Jimi Hendrix - Jimi Plays Berkeley

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Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Plays Berkeley (DVD/Blu-ray)
Hendrix Experience LLC & Legacy Recordings

            Jimi Hendrix is without a doubt one of the greatest and most influential guitar players of all time.  In his short life he produced some of the greatest rock classics that are still relevant today.  Unfortunately for me Hendrix died in the year I was born so I never had the opportunity to see him perform live.  However with the new release from Hendrix Experience LLC & Legacy Recordings I now have the privilege to viewing one of his greatest performances just months before his passing.  “Jimi Plays Berkeley” is a momentous documentary of sorts that archives the two shows Hendrix played at the Berkeley Community Theater on May 30, 1970. 

            “Jimi Plays Berkeley” is the digitally restored version of Jimi’s performance at the Theater.  It contains footage of nearly 20 minutes of unreleased footage of such classics as “Hear My Train A Comin’”, “Machine Gun” and “Voodoo Child (A Slight Return)” all three not contained in the films original release.  This intimate show also features performances of “Johnny B. Goode” ,“Star Spangled Banner”, “Purple Haze” and many more.  Special features include an interview with Abe Jacob, Jimi’s sound engineer, new artwork, an audio only –Bonus Track 2.0/5.1 Surround Sound featuring 12 songs (including “Foxey Lady, “Hey Joe” and “Voodoo Child”) and a photo gallery of many previously unpublished photographs.

            “Jimi Hendrix: Jimi Plays Berkeley” is an awe inspiring performance.  I sat amazed in front of my computer screen as I watched a legend performing his classics with such ease and passion.  Overall, I really enjoyed this DVD and it would be a great addition to anyone’s DVD/Blu-ray collection.  I recommend this DVD to any classic rock fan whether you are a Hendrix junkie or one who just enjoys his classic “Jimi Plays Berkeley” is some eye candy you won’t want to miss.