Machine Gun: Jimi Hendrix The Fillmore East First Show 12/31/1969 [LP]

by Jimi Hendrix

Overview

Well, this is something serious Hendrix collectors have been waiting for. Band of Gypsys famously played a total of four shows 12/31/69 and 1/1/70 at the Fillmore East (two shows each night). This is the complete first set from the first night; their debut live show. Although the original Band of Gypsys album was compiled from the second night, it wasn't because there weren't amazing performances to choose from on the first night. The first couple songs are a bit rough around the edges, but when Jimi goes deep blues with "Hear My Train a Comin'," he really starts feeling it and turns in an absolutely amazing version (that's why it was previously released on Band of Gypsys 2 and Live at the Fillmore East). "Machine Gun" is another stunner. There are significant differences to the lyrics, and the structure of the song is different as well (Billy Cox says both Jimi and Buddy Miles were doing things that weren't done in rehearsals). "Bleeding Heart" is another amazing blues performance leading into two songs that were almost never performed live: "Earth Blues" and "Burning Desire." Throughout the set, the band is absolutely locked in. They aren't just playing; they're clearly listening to each other and Hendrix turns in some scorching guitar. The most interesting thing might be the realization of how much of these sets and songs was improvised by the band, as shown by the differences in "Machine Gun" from night to night. Eddie Kramer deserves credit for a truly excellent mix (and probably some judicious editing on "Changes"). It's not really fair to compare Machine Gun to Band of Gypsys since one is a largely unedited complete performance and the other is the best cuts selected from a couple shows. That said, there are performances here that rival those of the original Band of Gypsys album, and hearing Jimi on his game with great sound will always be welcomed. ~ Sean Westergaard

Product Details

Release Date:	09/30/2016
Label:	Legacy / Sony Music
UPC:	0889853541713

Tracks

Disc 1

1. Power of Soul
2. Lover Man
3. Hear My Train a Comin'
4. Changes
5. Izabella
6. Machine Gun

Disc 2

7. Stop
8. Ezy Ryder
9. Bleeding Heart
10. Earth Blues
11. Burning Desire

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Jimi Hendrix   Primary Artist,Guitar,Vocals
Billy Cox   Bass,Vocals (Background)
Buddy Miles   Drums,Vocals,Vocals (Background)

Technical Credits

Chandler Harrod   Assistant Engineer
Steve Pesant   Photo Assistance
Barry Gruber   Photo Assistance
John McDermott   Producer
Alan Herr   Cover Photo,Photography
Jacob McMurray   Photo Assistance
Spencer Guerra   Assistant Engineer
Bernie Grundman   Mastering
Janie Hendrix   Producer
Eddie Kramer   Producer
Elmore James   Composer
Jerry Ragovoy   Composer
Jimi Hendrix   Composer
Mort Shuman   Composer
David Fricke   Essay,Liner Notes
Jim Cummins   Photography
Phil Yarnall   Design