Ever wonder about the behind-the-scenes journey of The Jimi Hendrix Experience? Well, we’ve got an early treat for you. It’s a sneak peek at the new mini-documentary all about the iconic Jimi Hendrix Experience.
On this day, we’ve been graced with a 10-minute rewind into the early strides of Jimi Hendrix’s music journey. And, guess what? It’s all leading up to the release of his live album from the historic 1967 Hollywood Bowl gig. Remember the name: “From The Monkees To The Hollywood Bowl“. This documentary takes you from Jimi Hendrix’s post-Monterey Pop days as an opening act for The Monkees to his memorable gig opening for The Mamas & The Papas at the Hollywood Bowl.
While Hendrix’s guitar genius is a given, what’s especially cool is this doc’s interviews with the big names from back in the day. We’re talking about the likes of Micky Dolenz, Chas Chandler, and Jimi’s mates from the Experience band – Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell. And, unseen footage of Jimi Hendrix before he exploded onto the global stage with ‘Are You Experienced’.
A heads up to all vinyl lovers, Hendrix’s live set from that ’67 Hollywood Bowl performance is dropping as an album on November 10. Expect 10 rock-solid tracks, including crowd-pleasers like ‘The Wind Cries Mary’, ‘Foxey Lady’, and ‘Purple Haze’. This album showcases The Experience opening act for The Mamas & The Papas.
There’s a bit of a spicy story behind this performance. After a whirlwind US tour with the Monkees, things got a bit wild and left Jimi Hendrix hustling to schedule gigs. That’s how he landed the August 18 slot at Hollywood Bowl. Guitarist Brian Ray, who attended the 1967 show, recalls the electric atmosphere when Jimi Hendrix played. The audience was in for a surprise, as many came for The Mamas & The Papas and got more than they bargained for with Jimi Hendrix’s signature moves: the ones where he played the guitar under his leg, behind his back, and even with his teeth!
On a reminiscent note, Michelle Phillips from The Mamas & The Papas shared her own shock seeing Jimi Hendrix for the first time: Jimi Hendrix pouring lighter fluid on his guitar and lighting it up at the Monterey Pop Festival.
For those itching to get their hands on Hendrix’s new album, you can pre-order it now. The album’s pick’s maybe a rockin’ cover of The Beatles’ ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’.
What other bands did Jimi Hendrix tour with?
Beyond his association with The Monkees and The Mamas & The Papas, Jimi Hendrix’s tour collaborations are a testament to the eclectic era of the 1960s. Let’s delve deeper into this odyssey of musical partnerships.
Engelbert Humperdinck, the British pop singer with his ballads, might seem like an odd companion for Hendrix. Yet, the diversity of the music scene then allowed for such unexpected alliances. Similarly, the poetic musings of Cat Stevens offered a stark contrast to the electric frenzy of Hendrix’s guitar, but both resonated with the spirit of the times.
Soft Machine, a pioneering band in the progressive rock and Canterbury scenes, shared the bill with Jimi Hendrix during his early UK tours. Their experimental sound, blending rock with jazz elements, was a fascinating complement to Hendrix’s own innovations.
Bands like Fat Mattress, formed by Noel Redding (bassist for the Jimi Hendrix Experience), and Eire Apparent, heavily endorsed by Hendrix, also toured alongside the guitarist. As did Jethro Tull, with their unique blend of folk, blues, and hard rock, and the Buddy Miles Express, whose leader would later collaborate with Hendrix in the Band of Gypsys.
Vanilla Fudge, with their symphonic rock sound, Pink Floyd, just beginning their legendary psychedelic journey, and the soulful harmonies of The Walker Brothers all had their moments sharing the stage with Hendrix. These alliances showcased the rich tapestry of the late 60s music scene, where genres fluidly merged and audiences were hungry for innovation.
