6 November 2013 – THIS IS YOUR AMERICA – “Hear My Train A Comin” Thanks to my friends here who reminded me to watch the new Hendrix episode in the American Masters Series premiered on PBS last night entitled “Hear My Train A Comin.” A fan since the 60’s, anytime I have the chance learn something new, I am transfixed. And rightfully so, for contained here are a bunch of new stories for old and new fans alike. Though it’s hard for me to believe, I understand why there are those humans that don’t like Jimi Hendrix. There really is so much superloud noise going on there that those of the sensitive ear cringe and fold. Music either reverberates with you or it doesn’t, and Hendrix actually annoys some listeners. If you know me, you know I am a loud motherhumper for sure, so Hendrix is a perfect match. I have always found his sound exciting and beautiful and soothing. When the term Heavy Metal came into use, Hendrix was thrown right in there with Led Zeppelin, but I don’t think most people think of him along with that term anymore. But his sound is, without a doubt, quite heavy and metallic. The program last night shined a light on aspects of Hendrix that fans like me love about him. Talk about the consummate musician! One of his innumerable girlfriends – one that I have never heard interviewed anywhere before – spoke of how he woke up in the morning, strapped on his guitar, and then came to the kitchen. His early manager and former bassist with The Animals, Chas Chandler, estimated eight to ten hours a day “under strap” practicing harder than anyone that he had ever seen. One of my favorite images to illustrate the point? Here was a man that actually slept with his guitar during his time in the service. “Hear My Train” speaks of Jimi’s wonderful sense of humor and how he could be painfully bashful when not on stage. He was said to be always smiling and a real practical joker. His self-deprecating style when interviewed was further explored. It was said that he hoped to remain strong in the face of the corrosive aspects of Fame, and, therefore, he tended to dismiss his talent. Hendrix’ explosive rise to the highest paid live performer in the world was an underground, word-of-mouth FM phenomenon that occurred over one year without the help of the Ed Sullivan Show who seems to have booked everyone else but him. The impact that the Beatles and The Stones had endorsing him to managers and promoters came through loud and clear. Imagine wanting to book the Beatles to play Monterey Pop Festival and Paul McCartney saying, “Sorry, we can’t make it, but you gotta get this cat named Jimi Hendrix.” WTF! Viva El Hendrix!
Posted on: Wed, 06 Nov 2013 12:45:41 +0000
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