JIMI HENDRIX
Live at Woodstock (2010)

It’s hard to imagine that anyone who wants this on CD doesn’t already have it, but Sony have delivered yet another package of the famous, career defining, JIMI HENDRIX AT WOODSTOCK - which might reek of profiteering if it weren’t trailing such an impressive bunch of bells and whistles.

In addition to the 2 discs full of the entire Woodstock set, including jams and banter, there’s a lavish booklet in this package, chock full of photos and a long and informative article written by Rolling Stone honcho David Fricke, as well as interactive video content through your computer.

The music itself is just the same as it always has been – give or take a remasterly cleanup. Hendrix and co were stoned and tired when they came on stage at dawn to find most of the crowd had dispersed, not to mention the fact that his new troupe had only rehearsed twice and he didn’t want to play his older songs.

It’s testament to the man’s talent that 40-plus years later and despite all these obstacles, he made the festival his own and the set still sounds wild and unhinged.

Shane Pinnegar