The Jimi Hendrix 40th anniversary Concerts 2010 by The Hamsters.

Two CD set of live recordings.

This 24-track homage to one of the greatest guitarists in the world is a bittersweet affair, showcasing both the phenomenal talent of Hendrix’s songwriting and the intricate interpretation by guitarist Barry Martin alias Slim. It is a farewell album from The Hamsters after 25 years together on the road and recording.

The rocking rodents, Slim, lead singer and guitar, Otis on drums and Zsa Zsa on bass and backing vocals jump off their hamster wheel 25 years to the day they began rehearsing together on Saturday March 31.

They leave behind a legacy of hot rock tipified in this double album which includes all the best known Hendrix anthems. The hauntingly beautiful version of When The Wind Cries Mary fairly catches at your throat, Voodoo Chile, where Slim really seems to morph into Hendrix, rocks you out, Hey Joe with those famous riffs to reckon with, Purple Haze leaves you in a magical mist of myth and All Along The Watchtower rings out its klaxon call for all time in this memorial album.

The guitarmanship is hair-raisingly curl curling, even for such an accomplished musician as Slim. You can feel he is saying goodbye in the best way he knows, through his fingers.

Room Full of Mirrors held me mesmerised and the stunning adaptation of Wild Thing was undoubtedly a strange thing to behold.

Foxy Lady is sex on frets, Ezy Rider conjures up a picture of going Mark 4 with your hair on fire and Star Spangled Banner brings ‘that picture’ of Hendrix immediately to mind.

Slim says farewell through his fingers in fine frenetic fashion. The Hamsters will be sadly missed.

The Hamsters play their last gigs in the area on Wednesday March 21 and 22 at South Street Arts Centre, Reading. Tickets are £15 from 0118 960 6060.

- Flicky Harrison