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Live At Monterey is a CD issued last year that presents Jimi Hendrix’ complete concert at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival. Hendrix was a star in England, but was an unknown artist in the United States. The audience at his performance had no idea that they were in for a music changing event as Hendrix, in about 43 minutes, changed the face of rock ‘n’ roll in the United States.
The music contained on this CD had been presented a number of times. There have been two different CD releases of which I am aware. Also some of the music appeared on the Monterey Pop Festival’s 30th anniversary box set. The quality of the sound has always been an issue.
While this CD purports to have cleaned it up and re-mastered it as much as possible; it just comes back to the issue that the recording equipment in use was not up to even 1967 standards. What this CD does have in its favor is that it retained all of Hendrix’s patter and conversation.
Hendrix kicks off his performance with “Killing Floor.” Mitch Mitchell’s drumming is always an interesting part of any Hendrix live show. Here he plays alongside Hendrix rather than playing behind him. He was an important and constant part of Hendrix’ sound as he provided the filler in Hendrix’ power trio format.
“Foxey Lady” is the familiar Hendrix. Psychedelic rock meets rock ‘n’ roll meets rhythm & blues, all propelled by his guitar wizardry. “Like A Rolling Stone” is a straight forward presentation of this Dylan classic. Hendrix is loyal to the structure and melody while providing appropriate guitar improvisations.
“Rock Me Baby” just rolls over the listener in waves. Hendrix is in straight rock mode here with some odd tuning of his guitar to provide a unique sound. “The Wind Cries Mary” is one of my favorite Hendrix tunes be it live or in the studio. The laid back but creative guitar playing is always a welcome relief in the frenetic Hendrix universe. “Purple Haze” is a live signature song by Hendrix and the use of distortion and feedback while maintaining the songs structure is always unique. Hendrix ends the concert with his memorable rendition of “Wild Thing” in which he burns his guitar at the end.
Live At Monterey and the live Band Of Gypsys albums are probably the two essential live albums by Jimi Hendrix. Live At Monterey also has a historic significance as it was his coming out party. As such, it should be a part of any Jimi Hendrix collection.
