Tributee: Jimi Hendrix.
Unlike numerous rock-oriented tribute albums that have been released in Jimi Hendrix's memory, POWER OF SOUL focuses on the R&B/soul aspects of Hendrix's music. The artists range from Goodie Mob rapper Cee-Lo (sounding unrecognizable on a tasty version of "Foxy Lady") and Prince riding a funky wah-wah pedal on a renamed "Purple House" to Chaka Khan teaming with Kid Rock guitarist Kenny Olson on a heart-wrenching walk through "Little Wing." Sounds of Blackness work wonders on an uplifting "Castles Made of Sand," and neo-soul crooner Musiq growls new life into "Are You Experienced?" Equally notable is the supergroup of Carlos Santana, Corey Glover, Stanley Clarke, and Tony Williams, who groove solidly through "Spanish Castle Magic." The final cut, a previously unreleased live performance of "Little Wing/3rd Stone from the Sun" by the late Hendrix acolyte Stevie Ray Vaughan, is a fitting musical exclamation point.