of classics like ‘Purple Haze,’ ‘Foxy Lady’ and ‘Little Wing,’ and previously unheard Hendrix music including ‘It’s Too Bad’ and ‘Country Blues’ — plus some unearthed gems die-hard fans will love. There’s cover of Bob Dylan’s ‘Like a Rolling Stone’ from Hendrix’s perform- ances at San Francisco’s Winterland in October of 1968 (with Dylan in the audience) and the origi- nal recording of ‘Peace in Mississippi’ (recorded that same month), which was previously available only as the B-side of the 2010 ‘Valleys of Neptune’ single. In addition, there’s a recently discov- ered 1967 performance of ‘Burning of the Mid- night Lamp’ and the original U.K. single mix of ‘The Stars That Play With Laughing Sam’s Dice.’ It’s an outstanding release, with a fact- filled liner notes book included. The tracks of Jimi joking around in the studio are price-
less.....And speaking of reissues, the land- mark 1987 release Roy Orbison’s Greatest Hits has been reissued. The smoothest voice in rock and roll was silenced in 1988, but the music he left behind is timeless, from his early Sun Records recordings all the way through to his outstanding ‘80’s releases and his work as a Traveling Wilbury. Greatest Hits is a collection of tracks re-recorded by Orbison in ‘85-’87 and includes the best of the best, from “Only the Lonely” and “In Dreams” to “Candyman,” “Crying” (a personal favorite), “Oh, Pretty Woman” and “Dream Baby,” all of his hits are here, and thanks to more modern day technology, these 19 tracks really showcase that special voice that was uniquely Roy
Orbison...And speaking of great artists who have passed through the veil,
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Richie Havens is celebrated with the new release of two CD’s, His Last Songs and Mixed Bag for Kids. Seven tracks that are ab- solute Havens. “What a Wonderful World,” done here in a beautiful acoustic rendition appears on both collec- tions, as does the song “Sharing.” It works equally well for kids and adults. Also on Mixed Bag is “Kid Hop Rhyme,” complete with kids, anx- ious for Havens to teach them how to rhyme and rap, which he does with childlike wonderment. “Welcome to My Castle” is also great fun. With His Last Songs, Havens turns in a smooth, laid back, downright pretty version
of “I Can See Clearly Now,” and he gets us all feelin’ groovy with a cover of Simon & Gar- funkel’s “59th Street Bridge Song.” Havens even covered a Bob Marley tune. “Three Little Birds” sounds excellent. Both of these re- leases are laid back masterpieces from a true folk-rock
giant....Cyril Neville’s Magic Honey kicks off with the title track, a rocking blues number that sets the stage for eleven more Neville gems. On the album Cyril is joined by some very special guests, including Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, Mike Zitto, Mean Willie Green and Walter Trout. That’s what I’m talking about. One of the best cuts here is “Swamp Funk,” with Dr. John on organ, Allen Toussaint’s piano, and Neville’s always funky percussion adding layers of texture to the funk. Slow burning blues never sounded bet- ter than it does on “Something’s Got a Hold On Me.” The guitar work of David Z and the band make this one kind of reminiscent of Gov’t Mule. I like it. The whole record is a funky blues fest, from the rocking “Money &
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