Despite having never recorded a traditional blues studio record, Jimi Hendrix remains one of the leading exponents of the genre. Having been inspired by blues artists himself, Hendrix continues to influence bluesmen and women almost half a century after his untimely death.
“Blues” is essentially a posthumous compilation release. This collection of songs, released by MCA in 1994, is bookended by two very different versions of “Hear My Train A Comin’” The opening version, a traditional acoustic country blues rendition and the record’s closing track, a raucous electric arrangement, reminiscent of Voodoo Chile (Slight Return).
Elsewhere, the album features a slow, grooving instrumental version of Albert King’s “Born Under A Bad Sign”, Jimi’s signature slow blues of “Red House”, a live recording of “Catfish Blues” and an uptempo cover of the Muddy Waters classic “Mannish Boy”.
This compilation provides more than an hour of Jimi Hendrix at his bluesiest, showcasing his unmistakable and unique feel and phrasing.