Jimi Hendrix - 'The Dick Cavett Show' (MCA)
4/5
By: Toby L
Chronicling the career of a legend such as Hendrix would be a time-wasting reservation; Woodstock, the footage of his guitar being set alight, Isle Of Wight... Where do the classic moments end?
Content > > >
With 'The Dick Cavett Show' compilation-DVD, a winning-formula has been struck. Assembling together both of Jimi's legendary appearances on the now-defunct US TV-show from the late-60s, not only do we get spirited renditions of 'Izabella' - as performed with the network's house-band - 'Machine Gun' and 'Hear My Train A Comin', but there's also the real, true treat: candid interview-scenes with Hendrix and host.
Cavett, hardly one in his day to avoid the matters people wanted to hear, despite his somewhat nervous demeanour, notably soars as the conservative, educated, mildly-reserved presenter as his guest provides humorous and thought-provoking insights. Indeed, seeing such a guitar-grappling genius as Hendrix so openly discussing his predicaments in '69 - and recounting past experiences as a paratrooper and the key moments during his live-career - in such a calmly sophisticated fashion, makes for compelling viewing.
And, what with an accompanying documentary providing updated opinions on the original televisual encounters, as discussed by Dick himself and various members of the Experience group, the content, albeit short and repetitive, serves as a timely reminder of a sonically-vital instance in the solo-artist's vocation.
Sound & Vision > > >
Restoration on this package of both audio and picture has been exemplary and to the highest possible order; when contemplating the shows' original transmission-dates several decades ago, possessive back then of often muffled sound and low-res colour vision, the digital remastering is a modern wonder to behold, even when feeding back this material through the most merely agreeable piece of equipment... Sure, it ain't Dolby, but fans will find themselves hard pressed to be disappointed.
So, yes, unlike some of Hendrix's seminal performances, 'The Dick Cavett Show' may prove short - but, much alike some of Hendrix's seminal performances, the result still proves thrilling in spite of such a fact.
Artists in this article: Jimi Hendrix
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