Lifelines: The Jimi Hendrix Story. - sound recording reviews

Ebony, March, 1991 by Lynn Norment

LIFELINES THE JIMI HENDRIX STORY

You don't have to be a rock music fan to appreciate Lifelines/The Jimi Hendrix Story (Reprise), the exceptional four-CD musical biography of the late rock star whose mastery of the guitar is still inspiration to young professional musicians of all genres. Three of the CDs in this musical package, produced by Bruce Gary, feature alternate takes, home demos and rare live performances. In addition, there are interviews with the legendary guitarist himself, as well as with family, friends and musicians he worked with and influenced. It features outstanding numbers such as "Testify" (with the Isley Brothers), "Lawdy Miss Clawdy," "Hoochie Koochie Man," "Purple Haze," "Foxey Lady," B. B. King's "Rock Me Baby," "All Along The Watchtower," "Voodoo Child" and "Machine Gun." Vol. IV captures the Jimi Hendrix Experience's electrifying April 26, 1969, concert before a capacity crowd of 18,000 at the Los Angeles Forum. Two months later, the Experience disbanded. Hendrix died in September 1970 at age 27 after recording a dozen or so albums and accumulating wealth and fame as an innovative rock star.

Three years after their successful debut recording, Guy is again topping the charts with The Future (MCA). Another dynamic showcase for producer/ writer Teddy Riley's "new jack swing" musical style, this album continues with his slick, street sound enhanced by exhilarating keyboard grooves and infectious dance rhythms. "Teddy's Jam 2" is a followup to the very popular cut on the first album. "It's a higher level. It's smoking," says Guy's Damion Hall, who choregographs the trio's fancy footwork. His brother, Aaron Hall, is lead singer and co-writer of many of the songs. Other hot tunes include "Let's Chill," Wanna Get With U," "Smile," "D-O-G Me Out," "Yearning For Your Love," and "The Future."

Florence Quivar excels on her newest recording, Ride On, King Jesus (EMI/Angel), which she says is the realization of a lifelong dream. The internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano is joined by the Harlem Boys' Choir in a magnificent celebration of Black American songs. Among the 23 performances are classics such as the title song, "He's Got The Whole World In His Hands," "I've Been 'Bucked," Roland Hayes' "Roun' About de Mountain" and "Plenty Good Room," and Leonard De Paur's "In Bright Mansions Above." "Nothing has given me as much joy as working on this recording if Negro spirituals," Quivar writes.

ALSO RECOMMENDED: Jeffrey Osborne, Only Human (Arista); Teddy Pendergrass, Truly Blessed (Elektra); New Edition's Ralph Tresvant solo debut (MCA); Sinbad, Brain Damaged (Wing/Polygram); and Big Daddy Kane, Taste of Chocolate (Reprise).