By Jane Cohen and Bob Grossweiner
Even before launching next week in Washington DC, the Experience Hendrix Tour has gained enough momentum to add two more stops to its five-concert, Northeast trek. The tour’s initial five shows all sold out, so a second date was added in New York and a new show was scheduled in Providence, RI.
Sponsored by Gibson Guitars, the tour features some of the most respected and innovative figures in rock and blues performing music written by and associated with Jimi Hendrix. The artists include blues guitarist Buddy Guy, pedal steel virtuoso Robert Randolph and contemporary guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Special guests include Doors guitarist Robby Krieger, Rolling Stones veteran guitarist Mick Taylor and Hubert Sumlin, the Mississippi-born guitarist who worked with both Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters.
Drummer Mitch Mitchell and bassist Billy Cox — the same Jimi Hendrix Experience rhythm section that played the 1967 Woodstock Music and Arts Festival — will also be on hand for the tour. Another notable duo, Chris Layton and Tommy Shannon, a/k/a Double Trouble and the late Stevie Ray Vaughan’s rhythm section, are part of the tour’s musical cast. Newly added performers include Texas guitar slinger Doyle Bramhall, vocalist Corey Glover from Living Colour, and guitarist Kenny Olson (Kid Rock).
Also appearing are Indigenous, the blues skewed Native American band, and Memphis guitarist Eric Gales. Various combinations of these artists are expected to perform such Hendrix signature songs as “Purple Haze,” “Hey Joe,” “Voodoo Child (Slight Return),” “Red House” and many more, coupled with Hendrix-inspired guitar riffs and rhythm patterns.
“This tour is a tribute to the man who changed music with unparalleled innovation and creativity, a musician extraordinaire,” Cox, whose history with Hendrix dates back to their days in the Army together, said in a statement. “It’s a tribute to him and joyful celebration of what he gave us.”
“Jimi Hendrix fundamentally pioneered the outstanding possibilities of the electric guitar,” said Henry Juszkiewicz, chairman and CEO of Gibson Guitar, in a statement. “His influence today is as strong as it was in the 1960s and 1970s. It’s very exciting to see his legacy live on through such an innovative tour.”
The first Experience Hendrix Tour which also featured Guy, Shepherd, Sumlin, Carlos Santana, Joe Satriani, Paul Rodgers, as well as Mitchell and Cox , played sold out concert dates in San Francisco, Portland and Seattle in February 2004.
“Everyday we see how Jimi’s musical legacy continues to transcend generational and cultural boundaries,” noted Janie Hendrix, CEO of Hendrix Experience. “This tour is our way to give live audiences a concert experience that reflects the genius of his unifying spirit.”
Experience Hendrix Tour itinerary:
Oct-16 Washington, DC – Constitution Hall
Oct-17 New York, NY – Beacon Theater
Oct-18 Hampton Beach, NH – Casino Ballroom
Oct-19 Atlantic City, NJ – Trump Casino
Oct-20 Waterbury, CT – Palace Theater
Oct-21 Providence, RI – Providence Performing Arts Center
Oct-22 New York, NY – Beacon Theater
