House of Hendrix Rocks

Welcome back to House of Hendrix , where we've been exploring the less-traveled paths of Jimi's legacy. After diving into his acoustic side, let's shine a light on another fascinating aspect of his career – his collaborations. Jimi Hendrix was not just a solo star; he thrived in musical partnerships, contributing to and drawing from a rich tapestry of artists. Introduction : Jimi Hendrix's career is often remembered for his solo work, but his collaborations reveal a different facet of his artistry. These partnerships, both recorded and live, allowed him to explore new territories, blend genres, and create some of his most memorable moments. Collaboration with Other Artists: • Little Richard : Hendrix started his career as part of Little Richard's backing band. This experience was instrumental in shaping his showmanship and his early foray into rock 'n' roll. • Notable Tracks: "Lucille," "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" - w...

Hello, fellow Hendrix enthusiasts! At House of Hendrix , we've covered a lot of ground on Jimi's electric exploits. But let's shift gears today and strum into the often underappreciated acoustic side of Jimi Hendrix – a side where his talent shone just as brightly but in a different light. Introduction : While Jimi Hendrix is synonymous with electric guitar wizardry, his acoustic work reveals another layer of his musical genius. These moments, though fewer, showcase his versatility, his blues roots, and his ability to convey profound emotion with just a few strings. Jimi's Acoustic Beginnings : • Early Life and Influences: Hendrix began with an acoustic guitar, influenced by folk and blues artists like Bob Dylan, Lead Belly, and Woody Guthrie. This foundation was crucial in developing his later style. • First Gigs : His early gigs in Seattle and New York often included acoustic sets, where he played both covers and originals, honing his craft. Key Acoustic Trac...

Welcome back to House of Hendrix , where we've journeyed through Jimi's musical innovations, his cosmic visions, and his self-referential genius. Now, let's explore the quieter, yet no less profound, aspects of his legacy – his impact outside of music. Introduction : Jimi Hendrix was not just a musical phenomenon; his influence permeated culture, fashion, art, and philosophy. Today, we'll delve into how Jimi's silent legacy continues to shape various facets of society and creativity. Fashion Icon: • Sartorial Influence : Hendrix's style was as groundbreaking as his music. His mix of military, bohemian, and psychedelic fashion elements has inspired countless fashion designers and has become synonymous with the rock 'n' roll aesthetic. • The Famous Bandanas and Scarves: These became symbols of freedom and creativity in fashion, often seen on rock stars and fans alike, symbolizing a break from conventional style. • Afrocentric Styles: His inco...

Welcome back, guitar enthusiasts and Hendrix aficionados! At House of Hendrix , we've explored his self-mythology, his visual artistry, and much more. Now, let's dive into the technical brilliance of Jimi's guitar playing, focusing on what's often called ' The Hendrix Chord" and other groundbreaking techniques he pioneered. Introduction : Jimi Hendrix wasn't just a guitarist; he was a guitar revolutionary. His innovative use of the instrument, particularly his chord voicings and playing techniques, have left an indelible mark on music. Today, we'll decode some of his signature sounds that have become legendary. The Hendrix Chord : • What is it? Often referred to as the 7#9 chord, this is most famously heard in "Purple Haze." This chord combines the root, major third, perfect fifth, minor seventh, and sharp ninth notes, creating a dissonant, edgy sound that became a hallmark of Hendrix's style. ``` E7#9: E G# B D F# ``` • It...

Hey there, rock scholars and Hendrix devotees! We've explored Jimi's visual artistry, his cosmic influence, and his impact on cultural identity. Tonight, at House of Hendrix, we're turning inwards – to how Jimi Hendrix referenced himself and his own mythos within his music. Introduction : Jimi Hendrix wasn't just a musician; he was a legend in the making, and he was acutely aware of it. His work often included self-references, both subtle and overt, creating a meta-narrative around his own persona. Let's delve into how Jimi crafted his own legend through his music. The Self-Titled Masterworks: • "Are You Experienced?": This question from the title track of his debut album with The Jimi Hendrix Experience can be seen as Jimi asking his audience if they're ready for what he's about to bring to the table – an entirely new musical experience. • “Third Stone from the Sun”: Here, Hendrix plays with the idea of an alien observing Earth, possibly re...

W elcome back to House of Hendrix, where we've delved into Jimi's musical innovations, his cosmic visions, and his impact on cultural norms regarding gender. Today, let’s explore another facet of Hendrix's genius – his contributions to visual and performance art. Introduction : Jimi Hendrix was not only a musical innovator but also an artist in the broader sense. His approach to album artwork, stage design, and his own persona painted a picture that went far beyond what was heard on the record. Let's dive into how Jimi's artistic vision extended into the realm of visual arts. Album Art and Visual Themes: • Axis: Bold as Love: The cover art for Axis: Bold as Love is emblematic of Jimi's connection to the cosmic and spiritual. The depiction of Hendrix as a Hindu deity, Vishnu, suggests a transcendence and universality in his music. • Electric Ladyland: The controversial, psychedelic cover of Electric Ladyland was another bold statement, reflecting the ch...

Hey there, rock enthusiasts and Hendrix aficionados! At House of Hendrix, we've journeyed through Jimi's cosmic visions, his blues roots, and even the music he left behind. Today, let's take a look at a less discussed but equally fascinating aspect of his legacy – the way he influenced perceptions of gender in rock music. House of Hendrix Rocks Introduction : Jimi Hendrix wasn't just a guitar hero; he was a cultural icon whose style, stage presence, and persona challenged traditional gender norms. Let's explore how his influence has helped shape a more fluid understanding of gender in the rock genre. The Androgynous Rock Star: • Fashion as Art : Jimi's fashion choices were bold and often androgynous for the time. His use of scarves, colorful clothing, and even wigs broke away from the typical rock star image, embracing a style that was both flamboyant and gender-bending. • Stage Presence : His performances were theatrical, with movements and expressions t...

W elcome back to House of Hendrix , where we've been exploring the vast universe of Jimi's music, from his cosmic visions to his roots in blues. As we continue this journey, let's now look at the projects Jimi was working on at the end of his life, the music left unfinished, and how these have influenced his legacy. Introduction : Jimi Hendrix's career was tragically cut short, but in the time he had, he was planning, recording, and dreaming up projects that would have continued to redefine music. Today, we delve into the music that was left on the cutting room floor and the impact it has had posthumously. The Last Sessions : First Rays of the New Rising Sun: This was to be Jimi's next studio album, a follow-up to Band of Gypsys , featuring a mix of new compositions and reworked versions of earlier songs. Tracks like "Freedom," "Dolly Dagger," and "Drifting" were intended for this album, showing Jimi's ongoing evolution. Cryin...

Hello again, explorers of sound and soul! At House of Hendrix, we've traversed through Jimi's blues roots, his innovative gear use, and the groundbreaking Band of Gypsys era. Now, let's venture into the cosmos of Jimi's imagination – his fascination with space and how it permeated his music and persona. Introduction : Jimi Hendrix was not just an earthbound musician; he was a cosmic visionary. His music often seemed to reach beyond the stratosphere, exploring themes of outer space, spirituality, and the mystical. Today, we'll explore how this cosmic influence shaped his art. Space in Hendrix's Lyrics and Imagery: • Stargazer : Songs like "1983... (A Merman I Should Turn to Be)" from Electric Ladyland evoke images of underwater galaxies, while "Up from the Skies" speaks from the perspective of an alien visitor. Hendrix's lyrics often painted pictures of otherworldly landscapes. • Visual Artistry : Beyond music, Jimi's album cove...

Welcome back to House of Hendrix , where we're peeling back the layers of Jimi's incredible legacy. After delving into his blues roots, let's shift our focus to a pivotal moment in his career – the formation and impact of Band of Gypsys. Jimi Hendrix and the Band of Gypsys Introduction : 1969 was a year of change for Jimi Hendrix. Discontent with the Experience, he assembled Band of Gypsys, a trio featuring Billy Cox on bass and Buddy Miles on drums. This group not only marked a new chapter in Hendrix's musical journey but also showcased his versatility and commitment to exploring new musical terrains. Formation of Band of Gypsys: The Need for Change : Hendrix felt constrained by the constraints and expectations of The Jimi Hendrix Experience. Band of Gypsys was his attempt to break free, explore funk, and return to his R&B roots. A New Sound : With Cox and Miles, Jimi could delve deeper into rhythm, improvisation, and a sound that was distinctly more groove-...

Hey, Hendrix fans! At House of Hendrix , we've been tracing the journey from Jimi's groundbreaking rock innovations to his cultural impact. Today, we're diving into the soulful roots of his music – the Blues, exploring how this genre shaped Hendrix and how he, in turn, influenced the evolution of Blues music. House of Hendrix Rocks Introduction : Before Jimi Hendrix redefined the electric guitar for Rock 'N' Roll, he was a student of the Blues. His early life in Seattle, his move to Harlem, and his time with the likes of Little Richard and the Isley Brothers, all steeped him in the rich tradition of Blues music. Let's explore how these roots influenced his music and career. The Blues Influence : Early Influences : From Muddy Waters to Howlin' Wolf, Robert Johnson to B.B. King, Hendrix was immersed in the blues. His early gigs were in R&B bands, where he honed his skills, developing the style that would later electrify the world. Blues in His Guitar...