They weren't the first power trio to shake the Forum's rafters; Cream had done a two-night stint there during their "farewell" tour the previous autumn. But the Experience show is still fairly notable for a few reasons aside from the reasonable argument that every show they played was significant for one reason or another. The Forum show was one of their last with Noel Redding as a full-time member; he'd hand in his papers almost exactly two months later. The night's set featured some unusual selections and choices, such as a lengthy yet melodic strutting blues called "Taxfree" that would have fit well on the recent Electric Ladyland had it had lyrics. Many heard his iconic take on "The Star Spangled Banner" for the very first time at the Forum as he worked out a few kinks several months ahead of Woodstock. The group also did a speedy storm through "Sunshine of Your Love", perhaps as a tribute to the band who originated it and played the Forum the previous October or perhaps because the Experience just played this song from time to time. As was the case with "Taxfree", Jimi didn't trouble himself with Cream's song's words.
Although there was a share of Experience standards in the mix--"Foxey Lady", "Purple Haze", "Red House", "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)", which does a full return when the group plays not one but two renditions of the number: one a nine-minute performance with lyrics, one a short chaotic instrumental--this set is more about performance than material. The band sounds perfectly in-sync and delighted to simply be playing together, which is heartening considering how they'd pull apart in a couple of months.
The Jimi Hendrix Experience- Los Angeles Forum- April 26, 1969 is now making its official debut on vinyl with clear soundboard sound and liner memories by Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, who was in the audience to experience the Experience that night.
