One of the pivotal chapters in the story of Jimi Hendrix’s career, began when he stepped into the vibrant atmosphere of Greenwich Village in New York City. His time in this eclectic enclave, filled with bohemians, poets, musicians, and countercultural icons, proved to be transformative, both for Hendrix and the Village itself.
The Beginning: From Backup to Spotlight
Before he became the legendary Jimi Hendrix, he was James Marshall Hendrix, a young guitarist from Seattle who had toured the Chitlin’ Circuit for 4 years, playing backup for R&B and soul greats like Little Richard, Sam Cooke, and The Isley Brothers. Although this experience sharpened his skills, Hendrix yearned for a space where he could break away from being a sideman and emerge as a star in his own right. His journey to find that stage led him to Greenwich Village in 1966.
Greenwich Village: The Mecca of Music and Art
In the 1960s, Greenwich Village was a melting pot of cultural and artistic expression. Its narrow streets echoed with the sounds of folk music, jazz, and the early rumblings of rock. This was a place where artists like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Peter, Paul, and Mary had sown their seeds, and the neighborhood thrived as a hub of creativity. Jimi, with his unconventional playing style and avant-garde fashion sense, seemed right at home amidst the Village’s unorthodox vibes. He formed a new band, “Jimmy James and the Blue Flames,” and they began performing in local clubs.
Café Wha?: The Tempering of Hendrix’s Evolution
Credit: Twitter @60sPsychJukebox
One venue, in particular, Café Wha?, became a regular spot for Hendrix. Situated on MacDougal Street, this club had witnessed countless novice musicians, many of whom went on to achieve global fame. On its dimly lit stage, Hendrix began to experiment more boldly with his music. Here, in front of intimate crowds, Hendrix honed his ability to meld blues, rock, and experimental sounds. It was at Café Wha? where he would set his guitar aflame, play it behind his back, and produce sounds that few had ever heard before. Greenwich Village became the incubator for the Jimi Hendrix experience (pun intended), well before his official band of the same name was formed.
Star Ascends: Hendrix Road to Global Fame
While Jimi’s performances in the Village were groundbreaking, they were mostly confined to the local audience. His big break came when he caught the attention of Chas Chandler, the former bassist of The Animals, who recognized Hendrix’s raw talent. Chandler persuaded Jimi to move to London, leading to the formation of “The Jimi Hendrix Experience” and the international stardom that followed. However, it’s essential to recognize that the confidence, flair, and musical audacity Hendrix displayed in London had its roots in the receptive environment of Greenwich Village. The Village acted as a fertile ground where Hendrix’s raw talent germinated and began to bloom.
Did Jimi Hendrix release any records during his time in Greenwich Village?
Jimi Hendrix’s time in Greenwich Village in 1966 was pivotal for his musical journey. While he did not release any official albums during his brief period there, several important musical developments took place. Before forming the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Hendrix had been a session musician and had played with a variety of artists. During his time in Greenwich Village, he made some recordings that were later compiled and released after his death.
Over the years, many of these early recordings, jam sessions, and collaborations have been posthumously released. These releases often target die-hard fans eager to hear Hendrix’s development as a musician. Examples include tracks like “Hush Now” and “No Such Animal,” which were part of sessions he did with Curtis Knight and The Squires.
