Various Voodoo Crossing, A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix

Various Voodoo Crossing, A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix -

1. STEVE LUKATHER - Third Stone From The Sun - 5:36

2. SCOTT FINCH - Castles Made Of Sand - 3:17

3. ROBBEN FORD - Message To Love - 4:50

4. LARRY CORYELL - House Burning Down - 5:28

5. JEFF RICHMAN - May This Be Love - 5:24

6. ALESSIO MENCONI - Manic Depression - 4:48

7. ARLEN ROTH - Villanova Junction Blues - 4:34

8. VIC VERGEAT - If 6 Was 9 - 3:27

9. JOE COLOMBO - Red House - 5:13

10. HIRAM BULLOCK - Voodoo Chile - 8:23

11. TONY SPINNER - Up From The Skies - 5:33

12. MARK DOYLE - Stone Free - 4:08

13. PAT TRAVERS - I Don't Live Today - 3:57

14. JOHN NITZINGER - Fire - 4:12

15. MIKE ONESKO - Hey Joe - 5:56

16. JIMI Speaks - 0:57

They say that imitation is the highest form of flattery. But recording an album of such faithful covers can restrict individual re-interpretations. In that way "In From The Storm" is a better Hendrix tribute album of variety. However, "Voodoo Crossing" makes up the ground in it's presentation and selection of musicians: Steve Lukather, Robben Ford, Jimmy Haslip, Gary Novak, Larry Coryell, Hiram Bullock, Pat Travers and Scott Pickering, included, plus a host of family members (the opportunity was clearly used by some to spread the honour of taking part). The lucious packaging contains recording notes, even making special mention of a 1958 Strat, and personal recollections, including pinching Hendrix's joint from the Record Plant mixing desk and when Robert Wyatt punched Pat Travers who was clinging to Hendrix's strat. It is indeed an album of some of the greatest guitar music by guitar greats, in honour of a guitar god.

Standout tracks include Ford's straightish reading of "Message To Love", the Coryell's time signature-altered "House Burning Down", Roth's soulful "Villanova Junction Blues", Onesko's electric "Hey Joe" and highlight, Colombo's Dobro take on "Red House". But, elsewhere, also beware the buttock-clenching "let's rock" moments which seem obligatory when Hendrix and testosterone make contact.