A legal dispute arose in 1966 regarding a record contract that

A legal dispute arose in 1966 regarding a record contract that Hendrix had entered into the previous year with producer Ed Chalpin. After two years of litigation, the parties agreed to a resolution that granted Chalpin the distribution rights to an album of original Hendrix material. Hendrix decided that they would record the LP, Band of Gypsys , during two live appearances. In preparation for the shows he formed an all-black power trio with Cox and drummer Buddy Miles , formerly with Wilson Pickett, the Electric Flag , and the Buddy Miles Express . Critic John Rockwell described Hendrix and Miles as jazz-rock fusionists , and their collaboration as pioneering. Others identified a funk and soul influence in their music. Concert promoter Bill Graham called the shows “the most brilliant, emotional display of virtuoso electric guitar” that he had ever heard. Biographers have speculated that Hendrix formed the band in an effort to appease members of the Black Power movement and others in the black communities who called for him to use his fame to speak up for civil rights.