Jimi Hendrix
" An Illustrated Experience "
Atria

An Audio & Photographic Experience, (12/12/07)

Jimi Hendrix: An Illustrated Experience photographically and via an audio CD portrays the Rock life of Jimi Hendrix, who broke new ground and ignited a new generation with his inventive and radical guitar playing. The authors, Janie Hendrix and John McDermott, have access to the private family vaults, thus we get numerous new looks, views, audio, and precious untold stories of Hendrix's life. This fine book takes us to the beginning of Hendrix's musical years, starting with his embryonic guitar playing in Seattle, Washington, all the way through his final days, including the steady, ongoing public interest of his never-ending legacy.

This gorgeously packaged book is a most welcome addition to any music fan's library that also features reproductions and drawings from Hendrix's youth, plus handwritten song lyrics and never-before-seen archival photographs. In addition to thirty or so interactive features, the book also includes a seventy-minute audio CD of previously unreleased recordings of live music, plus jams recorded at the infamous Record Plant in New York City. It is captivating to hear and see Hendrix work out his unique riffs that made him wildly famous throughout his brief life and to this day; both via glorious full-color pictures as well as with the included disk.

This wonderful book is also loaded with ticket stubs, posters, and other great Hendrix artifacts, which should make for an absolute delight for any Hendrix fan and a great place to start for those who would like to familiarize themselves with Jimi Hendrix. Jimi Hendrix: An Illustrated Experience truly draws the reader (and listener) as close as one can get to Hendrix's captivating lifestyle, both onstage, as well as behind the scenes. Bottom line, this book is a very neat and beautiful collection. And with the holiday season upon us this should make perfect gift for any Hendrix fan to find under the Christmas tree.

When I was growing up there was always comparisons and an ongoing debate as to who the best guitar player was - Hendrix or Clapton? So it is interesting to take note that the releases of both Hendrix's and Clapton's (Clapton) books were released on the very same day. Let the debate go on!

Bob Putignano: www.SoundsofBlue.com