Rare Jimi Hendrix Live Albums Due in January

Almost 40 years after his untimely death and interest in guitar legend Jimi Hendrix shows no sign of abating -- two rare recordings by the man considered by many to be the guitarist of the 20th century are to be released early next year.

The Jimi Hendrix Exprience are caught in action at a performance recorded for French radio on Oct. 9 1967 at the Paris L'Olympia. The recording of this much-bootlegged show has been given a complete audio overhaul and will be supplemented by another show from the same venue, performed on Jan. 29 1968. The second set shows the band previewing material from what was to become the band's double album masterpiece, 'Electric Ladyland.'

The second package captures the group in full flight at the Ottawa Capital Theatre in Canada on Mar. 19 1968.

The recordings will be officially released in January as a strictly limited edition package that will contain CD and vinyl recordings of the three shows. Also included are a poster and postcard set, an iPod skin, guitar picks and a T-shirt.

As previously reported by Spinner, the late guitarist's estate plans to release unheard Hendrix material every 12-18 months for the next 10 years.