Live at Clark University cover

Live at Clark University

Jimi Hendrix · 1999

70 min · 9 tracks · hard rock

A raw and electrifying performance that captures Jimi Hendrix's improvisational genius and the fervor of his live shows.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Fire Start here — This track demonstrates Hendrix's ability to blend fiery guitar riffs with infectious rhythms, showcasing his flair for electrifying live performances.
  • →
    Red House — A brilliant showcase of Hendrix's blues roots, this rendition allows for expressive solos that highlight his emotional depth and technical prowess.
  • →
    Purple Haze — As one of his signature songs, this live version captures the psychedelic energy of the era while featuring inventive guitar work that redefined rock music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100
Treeline
Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

Hendrix's improvisational brilliance shines through, but the interviews disrupt the live experience.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a pre-concert interview, setting the stage before diving into high-energy performances of classic tracks.
  • Tracks like 'Fire' and 'Purple Haze' feature extended guitar solos that showcase Hendrix's improvisational skills and raw energy.
  • The inclusion of multiple post-concert interviews disrupts the flow of the live performance, affecting the overall cohesion.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
9/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • raw energy of live performance
  • immersive concert experience
  • interviews adding personal context
  • wave-like pacing and dynamics
  • bluesy improvisation that captivates

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer studio polish over rawness
  • dislike lengthy instrumental segments

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A solid live performance showcasing Hendrix's talent, but not a primary entry point for new fans.
Themes
live improvisation energy· 1960s counterculture spirit· electric blues mastery
Career context
Released posthumously in 1999, this album showcases a performance from 1968, during Hendrix's peak creative period following the release of 'Are You Experienced'. By this time, he had established himself as a revolutionary guitarist and cultural icon, known for his innovative sound and stage presence.
Stylistic neighbors
Jeff Beck· Eric Clapton· Stevie Ray Vaughan

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Red House

    The narrative shifts from longing to resignation, depicting a story of heartbreak and lost love with poignant imagery.

    The shift in tone reveals the narrator's emotional evolution throughout the song, enhancing the connection between the lyrical content and Hendrix's soulful guitar playing.

Tracklist

  • 1 Jimi Hendrix: Pre-Concert Interview 20:56
  • 2 Fire Start here 3:33
  • 3 Red House 7:09
  • 4 Foxey Lady 4:32
  • 5 Purple Haze 5:05
  • 6 Wild Thing 8:12
  • 7 Noel Redding: Post-Concert Interview 7:13
  • 8 Mitch Mitchell: Post-Concert Interview 8:58
  • 9 Jimi Hendrix: Post-Concert Interview 4:54

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata