Jimi Hendrix feature

by John M. Ellison IV

What hasn’t been said about Jimi Hendrix that hasn’t been said before? I mean, from pioneer in heavy metal and hard rock, Bluesman on acid, possible pioneer in what we know as the sex tape, just all around trend setter and pioneer. Anyway, I could go on this meandering babble of how great Hendrix was and just spout the same things you already know. Actually, out of all the artist’s a person should ramble on about…Hendrix is definitely one of them. In fact, Voodoo Chile has been cited as the greatest riff of all time! In fact, if you haven’t heard “Voodoo Chile”, slap yourself.

Unfortunately, September 18th, 2010 marks the day that Hendrix left this planet 40 years ago. But, his influence is still felt in every genre of music. A recent example is how rapper/actor Aubrey Graham better known as Drake mentioned that he has the performance of Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock playing on DVD as an inspiration/motivation before he performs. Honestly, I can’t say that I’m the biggest fan of Drake or really that interested in his music, but just for the sake of him being inspired by the vets that paved the way for these young bloods out here he gains my respect a little bit and yeah I guess I liked “Degrassi: The Next Generation” a little.

Now to focus on the singles from the posthumous Jimi Hendrix “Valleys of Neptunes”

“Bleeding Heart” is this funky, hard rockin’ blues number that brings back rock to its more blues based origins. Whether you like to admit it or not, rock does partly come from the blues and honestly it’s the glue that keeps it stuck together. Sadly, a lot of people forget that. Listening now, they have totally forgotten that or are in denial.

“Valleys of Neptune” is an example of Jimi’s potential of him going into more a jazzier territory. In fact, in an interview Hendrix stated that he was interested in avant-garde jazz and jammed with Larry Coryell and was aware of Sonny Sharrock’s playing.

For more information on Jimi Hendrix, check out

http://www.jimihendrix.com/us/home

Photo courtesy of

http://www.pop-art.dk/downloads/JimiHendrix.jpg