Experience Hendrix Rotates Imposing Lineup of Shredders and Slingers at Ovens

For anyone born after September 1970, seeing legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix perform live has been out of the question. However, for the last three decades, fans of the man who took the ’60s by storm have been able to Experience Hendrix.

Experience Hendrix is not only the name of the family-run company that manages all aspects of Jimi’s estate but the touring cover show comprising a rotating cast of guitarists and other musicians who provide succeeding generations — as well as those lucky enough to have seen the master at work — a chance to relive that magic.

Formed in 1995 by Jimi’s father, James “Al” Hendrix, the company put out a posthumous album of Jimi’s hits in 1997 that has become the definitive collection of the icon’s music.

Fast forward 30 years: The Charlotte tour stop, held at Ovens Auditorium on Wednesday, featured an array of blues guitarists and other performers who paid tribute to Jimi’s music in the best way they know how — turned up and with plenty of emotion.

After a short introduction by Jimi’s sister Janie Hendrix, guitarist Mato Nanji and vocalist Henri Brown, Jimi’s cousin, kicked off the show with “Foxy Lady.” After all, why start slowly?

For nearly three hours, different guitarists took the stage to perform a couple of songs each in various combinations, usually putting their own slight spin on the music. Devon Allman and Marcus King tore through “Are You Experienced?” before tagging a hint of the Allman Brothers’ “Jessica” at the end.

Blues guitarist Christone “Kingfish” Ingram offered a trio of bluesy numbers — “Killing Floor,” “Catfish Blues” and “Hey Joe” — the latter of which saw him and King trading blistering guitar riffs.

Ozzy Osbourne/Black Label Society guitarist Zakk Wylde brought the metal edge to Hendrix with his covers of “Purple Haze,” “Manic Depression” and “All Along the Watchtower.”

Capturing the live spirit, Wylde found time to wander into the crowd for extended solos, one of which he carried out while holding his guitar behind his head. Of course, in true Hendrix tribute fashion, he also played a bit with his teeth.

Eric Johnson offered a handful of renditions, including “Power to Love,” “One Rainy Wish,” “Spanish Castle Magic” and a stellar duet of “Angel” with blues guitarist Samantha Fish, who went on to absolutely shred a solo during “If 6 Was 9” that had the crowd standing in awe.

The night was capped off with a few songs from Kenny Wayne Shepherd and singer Noah Hunt, including “Voodoo Child.”

Throughout the night, videos of Hendrix played on a large screen behind the band. While the concert went on for hours, it never felt long as regular band changes happened quickly and kept the vibes fresh.

Hearing so many memorable songs in a concert setting is as close as many of us will ever get to what it might have been like to experience Hendrix live.

Be sure to check out Queen City Nerve’s Soundwave, Charlotte’s most comprehensive live music listing, so you don’t miss out on any shows or concerts coming up. And hell, if you’re looking for something else to do, you can check out our events page as well, which runs the gamut of things to do in Charlotte. You don’t ever have to be bored again. You can check out more of Jeff’s pics and live reviews here.