Opens with voice overs on top of archival footage of performances & interviews. Recognizable voices such as Eddie Kramer, Paul McCartney, etc but not yet introduced. Soon reverts back to a typical documentary with talking head interviews time-lining the life of Jimi Hendrix. Brief mention of his death at end the film.
Jimi Hendrix: Hear My Train A Comin’ (2013), directed by Bob Smeaton is a good documentary to watch to catch up on key aspects of Jimi’s short life, all of which has been covered before. Tries to cover a wide spectrum but with minimal depth. Purportedly includes new photos, drawings, letters, and video performance, of which only a completest would be able to identify.
Stylistically, interludes of song lyrics or letters mailed home written across the screen in mock handwriting, attempt to stamp out key milestones in Jimi’s timeline. Too much focus on Jimi’s outward appearance: stage antics, clothes, black man leading a white band only gets into his musical legacy later on and only then in his interpretation of “The Star Spangled Banner” performance at Woodstock in 1969.
For the soundtrack, alternate versions, song sketches and segments in background are mostly instrumental. Jimi was prolific in the studio and this documentary could have culled one or two unreleased or under-appreciated gem to highlight in the storytelling. Such as this Rolling Stone piece: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/premieres/hear-lost-1967-jimi-hendrix-recording-gloomy-monday-20150316
Performances are limited to quick little segments or surround well known concerts such as Monterey Pop and Woodstock, both of which have been previously covered extensively. Although containing poor audio, would still like to see more from London clubs.
Overall, the documentary lacks the depth that classic rock aficionados would be looking for. An hour and a half in the studio with Eddie Kramer discussing Jimi recordings would be the next Hendrix film that I would like to see being made. The video of the song is better than the movie.
- Subject: 4.5
- Camera: 3.0
- Style: 3.0
- Soundtrack: 3.5
- Overall: 3.5
- Total: 3.50