine Gun" and a retooling of his standard blues workout "Red House" to renditions of "Dolly Dagger," "Freedom," and "Hey Baby" that trade on the more rhythmic R&B and jazz influences he'd diligently worked into his music. At times jagged, and straining the limitations of the trio format (Hendrix had publicly mused about working with a big band shortly before his death), it's nonetheless a passionate, intriguing clue as to Hendrix's true ambitions and potential beyond his initial hype and stardom. --Jerry McCulley

Tracks:

God Save The Queen
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Spanish Castle Magic
All Along The Watchtower
Machine Gun
Lover Man
Freedom
Red House
Dolly Dagger
Hey Baby (New Rising Sun)
In From The Storm

Amazon.com

In 1970, Jimi Hendrix returned to the country where he'd skyrocketed to fame and gave his first performances in almost two years when he headlined the Isle of Wight festival. Sadly, it was also to be his last major public appearance: less than three weeks later, he would be dead. Compiled from that performance (also available in its entirety as a limited-edition double disc), these recordings reveal a guitar legend in good humor, yet restlessly exploring the broader musical directions he'd just laid down on sessions for what would become First Rays of the New Rising Sun (initially released posthumously as The Cry of Love). Backed by Experience drummer Mitch Mitchell and Band of Gypsys bassist Billy Cox, Hendrix ranges from the improvisatory cacophony of "Machine Gun" and a retooling of his standard blues workout "Red House" to renditions of "Dolly Dagger," "Freedom," and "Hey Baby" that trade on the more rhythmic R&B and jazz influences he'd diligently worked into his music. At times jagged, and straining the limitations of the trio format (Hendrix had publicly mused about working with a big band shortly before his death), it's nonetheless a passionate, intriguing clue as to Hendrix's true ambitions and potential beyond his initial hype and stardom. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

The End Was Near.......2006-09-30

A long time ago, a friend gave me this performance on VHS as a gift. And I like it, although it does leave a little to be desired. Of course, the CD would have better sound, and a DVD would have superior quality. So this will just be about the show as presented in the older format.

Before getting started, on The Who's "Thirty Years Of Maximun R&B" video, Pete Townshend spoke of this performance with mixed feelings. He was proud of The Who's Isle Of Wight performance, but commented on the condition Hendrix was in at the time. He said that as he walked onto the stage, he remembers looking at Hendrix, and thanking God that he was healthy. And if you pay attention to how Hendrix is acting on the stage, you can see he wasn't doing very well.

The sound is ragged throughout, but any live performance from that time, especially from an outdoor performance, will be such. And when the show starts, personally, I think it's awful. The band slowly picks up momentum, and by the time they are playing "All Along The Watchtower," it seems to smooth out a little, even though he forgets lyrics several times during the middle of the show. Watch his face, he is doing the exhausted, puffy-cheeks exhale, staggering around a little, and seems to be somewhere else while doing the show. This is a fractured, tortured performance, but he seems to still keep it going, and considering all that was going on, this is commendable.

He does show brilliance several times here, like when he starts to let his "Red House" solo take off. But, as Townshend said, "He was in such tragically bad condition, physically...," not like the performance he did the previous May, at Berkeley College, and even though this was loud and sloppy as well, he had some energy there, that is missing here. And what's with the gum chewing? Gum is one of those things that should have never been invented, it's bad enough seeing a cow chewing the cud, but on a person, it is the most unflattering thing there is. LOSE THE GUM, JIMI! YOU TOO, BILLY!

But you have to wonder what was going through his mind at this show, the previous four years were complete chaos; the British Invasion, the Summer Of Love, the riots at the Chicago Democratic Convention, Vietnam, the black eye given rock festivals at the Altamont Speedway, the pressure on him to continue blazing new trails, the marathon use of drugs, and the obvious toll it took on him, physically. Given all this, it's surprising he didn't just keel over on the stage that night. And even though he was alive and conscious, you still could call this his "deathbed" performance. At the end, he seems to be relieved that he could go somewhere, and crash.

If he would've just slowed down a little, who knows where he'd be today?

Hendrix lets loose.......2006-05-23

While there is SOME sloppy playing on this CD, it is a concert after all, and conditions were pretty poor from a technical standpoint from what I hear. Is spite of this, this contains some truly inspiring improvisation from the king of improv. If you are familiar with H only from radioplay, you are in for a treat, as Hendrix's genius as a live perfomer really shines forth on these tracks. Truly sounds like two guitars. Credit should also go to the band, who are totally in synch with H's playing. You can hear how Hendrix is getting real jazzy in his phrasing. God, what could have been.... My favorite track: Hey Baby.

Magical..........2006-05-08

As usual with any performer that flies by the seat of his pants when playing live (unlike most of today's acts which rehearse their sets and perform the same things in the same way night after night), Jimi is hot and cold. He's clearly frustrated with his playing and certain tunes are at times both brilliant and also a letdown at others. Machine Gun is one example. The beginning is probably the best rendition of this tune I've ever heard him play - even better than Band Of Gypsies. However, he gets frustrated, takes a break during a drum solo, and comes back playing it somewhat different and almost constipated. His tone, however, is just thick and moving.

If you're a Hendrix fan or not, any live recording of his is worth 5 stars. He's just so imaginary, experimental, full of soul and feel, and his sound is incredible. His hands move so freely on the guitar that it's just soul stirring. Definitely the greatest guitarist of all time...without peer.

One of the best Hendrix shows on CD.......2005-09-08

This show is great, Jimi plays some of the greatest licks and riffs ever played on a guitar. Freedom, Red House, Dolly Dagger, Foxy Lady, Message to Love, Easy Rider, and In From The Storm are the best tunes from the show. I highly recommend getting the 2-disc set of this show.

Not a good performance.......2004-07-12

I have always thought this concert was a downer and it still is after remastering, remixing and repackaging.
Was a sad way to see Jimi go.

Blue Wild Angel: Jimi Hendrix Live at the Isle of Wight

Average customer rating:

Blue Wild Angel: Jimi Hendrix Live at the Isle of Wight
Jimi Hendrix
Manufacturer: Experience Hendrix
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Jimi Hendrix: Live At Berkeley
South Saturn Delta
Are You Experienced
Live at Woodstock
Live at the Fillmore East

ASIN: B0002ZYECI
Release Date: 2004-10-05

Tracks:

God Save the Queen
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Spanish Castle Magic
All Along the Watchtower
Machine Gun
Lover Man
Freedom
Red House
Dolly Dagger
Midnight Lightning

Tracks:

Foxey Lady
Message to Love
Hey Baby (New Rising Sun)
Ezy Ryder
Hey Joe
Purple Haze
Voodoo Child (Slight Return)
In from the Storm

Tracks:

God Save the Queen [DVD]
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band [DVD]
Spanish Castle Magic [DVD]
All Along the Watchtower [DVD]
Machine Gun [DVD]
Lover Man [DVD]
Freedom [DVD]
Red House [DVD]
Dolly Dagger [DVD]
Foxey Lady [DVD]
Message to Love [DVD]
Ezy Ryder [DVD]
Purple Haze [DVD]
Voodoo Child (Slight Return) [DVD]
In from the Storm [DVD]
In from the Storm

Jimi Hendrix: Blue Wild Angel Live at the Isle of Wight (Digipak)

Average customer rating:

One of His Worst Performances
goodstuff
Not Jimi's best... (3.5 stars)
One Of The Last Hendrix Concerts
My Favorite Hendrix Show!

Jimi Hendrix: Blue Wild Angel Live at the Isle of Wight (Digipak)
Jimi Hendrix
Manufacturer: Experience Hendrix
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Guitar Gods | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music

Rock Guitarists | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

General | Live Albums | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Jimi Hendrix: Live At Berkeley
Live at the Fillmore East
Live at Woodstock
Live at Winterland
South Saturn Delta

ASIN: B000070GVV
Release Date: 2002-11-12

Tracks:

God save the queen
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Spanish Castle Magic
All Along The Watchtower
Machine Gun
Lover Man
Freedom
Red House
Dolly Dagger
Midnight Lighting

Tracks:

Foxey Lady
Message to Love
Hey Baby (New Rising Sun)
Ezy Ryder
Hey Joe
Purple Haze
Voodoo Child (Slight Return)
In From The Storm

Amazon.com

In 1970, Jimi Hendrix returned to the country where he'd skyrocketed to fame and gave his first performances in almost two years when he headlined the Isle of Wight festival. Sadly, it was also to be his last major public appearance: less than three weeks later, he would be dead. This double-disc marks the first complete release of Hendrix's set at the festival, a warts-and-all recording that reveals a guitar legend in good humor, yet restlessly exploring the broader musical directions he'd just laid down on sessions for what would become First Rays of the New Rising Sun (initially released posthumously as Freedom). Backed by Experience drummer Mitch Mitchell and Band of Gypsies bassist Billy Cox, Hendrix ranges from the improvisatory cacophony of "Machine Gun" and reworkings of his standard blues workouts "Red House" and "Hey Joe" to renditions of "Dolly Dagger," "Ezy Rider," "Freedom," and "Hey Baby" that trade on the more rhythmic R&B and jazz influences he'd diligently worked into his music. At times jagged, and straining the limitations of the trio format (Hendrix had publicly mused about working with a big band shortly before his death), it's nonetheless a passionate, intriguing clue as to Hendrix's true ambitions and potential beyond his initial hype and stardom. --Jerry McCulley

Album Description

Full title - Blue Wild Angel/Live At The Isle Of Wight. This special limited edition double-disc marks the first complete release of Hendrix's headlining set at the Isle Of Wight Festival in 1970, his last major public appearance. It's a recording that reveals a guitar legend in good humor, yet restlessly exploring the broader musical directions he'd just laid down on sessions for what would become 'First Rays of the New Rising Sun' (initially released posthumously as 'Freedom'). Backed by Experience drummer Mitch Mitchell & Band of Gypsies bassist Billy Cox, Hendrix ranges from the improvisatory cacophony of 'Machine Gun' & reworkings of his standard blues workouts 'Red House' & 'Hey Joe' to renditions of 'Dolly Dagger', 'Ezy Rider', 'Freedom', & 'Hey Baby' that trade on the more rhythmic R&B & jazz influences he'd diligently worked into his music. In its original sequence available for the first

Customer Reviews:

One of His Worst Performances.......2006-06-10

There are so many other performances out there that merit putting on to CD. Hendrix is just not with it for this show. You are better off buying Live at the Fillmore East. I guess the "Isle of Wight" name carries some weight (The Who released a great Isle of Wight performance a few years back). The only other significance is that this is Hendrix' last major public performance, so there is the curiosity factor.

goodstuff.......2005-10-13

"i wanna tellyou, lord, i'm a lover. i said i'm a lover."-jimi hendrix

Not Jimi's best... (3.5 stars).......2004-08-03

While the Isle of Wight concert contains some great playing (as any Jimi Hendrix release does), it is not close to as good as some other Hendrix releases. I do not find myself listening to it very often at all, despite the fact that I am a big Hendrix fan. Certainly there are some enjoyable numbers (a rarely seen live Watchtower, newer songs like Dolly Dagger and Midnight Lightning) but overall Jimi seems somewhat sloppy and tired. I find myself wishing I only bought the single CD. I leave open the possibility that this album may grow on me, but for now I don't listen to it much.

One Of The Last Hendrix Concerts.......2004-05-08

The Isle Of Wight was one of the last Jimi Hendrix concerts before his death in Semptember 1970. Their were many other bands that night including The Who, and The Doors. Jimi Hendrix did many great things that night including his highlighted performence Machine Gun that seems to run on too long. Their are many of his known hits that were played including Purple Haze, and Foxy Lady. But their were also his latter songs that were really interesting to hear including Freedom, and Dolly Dagger. Hendrix was at the peek of his career he was on too much drugs.

Watching the Concert captures the intesity that was played that night. My favorites are LoverMan, All Along The Watchtower, and In From The Storm. Jimi Hendrix did some crazy blues solo's on songs like Red House wow. I still cant believe some of the great things hendrix was doing on the guitar during 1970. Blue Wild Angel is a great concert but not one of his best. I recomend this concert to a real Jimi Hendrix fan for the rest im leaving this one up to you enjoy!

My Favorite Hendrix Show!.......2004-04-27

Jimi Hendrix's performance at the Isle of Wight festival is definitely my favorite for many reasons. There's nothing about this performance I don't like. Hearing live versions of Ezy Ryder (Probably my favorite Hendrix track), Dolly Dagger, Freedom, In From The Storm, and Midnight Lightning are rare treats, considering they weren't performed too many times. First off, Dolly Dagger is great in studio form, and this live version makes it so much better, it's the best version any Hendrix fan will ever hear, and that's saying a lot. Freedom has such a cool riff, hearing it live only makes it better, this song should not be missed at all. Ezy Ryder is such a foot-stomping song live. And is performed at a faster pace. I can't get enough of Ezy Ryder from Isle of Wight. Midnight Lightning is such a rare spectacle to hear, it's a great blues track, and really flows from Jimi.

Machine Gun is mind-blowing. The guitar and drum solos in the jam section are excellent, this track, at first listen left me in a state of shock and awe, definitely his best version of Machine Gun ever performed. Another is Red House, this song is performed with amazing enthusiasm and ability the solos never fail to amaze me, in fact this song challenges the version on the Jimi Hendrix Experience Box Set (which is amazing as well) as the best performed. A final spectacular performance of a song by Jimi would be one of my favorite Hendrix tunes (especially live) Spanish Castle Magic. Jimi really jams on this version better than any other I have heard. His guitar sounds as if it's about to combust, and that's a great thing. One word to describe this version of Spanish Castle Magic. Electrifying.

Next are the songs performed by Hendrix performed plenty of times, and are never boring, but magnificent. Lover Man is performed with great enthusiasm and at a lightning pace which is great for this song. Hey Baby (New Rising Sun) was a staple of the 1970 tour and rightfully so, the song is incredible, really makes you think in the direction where Jimi was going. It's my favorite version performed live. And the proper arrangement of Message to Love is my favorite at this show as well, it's performed with such effort and charisma it can't be passed up.

Finally, are the old Hendrix classics that we all started out on (Hey Joe, Purple Haze, All Along The Watchtower, Foxey Lady, and Voodoo Child (Slight Return). I won't go into detail, but the version of Foxey Lady is the best and my favorite, All Along The Watchtower is great as well, Purple Haze and Hey Joe are always great, and this version of Voodoo Child (Slight Return), is amazing, I love this version it gets my fists in the air and my feet stomping on the ground. Electrifying.

Tracks:

God Save the Queen
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Spanish Castle Magic
All Along the Watchtower
Machine Gun
Lover Man
Freedom
Red House
Dolly Dagger
Midnight Lightning

Tracks:

Foxey Lady
Message to Love
Hey Baby (New Rising Sun)
Ezy Ryder
Hey Joe
Purple Haze
Voodoo Child (Slight Return)
In from the Storm

Tracks:

God Save the Queen [DVD]
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band [DVD]
Spanish Castle Magic [DVD]
All Along the Watchtower [DVD]
Machine Gun [DVD]
Lover Man [DVD]
Freedom [DVD]
Red House [DVD]
Dolly Dagger [DVD]
Foxey Lady [DVD]
Message to Love [DVD]
Ezy Ryder [DVD]
Purple Haze [DVD]
Voodoo Child (Slight Return) [DVD]
In from the Storm [DVD]
In from the Storm

Blue Wild Angel : Live At The Isle Of Wight

Average customer rating:

Blue Wild Angel : Live At The Isle Of Wight
Jimi Hendrix
Manufacturer: MCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Guitar Gods | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000LYVH5W

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