Posted: 09/03/2010 |
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 Jimi Hendrix: The Guitar Heroby Michael J. Nicholas | |
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I have about a half dozen biographies on the late, great Jimi Hendrix. A lot of the stories surrounding his life and times are contradictory, and usually the only information that you can count on being 100% correct are the photos in the middle of those books. I mean, sure, I do put some stock in what people like his former bandmates, recording engineer and manger had to say in those chapters, but most people around Jimi had some sort of agenda and it always seemed like he was portrayed in different lights. What I like about the DVD, ‘Jimi Hendrix: The Guitar Hero’, distributed by Image Entertainment, is that the biographical stories that are told are made up of snippets from fellow musicians, family members and peers; most of which have nothing but praise to give and nothing to gain by stating untruths. Some of the legendary rockers interviewed include: Eric Burdon(The Animals), Lemmy Kilmeister(Motorhead), Dave Mason(Traffic), Bev Bevan(ELO), Mick Taylor(The Rolling Stones), Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker(Cream), and Paul Rodgers(Bad Company), There is also some great insight to Jimi’s youth from the interviews with his younger brother Leon. Narrated by the guitarist Slash(Guns ‘n Roses, Velvet Revolver), the DVD basically starts off telling the story of Jimi’s upbringing and introduction with music, to his formadable years playing in the chitlin’ circuit with the likes of Wilson Pickett and Little RIchard. It later goes on to tell the story of how he moved to the Village in NYC, crafting his artform when ‘discovered’ by British musician and up and coming producer, Eric Burdon of the group The Animals. The story then evolves into how even though Jimi was between races, cultures and styles in America, he was a perfect fit for London, which happened to have the hippest fashion, art and music scenes at the time. It didn’t take long as word of mouth spread about the arrival of Hendrix and his masterful control over the guitar, evoking sonic, raw and sensual sounds to literally erupt from his instrument as if he were a man possessed. And most of those who came to watch him weren’t just people attending the local bar for a drink; they were well known musicians and guitarists who just couldn’t believe what they were hearing. What I also like about the DVD is all the obscure photos, 20-page booklet and little tidbits of information that I never knew about Jimi. For one, I never knew that Lemmy Kilmeister of Motorhead was a roadie for Hendrix. He is interviewed often and supplies a great number of stories and details that a fan like myself truly appreciates. Other musicians talk about working on projects with Jimi, his views towards recording and the big plans he had for himself regarding the future of his career. As the story wraps up, it covers Jimi’s death and the impact it had on those fellow musicians who were part of his inner circle. I feel the DVD is a must have for fans because of the knowledge you walk away from after it’s over. It almost feels like you knew him as well. Jimi Hendrix: The Guitar Hero Bonus Feature include:
Michael J. Nicholas - a.k.a. Nicky The Note - reviews, opinions & life lessons. Got a problem? E-mail us at filmmonthly@gmail.com |