by Laura Wasson
The idea of the “cover” is an interesting one, especially when it concerns artists who left the world of music all too soon. While I was certainly excited about the prospect of SummerStage’s Gala Tuesday night featuring the music of Jimi Hendrix, I couldn’t help feeling some trepidation. For an artist who is so iconic and whose work is so immediately identifiable and original, how could a tribute concert possibly measure up?
Fortunately, the evening was equal parts reverential and fun. Wyclef Jean opened the show with "The Star Spangled Banner," which, while good (he certainly knows how to wail), felt somewhat perfunctory, even when he plucked his guitar’s strings with his teeth. It just didn’t have the spine-tingling drama of Hendrix’s version: in many ways, it felt like an art student trying to capture the energy of a Monet. Maybe you can mimic the paint strokes perfectly, but ultimately you’re just creating a facsimile if you aren’t striving towards something new.
The Roots made up for this with an utterly brilliant take on "Fire." While “Captain” Kirk Douglas was clearly leading the pack, everyone had a moment to shine: from the incomparable Questlove, to Damon “Tuba Gooding Jr.” Bryson. It was vital and raw. It had Hendrix’s spirit, but felt entirely their own. It was like going to church. Sexily.
That particular performance set the bar pretty high for the rest of the evening, and while it wasn’t always met, there were some truly special moments. Amel Larrieux’s rendition of "Angel" was the emotional highlight of the evening. After telling us that she’d been meaning to cover the song for the better part of fifteen years, Larrieux's voice soared heavenward. It was angelic in every sense.
Living Colour closed the evening with "Power of Soul" and "Cross Town Traffic." Singer Corey Glover’s angst bubbled to the surface as soon as he got on stage. As he marched around vibrating with vocal energy, it was evident he was none-too-thrilled with the stoic audience seated under the posh tent. Before long, he and bassist Doug Wimbish jumped into the crowd, climbing on the VIP tables and generally causing a good-old-fashioned ruckus. If only more musicians had that moxie.
While that would have been a very fitting ending to the evening, all of the artists came back out for a rousing rendition of "All Along the Watchtower." From John Scofield’s legendary guitar playing, to Larrieux and Glover’s pitch perfect singing, the song was a fitting celebration of all that Hendrix was, and remains today. He may be an icon, but it was clear that these talented bands and artists relished the opportunity to play his music. Their infectious smiles told the whole story.
More pics on the photo page.
Everything Rock knows about the guitar after 1970 came from his psychedelic twisting of what the instrument could do. I paid homage to Hendrix with a portrait called Purple Haze on the anniversary of his passing recently. You can see it at http://dregstudiosart.blogspot.com/2011/09/purple-haze-jimi-hendrix.html and tell me how the voodoo child’s music has influenced you!
Everything Rock knows about the guitar after 1970 came from his psychedelic twisting of what the instrument could do. I paid homage to Hendrix with a portrait called Purple Haze on the anniversary of his passing recently. You can see it at http://dregstudiosart.blogspot.com/2011/09/purple-haze-jimi-hendrix.html and tell me how the voodoo child’s music has influenced you!
Everything Rock knows about the guitar after 1970 came from his psychedelic twisting of what the instrument could do. I paid homage to Hendrix with a portrait called Purple Haze on the anniversary of his passing recently. You can see it at http://dregstudiosart.blogspot.com/2011/09/purple-haze-jimi-hendrix.html and tell me how the voodoo child’s music has influenced you!
Everything Rock knows about the guitar after 1970 came from his psychedelic twisting of what the instrument could do. I paid homage to Hendrix with a portrait called Purple Haze on the anniversary of his passing recently. You can see it at http://dregstudiosart.blogspot.com/2011/09/purple-haze-jimi-hendrix.html and tell me how the voodoo child’s music has influenced you!
Everything Rock knows about the guitar after 1970 came from his psychedelic twisting of what the instrument could do. I paid homage to Hendrix with a portrait called Purple Haze on the anniversary of his passing recently. You can see it at http://dregstudiosart.blogspot.com/2011/09/purple-haze-jimi-hendrix.html and tell me how the voodoo child’s music has influenced you!
Everything Rock knows about the guitar after 1970 came from his psychedelic twisting of what the instrument could do. I paid homage to Hendrix with a portrait called Purple Haze on the anniversary of his passing recently. You can see it at http://dregstudiosart.blogspot.com/2011/09/purple-haze-jimi-hendrix.html and tell me how the voodoo child’s music has influenced you!