For those of us born too late to see Jimi Hendrix play live, there are a couple projects in the works that should give us a close (as possible) approximation to the experience. The Experience Hendrix tour, which last time around was lead by Carlos Santana, is set for a five city run with a remarkable set of musicians.

This year the legendary Buddy Guy (who was also on the first tour) will be joined by feature performers Robert Randolph, Jonny Lang and Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Special guests are also said to include Robbie Krieger from the Doors, Mick Taylor of the Rolling Stones and Mississippi-born guitarist Hubert Sumlin who worked with other legends like Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters. A very cool feature will also have the original Jimi Hendrix Experience rhythm section, Mitch Mitchell (drums) and Billy Cox (bass), that backed Jimi at Woodstock. And, if that wasn't cool enough, they'll also be joined by Chris Layton and Tommy Shannon, a/k/a Double Trouble, the from the late great Stevie Ray Vaughan’s band.

This is something I very much hope to catch. Tickets are on sale now for dates in Washington, D.C. (Constitution Hall), NYC (Beacon Theater), Hampton Beach, NH (Casino Ballroom), Atlantic City (Trump Casino) and Waterbury, CT (Palace Theater). And, there is more fun in store for Hendrix fans as The Jimi Hendrix Experience at Monterey, Jimi's debut at the Pop Festival, will be released on DVD on October 16th to serve as a reminder as to why this was such a special artist. While there will never be another Hendrix, it is very cool and importnat that culturally significant music like this lives on for new generations to remind us, and those picking up a guitar for the first time, that musicianship counts. Hendrix had "it" - we can only hope others that follow can even get close.

Labels: Hendrix, Robert Randolph

Revolver Magazine has a new readers poll. The winners include, Best Band Ever: Pantera; Album of the Year: Sacrament, Lamb of God; Hottest Chick in Metal: Lacuna Coil frontwoman Christina Scabbia; Breakthrough Band: Trivium and Who Should Be The Next President: Rob Zombie - he couldn't do much worse than what we've got now!

John Ondrasik (Five for Fighting) - who recently donated some music to the MusicForTroops project that Earvolution is supporting, has put together a charity-driven video upload site where you can submit a video for the song "World" from his recent disc Two Lights.

Mp3 offerings:
Wilco - What Light
Pawnshop Roses: Goodbye Sarah K
Basement Kids: Barefoot in the Rain
Sister Vanilla - Jamcolas
Basement Kids: Cold and Tired
Skeletons and the King of All Cities: Don't Worry
Let's Go Sailing - Icicles
Idlewild: In Competition for the Worst Times
Aqualung: "Pressure Suit, In The Studio" Video:
Quicktime | Real Player | Windows Low | Windows High

Yoko Ono is reportedly blocking a documentary on John Lennon. E! reports that "The world premiere of Three Days in the Life, comprising two hours of previously unseen footage of the late Beatles icon, was canceled Tuesday after Yoko Ono's lawyers warned the film's producers that she hadn't authorized the project for public viewing." I'm glad they did the silly "Let it Be" pun, because it stopped me from doing it!

Speaking of lawyers...Experience Hendrix, LLC, the company founded by Jimi Hendrix's father, filed a lawsuit in Federal Court against Craig Dieffenbach and his companies saying they have unlawfully used Jimi Hendrix trademarks to promote the "Hendrix Electric" vodka brand.

Speaking of mind altering substances...George Michael has made DoubleViking's list of Most Awkward Interviews for his chat about pot where he says it keeps him sane and happy, but you shouldn't light up until you've achieved all your goals. Well if having sexy time in a public restroom is a goal, then light up George! Paula Abdul, of course, makes the list as well. And, I actually saw the Vanilla Ice clip with Jon Stewart on MTV when it first aired - quite scary!

Labels: Hendrix, John Lennon, Mp3s, Pawnshop Roses, Wilco

Experience Hendrix, L.L.C, founded in 1995 by Jimi Hendrix's father issued a statement saying that they are "in no way involved in licensing or marketing of a Hendrix branded vodka as some have suggested or assumed."

CEO Janie Hendrix commented, "We are concerned that there is a perception that we have, in some way, sanctioned this and would like it known that we have neither issued a license nor do we endorse the use of my brother's likeness and name in this manner." She also noted, "As a matter of strict policy, we would certainly never participate in promoting an alcoholic beverage. We regret that there are some who don’t have the facts straight in this matter and have erroneously concluded that Experience Hendrix has played some role in the promotion of this product."

The vodka is distributed by "Electric Hendrix LLC", which according to a company website includes "Jimi's brother Leon Hendrix, Jimi's drummer Buddy Miles, and other friends and family members of Jimi Hendrix." Electric Hendriz CEO Craig Dieffenbach has been aligning himself and the company with various stars, including Maria Carey, Seal and Heidi Klum to promote the brand.

Labels: Hendrix