The Experience Hendrix tour crash landed at Massey Hall Saturday night. A pilgrimage for guitar lovers and Jimi Hendrix fans alike. Bringing together some of the greatest guitarists of our time, this travelling tribute honours Hendrix’s legacy with an electrifying night of music that highlights his groundbreaking influence on rock and blues.
This year’s edition of Experience Hendrix boasted a powerhouse lineup featuring legendary players such as Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Eric Johnson, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and Dweezil Zappa. Each artist brought their own signature style while paying respectful homage to Hendrix’s pioneering sound.
The show was full of highlights and showcased Jimi’s most cherished songs as well as some rare gems. Foxey Lady immediately set the tone for a night of soaring solos and roaring amps. Christone “Kingfish” Ingram delivered a soulful and bluesy take on Red House, his smooth phrasing and expressive bends evoking the essence of Hendrix’s blues roots. Ally Venable got down on her knees for a smouldering fretboard workout on Fire which ignited the crowd and brought them to their feet. Duane Allman added a classy touch to the sublime Little Wing which was reminiscent of the Derek & The Dominoes interpretation.
One of the standout moments of the night came when Eric Johnson performed a spellbinding version of One Rainy Wish. His impeccable tone and fluid touch breathed new life into this dreamy song, reminding the audience of the sheer beauty in Hendrix’s compositions musically and lyrically. Zappa’s rendition of Freedom was a high-energy explosion, blending intricate fretwork with a pounding intensity that had the astounded. Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s blistering technique on Voodoo Child (Slight Return) was nothing short of mesmerizing, channelling Hendrix’s raw power while adding his own bluesy flair.
The performance was not just technical mastery. What makes Experience Hendrix special is the spirit of camaraderie and reverence among the performers. The show was more about interpretation rather than imitation. Each guitarist celebrated Hendrix’s genius in their own unique way. From psychedelic jams to soulful blues, the evening encapsulated the full spectrum of Hendrix’s musical landscape.
To find out more information about the tour, head over to their website https://www.experiencehendrixtour.com/
Be sure to check out Massey Hall to see more events that they’ll be hosting in Toronto.
