By Chyrisse Tabone, Rock At Night Tampa
Review: Experience Hendrix Tour – Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, FL – October 17, 2024
When one thinks of ‘Jimi Hendrix,’ the name is more significant than life. The history of his brief life and contribution to the blues-rock scene with his innovative use of controlled feedback, distortion, and wah-wah pedals blew people’s minds in the 1960s. Even today, his music continues to stand the test of time, landing in the “classic rock” genre. The lead guitar became the focal point of blues rock, and song structure in the genre evolved into new territories. The electronic sound effects created “psychedelia”–and with it, a new music and social culture. It boggles the mind at the vast repertoire he contributed, like the killer classics “Purple Haze” and “Wind Cries Mary.” Hendrix breathed fresh life into songs written by others, like Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower“ and Billy Robert’s “Hey, Joe.” We all know the story of Hendrix’s tragic demise, and I often wonder how his music would have evolved through time.
In 2004, the Experiment Hendrix Tour was launched as a way for musicians to collaborate and pay homage to Hendrix’s music by keeping the torch alive and well. The last time Rock At Night reviewed the tour was in 2016, so we were excited to see its return to Ruth Eckerd Hall on October 17, 2024. The group of musicians performing on the tour include Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Christone “Kingfish“ Ingram, Eric Johnson, Dweezil Zappa, Noah Hunt, Chuck Campbell & Calvin Cooke of the Slide Brothers, Ally Venable, Mato Nanji, Dylan Triplett, Mathias Lattin, Henri Brown, and Taj Farrant. Unfortunately, guitarist Zakk Wylde could not attend the evening concert because he was preparing to induct Ozzy Osbourne into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
The evening began with an introduction by Janie Hendrix, sister of Jimi Hendrix and President and CEO of Experience Hendrix LLC. She presented a signed brand-new guitar to help raise funds for those affected by Hurricane Milton. Approximately $5K was raised to provide relief to locals in the community.
For those who grew up in the 1960s or perhaps are aficionados of music from the era, the concert was a cornucopia of musical delight. Classics like “Foxy Lady,” “Little Wing,“ and “Purple Haze“ sounded fresh and familiar as the collection of top-notch musicians paid proper attention to the blues legend.
The evening was magical. Some of the biggest names in the business—Grammy Award winners, primo guitarists, blues legends—you name it—all performed in a single show dedicated to one of America’s most well-known and pioneering rock artists (next to Elvis) who changed the cultural direction of blues rock.
PHOTO GALLERY
I grew up in a household full of rock music, studied journalism in college, and then became a scientist.Although my science career has served me well, music has always played a major role in my life. I grew up reading "Creem" magazine; I play several musical instruments as a "hobby";and it seems a camera has always been in my hand. Now, I am combining what I love the most--music and photography--serving as editor of Rock At Night. I travel between the US and UK seeking my dream! My motto: life is short...no regrets. Chyrisse
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