R U EXPERIENCED
‘Ave been looking forward to this gig for at least a week! Being a big “Hendrix” fan, I’m checking out the UK’s biggest tribute to the man! – “are you experienced” To some, Hendrix is “Old Hat”.. nearly 35 years on, but rock wouldn’t be as solid without his influence. The Beatles brought songwriting then Jimi said “here’s the guitar” – but look what it can do! So we’re at the “Nuts” pub trying out the “Chestnut Mild”, after talking to “Keith”, the Gaffer and classic rock DJ. The band starts…. “Hear my train a comin’”, a fave of mine then “All along the watchtower”, and “Little Wing”. A bluesey “Red House” and “Stone free” takes us to the “Spanish Castle Magic”! “Machine Gun” by the band of Gypsies, meets “Hey Joe” and the “Star Spangled Banner”! Wearing a replica of the “Woodstock” outfit with white tiger stripe trousers and tassled jacket, Jimi (John from Moseley Birmingham) goes into “Purple Haze” with “Wind cries Mary”, “Fire” and “Freedom”, all asked for by punters shouting out requests! As he doesn’t work to a set list, this guy’s repertoire is endless and very talented … like an endless “Jimi/John” juke box! All the versions are off famous gigs with their different improvisations and arrangements, even his own “fills” are done with such “Jimi” style, you don’t even notice as every chord sequence, fret and use of “wah-wah” is “done to a tee”! A feedback filled “Are you experienced” leads to “Foxy Lady” and “Like a rollin’ stone”, the second Dylan track of the night. More requests take us into “Come On” and “Voodoo Chile” – then a wild “Johnny be Good” playing behind his back! After a short wait, the gig ends with “Wild thing” at the end of which he sets alight his guitar with lighter fluid – to many peoples surprise the flames go high as he holds the guitar over the stage! Just like seeing an old film from years ago! So is “Hendrix” old hat at all? The debate will go on I’m sure, but he’s voted number 1 in every guitarist poll every time – every year! Ta, x, Lee….
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© 2007 LEGEND MCC