As part of the numerous compilations issued in conjunction with the major television documentary series The Blues, this is a collection of blues-oriented Hendrix recordings. There is a previous compilation of Hendrix’ blues-oriented work in 1994, simply titled Blues, but very little of that material is repeated on this release. This release works as a fine grouping of some of Hendrix’ bluesiest recordings for those listeners who want to plunge especially deep into one facet of his repertoire. "Red House" and "Voodoo Chile" are by far the most celebrated tracks here. The fine Earl King cover "Come On (Let the Good Times Roll)" (from Electric Ladyland) is the only other song that came out in Hendrix’ lifetime. The other selections vary from inspired ("Hear My Train a Comin’," recorded in early 1969 with the original Jimi Hendrix Experience lineup, and a solo "Midnight Lightning") to straight ahead jams, with Hendrix’ imaginative virtuosity and affinity for the blues evident. This being a posthumous Hendrix release, it couldn’t be complete without a couple of previously unissued tracks to tempt the completists Those are the 1969 outtakes "Georgia Blues," on which Hendrix is actually more like a backing musician for Lonnie Youngblood (who takes lead vocals), and "Blue Window," a nearly 13-minute outing that gives vent to his jazzier tendencies, the arrangement also featuring organ, three saxophones and two trumpets. The liner notes about Jimi’s blues record-collecting habits by mid-’60s girlfriend Faye Pridgon are also pretty cool. A must for Hendrix LP lovers.

Track Listing

Side One
1. Red House
2. Voodoo Chile

Side Two
1. Come On (Let the Good Times Roll)
2. Georgia Blues
3. Country Blues

SIde Three
1. Hear My Train A Comin'
2. It's Too Bad

Side Four
1. My Friend
2. Blue Window
3. Midnight Lightning