HENDRIX, JIMI band of gypsys 2 ECS-91198

The Controversial Sequel: Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Band Of Gypsys 2’ (ECS-91198)

Today’s entry examines a fascinating document from the posthumous catalog of rock’s greatest guitarist. We are looking at the 1986 Japanese White Label Promo pressing of Band Of Gypsys 2, released on Capitol Records with the catalog number ECS-91198.

The Alan Douglas Era

Released on November 29, 1986, this album was produced by the controversial Alan Douglas. Intended as a follow-up to the legendary 1970 live album Band of Gypsys, this release digs into the archives to present more live material. However, the title is somewhat misleading, a fact that has intrigued collectors for decades. While Side A features the actual Band of Gypsys lineup (Hendrix, Billy Cox, and Buddy Miles) recorded at the Fillmore East in January 1970, Side B actually features the “Cry of Love” touring lineup with Mitch Mitchell on drums, taken from performances at the Atlanta International Pop Festival and the Berkeley Community Theatre. Despite the lineup confusion, the music is undeniable, featuring searing versions of “Hear My Train A Comin’” and “Voodoo Child (Slight Return).”

Exclusive White Label Promo

This specific copy is a highly collectible Promo Sample. Unlike the standard commercial releases which feature the black Capitol rainbow labels (or custom graphic labels), this disc bears the stark, text-only White Labels with the Japanese characters for “Sample (Not For Sale).” These copies were originally distributed to radio stations and industry critics and are prized for their scarcity and often superior audio fidelity. A numbered “Sample” sticker is also affixed to the back cover.

Japanese Archival Quality

Manufactured by Toshiba EMI, the pressing quality is typically high-standard, offering a quiet surface that allows the live dynamics to breathe. The package is complete with the original green and yellow Obi strip and a lyric insert, making it a pristine example of 1980s Hendrix curation.