Though most Jimi Hendrix fans are well versed in the historic performances of the Band of Gypsies at the Fillmore East on New Years Eve & Day as 1969 segued into 1970 through the remarkable recordings Band of Gypsies and Live at the Fillmore East, up until now there hasn't been a complete show released of any of the 4 sets played over those two days. Until now that is. Machine Gun includes the very first show played on 12/31/1969, in the correct running order as it happened that day. While some purists might argue that better versions of some of these songs appeared later over the course of the two day period (and who can argue that "Machine Gun" from the Band of Gypsies is the DEFINITIVE version of that song), there is still a raw, primal feel here on performance number one that shows the trio just starting to gel and find their rhythm. "Hear My Train A Comin' " absolutely smokes, as Billy Box & Buddy Miles are completely locked in while Hendrix fires away with some molten blues rock guitar. "Machine Gun" ain't no slouch either, not quite coming close to the mercurial version they would play the next day, but Jimi still gives it his all and unleashes a torrent of savage guitar noise. Some of the more funky pieces work out quite well, like an upbeat "Izabella", raucous takes on "Power of Soul" and "Lover Man", plus a splendid version of "Stop" that features a can't miss groove and loads of juicy guitar work.
The back end of the set also impresses mightily, and includes a hard rocking "Ezy Ryder", sizzling slow blues with "Bleeding Heart", an ultra funky "Earth Blues", and a wild mix of rock, funk, blues, gospel, and jazz on "Burning Desire". Give the band lots of credit for unleashing so many never before heard songs on an unsuspecting audience, most of whom probably had no idea of the future historical significance they were witnessing. The sound quality throughout is quite good, and as always with these recent live Hendrix releases, the booklet contains plenty of info on the event as well as photographs. Basically, this is essential Jimi Hendrix, and hopefully we'll see the other 3 complete shows released in the not too distant future.
See more about this release on our recent YouTube show!
Track Listing
1) Power of Soul
2) Lover Man
3) Hear My Train A Comin'
4) Changes
5) Izabella
6) Machine Gun
7) Stop
8) Ezy Rider
9) Bleeding Heart
10) Earth Blues
11) Burning Desire
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