Hendrix ‎– Band Of Gypsys VG+/VG

Jimi Hendrix’s “Band of Gypsys” is a scorching live album that captured a new direction for the guitar legend. Recorded at the Fillmore East in 1970, it features Hendrix with a new band – Billy Cox on bass and Buddy Miles on drums – collectively known as the Band of Gypsys. This wasn’t just a change in personnel; it was a change in sound.

The album throws blues, funk, and R&B into Hendrix’s trademark psychedelic rock stew. Tracks like “Machine Gun” and “Who Knows” sprawl into extended jams, showcasing Hendrix’s improvisational brilliance and the tight interplay between the trio. Hendrix’s guitar work is as fiery and inventive as ever, weaving scorching leads with soulful riffs.

“Band of Gypsys” isn’t just a showcase for Hendrix’s talents, though. Buddy Miles’ vocals and energetic drumming push the music forward, creating a more groove-oriented sound than the Experience. This isn’t to say the album lacks rock muscle. Hendrix still unleashes his pent-up energy on tracks like “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” and “Hey Joe.”

While some consider it less polished than his studio albums, “Band of Gypsys” is a raw and electrifying document of a band on the cusp of something new. It’s a vital listen for any Hendrix fan and a testament to his ever-evolving musical genius.