Voodoo Chile, page 2

"In From the Storm" does benefit from inspired choices of Hendrix numbers. Sting and McLaughlin team for an understated version of "The Wind Cries Mary," where Sting's relaxed vocals bounce effectively off McLaughlin's jagged, ringing runs. Drummer and vocalist Buddy Miles, who was an integral member of Hendrix's Band of Gypsies, brings soul to two cuts originally recorded by Hendrix's more famous hit-making trio, the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Joined by funkateers Bootsy Collins and Bernie Worrell, Miles has some fun on "Purple Haze," the only Hendrix "hit" on the CD.

But, it turns out, all the guitar heroes and all of Jimi's friends cannot create the Hendrix aura again.

The Smith Trio's "Purple Haze" is a more adventurous and successful tribute. Shortly before his death, Hendrix had begun to jam with jazz artists, including Williams, McLaughlin and progressive organ master Larry Young (who died in 1978).

On "Purple Haze," Smith offers some compelling moves on the venerable Hammond B-3 organ, the key ingredient in the blues-drenched jazz combos that blossomed in the 1960s and early '70s. The organ has resurfaced as a popular instrument with recent releases by masters Jimmy Smith and Jimmy McGriff, as well as newcomers Tony Z and Larry Goldings. In addition, a generation of youthful listeners from the acid jazz and "rare groove" camps are discovering, through the magic of reissues, the funky pleasures of organ combos.

Lonnie Smith anchored many such combos, most notably with alto sax player Lou Donaldson and a young George Benson. And on an extended reworking of Hendrix's "Up From the Skies," Smith sticks with straight bluesology, romping along with the swells and trills that are the most joyous sounds in the B-3 palette.

Otherwise, "Purple Haze" heads into the ether with Abercrombie's distinctively steely, reflective guitar style. The band puts a gentle foot forward on "Gypsy Eyes," one of the more straight-forward tracks from Hendrix's "Electric Ladyland." Abercrombie takes on his softest, most comforting tone while "Smitty" Smith, a veteran hard bop timekeeper, sets the rhythm with rim shots leavened by subtle mallet work.

The single bow to Hendrixian excess takes place during a recap of Jimi's soaring "The Star-Spangled Banner," which Abercrombie drops into the middle of a slow-simmering revamp of the title number.

"Purple Haze" provides both better listening and a more meaningful tribute to Hendrix than "In from the Storm," because it goes much farther in showing that Hendrix's music remains potent well beyond its psychedelic trappings and guitar innovations.