My first introduction to Hendrix was in my best friend’s Camaro my Junior year of high school in 1985. We would listen to ‘Are You Experienced’ on cassette most mornings on our way to school shouting the lyrics while we smoked Marlboros and punctuating the line, “Not necessarily stoned but beautiful.” Hendrix was an integral part of my introduction to classic rock getting into bands like the Grateful Dead, CCR, Pink Floyd and others. Hendrix though was altogether a different animal and had a closer connection to us. My love for all things Hendrix carried through into college at UT in Austin as I wore out a purple tie dyed shirt with his image.
The Experience Hendrix tour was the first time in decades that I’d revisited much of this music and it all came back indelibly. Billy Cox, Hendrix’s buddy from the Army and his days playing with the Band of Gypsies kicked off the night’s proceedings. Seeing an original member of the Hendrix band was unique and special as Billy not only played bass but sang lead vocals on songs like ‘Freedom’ and ‘Stone Free.’ The drummer for most of the evening was Austinite Chris Layton from Stevie Ray Vaughn’s band Double Trouble. As the house band rhythm section they welcomed guest guitarists throughout the evening to do their honor to the late great master. The three guitarists that impressed the most were Eric Johnson, Joe Satriani and Buddy Guy.
I’d seen Buddy Guy twice before. Once at a taping of the Austin City Limits show on the UT campus and more recently at the Cross Roads Guitar Festival in Dallas. I’ve always liked Buddy more than any other blues player and the fact that Hendrix considered Buddy an influence was special to see him on this particular night. Buddy stormed through Muddy Water’s ‘Louisiana Blues’ and ‘Hey Joe.’ Although Father Time may have affected Buddy’s vocals as others took those roles he played guitar admirably throughout.
When I lived in Austin I probably saw Eric Johnson more than 10 times in various venues. Since then it was only recently on the Ah Viacom reunion tour in Houston. I own and play an Eric Johnson signature Strat so I’m more than just a casual fan. Eric has played Hendrix in many of his sets through the years. Eric blazed through “Love and Confusion,” “Bold as Love” and “Are You Experienced.” He not only nails every Hendrix lick but also adds his own special finesse and tone to each. Seeing him play with Layton was very cool.
The final set comprised of three master craftsman with Joe Satriani, Kenny Aronoff and Doug Pinnick. Most would recognize Aranoff from his videos playing with John Mellencamp but he’s also played with John Fogerty, Bob Seger, the Smashing Pumpkins, Jon Bon Jovi and many others. Doug is from King’s X of Texas and from one of the most underrated bands in rock in probably ever. His soulful vocals and powerful bass playing were ideal for Hendrix material. And Satriani is of course a legendary axe man himself who brought a fitting and explosive ending to the evening. The trio ripped through favorites like; “Manic Depression,” Voodoo Child’ and “I Don’t Live Today.” This was definitely a heavier version than any of the other acts and brought the crowd to their feet with their volume, ferocity and passion kinda like Jimmy would.
