Noel Redding & 3:05am - The West Coast Experience (CD 2001)

Firstly I’ll start by stating that it was my privilege to meet Mr Noel Redding a few years ago when he came to Stoke on Trent to open the “Academy of Sound” which is a large music shop here in North Staffordshire.

Noel did his bit, officially opened the shop, a bit of a talk, played a few tunes, questions and answers then handing out signed posters and socialising with the small crowd who turned up.

A very quietly spoken bloke, he looked to me as though he had lived the rock and roll life style to the full.

Most of us old rockers are aware that in his early years he played bass in the power trio of guitar, bass and drums that were the “Jimi Hendrix Experience”.

Though this was to be the beginning of fame and notoriety for Noel, he would forever be overshadowed by Jimi Hendrix.

In my continuing exploration of e-bay, I discovered this CD for sale and decided to buy. I have not got any other material of Noel Redding.

If you can get it cheaply then it is well worth buying this recording.

The album is recoded live in New York and if you like R&B, rock and roll and blues, you’ll like this one.

The recording quality on the album is superb.

Most of the tracks are cover versions, recorded in Noel’s own style and within the album are shades of Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Dr Feelgood, a bit of the Irish feel thrown in for good measure and even a bit of Jethro Tull.

Noel Redding, may you forever rest in peace.