Music Review: The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Are You Experienced

Music Review: The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Are You Experienced

http://blogcritics.org/archives/2008/08/06/093037.php

Written by David Bowling
Published August 06, 2008

Two things happened to me in 1967. First, I worked at a summer camp
and one of the female staff members introduced me to folk music via
Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Phil Ochs. Later that same year, I traveled
into New York City with a friend to take in a concert at a small club.

Let me go on record by saying that I would have never let one of my
17 year old children travel into New York City, but times were
different. From the opening guitar notes struck by Jimi Hendrix that
night, my secure musical world of the Beach Boys, Roy Orbison, and
The Four Seasons, expanded, changed, and was never the same.

Jimi Hendrix was a star in England before returning to his home
country. He released Are You Experienced in the United States on
August 23, 1967. The album went beyond hit status, as it became one
of the most influential album releases in history, and changed a
generation's perception of music. The British invasion and the
simplistic, good time pop/rock of the 1960s were over. Rock 'n' roll
would move in a different direction and Jimmy Hendrix would lead the
way as its creative messiah.

It is difficult to believe that anyone who listens to rock music is
not familiar with this album. Are You Experienced is essential
listening. If you do not own a copy or are from another planet and
have not heard its music; stop reading right now, get out of your
chair and go find a copy.

Are You Experienced not only introduced Jimi Hendrix to the American
music consciousness but changed the very textures of rock 'n' roll.
Despite only recording with bass, drums, and guitar; Hendrix would be
able to create a denseness to his music that could only be penetrated
in layers. Hendrix at his best produced music that was almost a
living organism that would envelop the listener.

The opening song, "Purple Haze," ushers in the new era. It was
difficult to believe the guitar sounds that were coming from the
stereo speakers in 1967. Even today the sounds that Jimi Hendrix
could wring from his guitar are unique. "Hey Joe" is a bluesy cover
of the Leaves hit. "Fire" was a frenetic rock classic with Hendrix
playing at warp speed. "The Wind Cries Mary" was another foray in a
blues direction and almost relaxing compared to many of the other
tracks. "Foxey Lady" was a concert staple for Hendrix with its staccato beat.

Hendrix could improvise on the guitar better than just about any
person in music history yet would rarely become lost or get out of
control and would always be able to remain true to the songs
structure and integrity. "Third Stone From The Sun" finds a nice
mellow Hendrix. The playing is more subtle but the technical artistry
is unmatched.

Are You Experienced should be a part of every music library. It was
the first of a trio of masterpiece albums created by Hendrix and the
start of an evolutionary process that would change the face of rock music.

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