Experience Hendrix: Are You Experienced Seattle?

Experience Hendrix Tour
Paramount Theatre, Seattle, WA
02.19.17

Dubbed the “All Star Concert Event of the Year,” the Jimi Hendrix Experience Tour performed its 3rd show of a 29-date run at Seattle’s historic Paramount Theatre. What a special evening it was, with some of today’s most influential guitarists celebrating the music, and legacy of, the city’s own Jimi Hendrix.

Hendrix’s music has shaped and transformed generations of guitarists. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame describes him as “arguably the greatest instrumentalist in the history of rock music.” He is certainly one of the most influential, well known rock guitarists in popular music.

The “Experience Hendrix Tour,” now in its second decade, brought together a wide variety of incredible musicians ranging from blues legend Buddy Guy to Black Label Society and former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde. Jonny Lang, Dweezil Zappa, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Keb Mo, and Mato Nanji (from Indigenous) joined the fun, and additional vocals were provided by Henri Brown, Noah Hunt (Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band), and Calvin Cook (The Slide Brothers).

All of these guitarists and singers are gelled together by the original Jimi Hendrix Experience and Band Of Gypsy’s bassist/singer Billie Cox. Bassist Scott Nelson (Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band) and drummers Tim Austin (Buddy Guy’s Damn Right I’ve Got The Blues Band), and Chris Layton (from Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble) consist of the remaining rhythm section.

The emcee of the event was Hendrix’s sister Jainie, who introduced the first trio to the “Electric Church.” The evening began with “Freedom,” which brought the room to live with the magic of Jimi’s music. Each song was performed by a various combination of artists in front of a giant video screen showcasing various clips of Hendrix and psychedelic graphics choreographed to the music.

One of the highlights was Zakk Wylde – playing his purple buzz saw guitar – blazing across the stage and walking down into each aisle of the Paramount, shredding along the way. His guitar tech ran along to make sure he and the chord didn’t get tangled in the moment.

Wylde addressed the crowd onstage, joking that back in the day when Hendrix’s band complained about not making enough money he came to them and said “Not to worry about it, I wrote a song that will take care of all the bills.” Then Wylde broke into “Purple Haze,” arguably the best known/played Hendrix song.

Legendary guitarist Buddy Guy was a treat to see perform, still such a commanding presence on the guitar, at 80 years old. His smile lit up the theatre as much as his virtuosity on the fret board. He played with Henri Brown following him into the enthusiastic audience, all in awe of his skills, youth, and musicianship.

The talent pooled together onto one stage makes this a must-see show for any Hendrix fan. It was a fantastic evening of music celebrating the legendary guitarist with a nearly 3-hour set. Everyone was on their feet at various points of the night and it was great to see the overwhelming love filling the theatre.

Experience Hendrix Set List
Freedom – Billy C / Chris L / Dweezil
Stone Free – Billy C / Chris L / Mato / Dweezil
Foxy Lady – Mato / Chris L / Billy C / Henri / Chuck
Hear My Heart Train A Comin’ – Chris L / Scott N / Mato
Ezy Ryder – Dweezil / Chris L / Scott N / Noah / Mato
Killing Floor – Chris L / Scott N / Keb Mo
Catfish Blues – Chris L / Scott N / Keb Mo / Calvin / Chuck
The Sky Is Crying – Chris L / Scott N / Keb Mo / Calvin / Chuck
Manic Depression – Chris L / Scott N / Zakk
Little Wing – Chris L / Scott N / Zakk
Purple Haze – Chris L / Scott N / Zakk
All Along The Watchtower – Jonny L / Chris L / Scott N / Zakk
Fire – Jonny L / Chris L / Scott N / Andrew
The Wind Cries Mary – Jonny L / Chris L / Scott N / Mato
Spanish Castle Magic – Jonny L / Chris L / Scott N / Mato
Gypsy Eyes – Kenny / Noah / Chris L / Scott N / Mato
I Don’t Live Today – Kenny / Noah / Chris L / Scott N
Come On – Kenny / Noah / Chris L / Scott N
Voodoo Chile Medley – Kenny / Noah / Chris L / Scott N
Who Knows Fanfare – Buddy Guy / Billy C / Mato / Tim
Louisiana Blues – Buddy Guy / Billy C / Mato / Tim
Hey Joe – Buddy Guy / Billy C / Mato / Tim
Them Changes – Buddy Guy / Billy C / Mato / Tim / Keb Mo / Henri
Encore
Red House – Buddy Guy / Billy C / Mato / Tim / Keb Mo