Experience Hendrix: A Tribute to the Late Rock Genius  

Jonny Whiteside

It is wholly impossible to overstate Jimi Hendrix’s utter dominance over rock and roll, as no other single figure can match his musical influence over the genre. As a composer, lyricist, guitarist, vocalist and innovator, Hendrix dwarfed all of his contemporaries and his creative shadow continues to loom large over the musical artists of today.

In 1967, most rock guitarists were timid, understated stylists that played thin, characterless tones, and their best riffs were often hijacked from American R&B and country acts — this was until Hendrix’s rampaging psychedelic masterpiece “Are You Experienced?” hit the airwaves. And within a few brief years of stardom, his extravagant, apocalyptic but always blues-informed guitar sound redefined the entire genre. Before his untimely passing in 1970, Hendrix aggressively pursued his dream of achieving a very individualistic artistic ideal, a creative quest that produced a series of unrivaled albums and a reputation as a fiery, unpredictable live performer.

Nothing underscored how profoundly Americans honor the legend of Hendrix as the release of Valleys of Neptune in 2010. An exquisite collection of 12 previously unreleased studio performances by Hendrix, Valleys of Neptune entered the Billboard album chart’s Top Five and hit number one on the singles chart, which is flabbergasting for an artist who has been dead for 40 years. Now, Hendrix fans can embrace the arrival of the raging guitar roadshow “Experience Hendrix” at the Greek Theatre on October 10, which promises a formidable dosage of the late great stylist’s music.

The show will feature acclaimed and tenured musicians, such as Chicago blues shaman Buddy Guy, retro-rock acolyte Rich Robinson of the Black Crowes, hard-rock overlord Zakk Wylde, Southern blues rock swami Doyle Bramhill II and Eastern European slide-guitar siren Ana Popovic. The most critical component of this stellar crew is Billy Cox, a bassist and the only surviving musician who performed with Hendrix in the Jimi Hendrix Experience and Band of Gypsys. Cox and Hendrix enjoyed a close personal alliance dating back to 1961, when they first met while serving in the U.S. Army before touring the hard-knock Southern club circuit as R&B aspirants. And at the height of his stupefying international fame, Hendrix drafted Cox to provide a steady anchor to his high-flying, freewheeling artistic pursuits.

Hendrix devotees and new fans alike can expect a luxurious purple haze of feverish, fervent musical veneration.

Experience Hendrix at the Greek Theatre on Friday, October 10.