by Leo StanleyIn the early '70s, Lonnie Smith's recordings frequently exhibited a debt to Jimi Hendrix's groundbreaking fusions, but he waited until 1995 to release Foxy Lady, a full-fledged tribute to the innovative guitarist. Foxy Lady was so successful that Smith decided to make another Hendrix album, again with John Abercrombie and Marvin "Smitty" Smith. Purple Haze is as entertaining as Foxy Lady -- it's truly remarkable to hear how these blues-rockers can open up into soul-jazz numbers tinged with free jazz influences -- and confirms not only Hendrix's composing talents, but also Smith's vision.