Episode 18: Jimi Hendrix - Band of Gypsys Album Review

Band of Gypsys was a small departure for Jimi Hendrix and his successful world touring band, The Jimi Hendrix Experience in 1969 and 1970. Recorded at the Fillmore East in New York City on two nights, December 31st 1969 and January 1st 1970, Band of Gypsys did not include the original band members from Hendrix’s Experience, but instead featured, Billy Cox on bass guitar and Buddy Miles on drums and backing vocals. It is believed that Cox and Miles joined Hendrix in the recording of this live show to help Hendrix settle a contract dispute with a former manager.Earlier in 1969, while Jimi was wrapping up his world tour with the Experience, he was growing frustrated with his current lineup and explored jamming with new musicians. In October of that same year, he began jamming with Miles and Cox and the three realized they had chemistry together.As a young teenager, I was at the peak of my Seattle Grunge music phase and had just started the downward curve of my obsession with 80’s hair metal. Although I still love both genres today, I will forever include Band of Gypsys as an album that changed my view of music forever.