Blues (CD/DVD Deluxe Edition)

This reissued collection of 11 stinging blues classics brings Hendrix's work as a bluesman to the musical forefront. Features a brilliant 12-string acoustic rendition of "Hear My Train A Comin'," plus Hendrix's own tributes to some of his blues forefathers, including Muddy Waters' "Mannish Boy" and Booker T. Jones' "Born Under A Bad Sign."

The Deluxe Edition comes in a lavish digipak with a booklet including detailed session info, liner notes, photos and memorabilia. The DVD includes an exclusive mini-documentary. Jimi's love for the blues is celebrated here in this acclaimed 30 minute documentary that features performances from the Fillmore East and the Isle Of Wight and interviews with blues legends Buddy Guy, Hubert Sumlin, and BB King as well as Band Of Gypsys bassist Billy Cox and drummer Buddy Miles. Original Classic Albums also available on 180 gram audiophile LP with gatefold jackets and color LP booklets.

After the disorganized and often unlistenable Alan Douglas-produced reissues in the '70s and '80s, MCA has been releasing the vast Hendrix archives in an intelligent and methodical manner. Blues is a perfect example, making the case that--on top of everything else--Jimi Hendrix was one fine blues guitarist. Combining the fluid lines of B.B. King with the spikiness of Hubert Sumlin and the crying tone of Elmore James with his usual synapse-frying intensity, Hendrix manages to both honor the music tradition while remaining uniquely himself. These studio outtakes and warm-ups (plus one previously released track, the magnificent "Hear My Train a Comin'") include a playful "Mannish Boy," the slow burn of "Once I Had A Woman," and a metallic "Bleeding Heart." --Steven Mirkin