This LP is not really my favorite, but whenever someone asks me about it, this is always the one that comes to mind first. That’s probably because of the unparalleled versions of Little Wing and Red House on this album (both of which I think I’ve listened to about 300,000 times). So maybe this album has had more influence on my musical development than I realize. It is a “Live” album which is composed of songs from various concerts and two different band formations and has a bit of a messy history (which suits me). My first copy (LP) I played gray and where other people sometimes made a scratch on such an LP while moving the needle, I branded mine with a burning cigarette while turning it over (I think still with heavy Van Nelle) so that was careful while turning it over because otherwise I could get a new needle. As far as I’m concerned, this album is still highly recommended, especially for musicians. Just make sure you listen to the original, from before 2011.
Jimi Hendrix- guitar, vocals; Mitch Mitchell- drums; Noel Redding- bass guitar (1968-1969 tracks and Billy Cox- bass guitar (1970 tracks)
On the 1st release of the album (1971): The album’s credits misrepresent “Little Wing” and “Voodoo Child” as being recorded in San Diego, but in reality they were recorded at the Royal Albert Hall on February 24, 1969. All songs were written by Hendrix, except where noted. The album details are from the original 1971 Reprise LP record labels. The original UK Polydor release reverses the sides, with “Johnny B. Goode” as opening side one and “The Queen” side two. Both the Reprise and Polydor album liner notes list the tracks in a different order than the actual LPs.
2011 reissue: Hendrix in the West was reissued on September 13, 2011, as part of Experience Hendrix’s project to remaster Hendrix’s discography. Because the rights to the Royal Albert Hall performances featured on the original LP are in dispute,[8] the reissue replaces the recordings of “Little Wing” (3:52) from Winterland on October 12, 1968, and “Voodoo Child” (10:40) from the San Diego Sports Arena on May 24, 1969.