I just grabbed Miami Pop at Sonic Boom in Toronto. It didn't grab me on the first listen, but I'm gonna give it another spin soon. The recording was certainly not great. Yesterday gave a listen to an early Brown label Electric Ladyland. Wow, had forgotten just how good this LP is. Side D has to be one of the strongest LP sides ever.
Hendrix : Freedom/ATL pop festival
As many know, live Jimi is a mixed bag. At times unfocused, uninterested, sloppy, and just plain "out there", his live catalog has been the source of discussions for many years. We now can add Freedom to the conversation. A long overdue remastered version of his infamous 1970 concert, this recording probably doesn't do anything to change the reputation of Jimi as a performer. That being said, this recording does have its merits. For one the sound is quite good considering this was recorded 4O odd years ago. As with most late Hendrix live albums, it takes awhile for Jimi to gain his bearings. But when he does, buckle up. " Hear my Train a coming" has a great guitar tone, and the fluid phrasing of his solid are breathtaking. This by far the highlight IMHO. A couple of inspired versions of "Foxey Lady" and "Purple Haze" bring the show home. Stronger IMHO than some more well known shows (Woodstock, Isle) and with quality sound, Freedom is an intriguing addition to the somewhat bloated Hendrix canon. Is it essential? That's up to the listener. I think it's solid.