Somewhat Half Baked, but Still Tasty
Lest there be any confusion, I do believe Jimi is the Kang! (king), and he stands head and shoulders above most Rock, Soul, and Blues musicians.
I've been listening to this material for many, many years, as it was released on CRY OF LOVE, WAR HEROES, RAINBOW BRIDGE, VOODOO SOUP, etc. These are not actually finished recordings (not by Jimi, anyway), but projects Jimi was working on at the time of his death.
To be honest, I don't think most of it compares to Jimi's work on ARE YOU EXPERIENCED?, BOLD AS LOVE, ELECTRIC LADYLAND, BBC SESSIONS, or even BAND OF GYPSYS or some of the other good/great live albums. Of course there are some interesting musical ideas here, we are dealing with Jimi Hendrix, and the man was brilliant. Musicianship, especially Jimi & Mitch, is amazing, but Jimi isn't quite as colorful as previously.
With 17 tracks, there is a lot of music here; so we are certainly 'getting our money's worth'. The music generally leans toward Rock & Funk. Some Pop & just a little Blues/Soul. Very little to no Psych or Acid Rock (opinions come into play), just hints here & there.
The musical colors seem somewhat drab and samey, or limited in scope. I don't hear much joy in this music. Well, not all music has to be joyful; but much of this material seems odd and vaguely depressing.
The strongest tracks imo would be 'Freedom', 'Angel', 'Room Full Of Mirrors', 'Ezy Rider', 'Stepping Stone', 'My Friend', and the unusual & intriguing 'Hey Baby (New Rising Sun)'. 'Belly Button Window' is just a mellow & silly little Blues tune, not too impressive at all, but I like it and it's cute/funky/intense little wah-wah guitar flourishes.
I must say that Jimi really COOKS and WAILS on 'Stepping Stone' !
Incredible.
'FIRST RAYS' is easily worth it's cost, but if you're unfamiliar with Jimi's music, don't start here- start at the beginning, and that means 'ARE YOU EXPERIENCED?' or possibly 'BBC SESSIONS'.Read full review
