Reviews

'As always, it was sheer pleasure to observe Robin Hill's remarkable fluent technique: everything looks easy when he plays it.' Colin Cooper- Classical Guitar Magazine ----- 'Wonderful for their (Hill & Wiltschinsky) precision, touch and clarity of sound... refined virtuosity, the achievement of a long interpretive process.' Il Giornale D'Italia (Rome) ----- 'I loved your CD and thought your technique and performance were fabulous...' Rick Wakeman

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Jimi Hendrix, Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell - Experience Reunited?

Those who follow this blog regularly will know that Jimi Hendrix has played a huge role in Robin's musical life.
But it wasn't just Hendrix, it was the whole 'Jimi Hendrix Experience', the meeting of three musicians who changed the face of music.
Jimi Hendrix, Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell.

It's not just Robin though, most musicians I know have spent a lifetime listening to the music of Jimi Hendrix. Right across the range from classical, jazz, to rock.
There was something so exhilarating, exciting and original about their playing, interaction, and complete 'ease' with their instruments that seems to inspire all musicians. Nigel Kennedy, for example, has always been very vocal about his musical roots and love of Hendrix.

So it was with great sadness that we heard of the death of the last surviving band member, Mitch Mitchell.
Mitchell was a fabulous drummer and the interplay between him and Hendrix was legendary.
You can read an interesting and informative obituary in The Telegraph.

The sad news prompted a weekend of listening to various tracks and searching for a fitting YouTube video to show all the band members at their best.
But it didn't stop there.
Robin has spent some time practicing Rodrigo's, 'Concierto de Aranjuez', for a performance next year, and emerged from the music room as I was surfing the net.

Just to live up to his reputation of the 'Hendrix of the classical guitar', he proceeded to play the opening bars of the concierto with his guitar behind his head...
It wasn't until I pointed out that this may not be the best way to treat his valuable Rodriguez guitar, and that maybe he should try it with his Stratocaster instead, that he stopped. (I know, it's boring always being the sensible one...)

Anyway, the world is a poorer place with the loss of Mitch Mitchell.
Our hope is that finally, after many years, the trio have now been reunited, and are holding the best ever jam session somewhere....

But here on earth, we have to be content with archive footage.
There's so much to choose from it has been difficult.
We finally settled on a song called 'Killing Floor', originally by the band, 'Electric Flag', as it shows beautifully the energy and interaction on stage during a live performance.
As the video won't post to blog, you'll have to click the link to watch, but it's worth it... 'The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Killing Floor.'

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I saw The Hendrix Experience at Chicago's Civic Opera House in the fall of 1967, and despite the fact that I've seen hundreds of bands since then, I have, and I know, I will never see a great group like them for that concert I still remember as if it was yersterday. I also played with and succesfully represented Buddy Miles in Chicago criminal court in the early'90s.
He was a great musician and a good friend who introduced me to Sir Paul MacCartney and his wife Linda.
Mike Roman, Attorney/Muscian.

Anna said...

Hi Mike,
Thanks for taking the time to leave a message. Sadly I never saw the Hendrix Experiece live but I'm sure you're right, it must have been incredible.
You played with Buddy Miles!!! You must be good...It sounds like you had quite some experiences yourself and met some incredible people.
Are you Mike Roman from The Tellstars???

Mike Roman and The Tellstars said...

My group, The Tellstars will be appearing with Los Lonely Boys on Sunday, July 19, 2009 at the Festival of The Lakes, Hammond, Indiana. Both groups were influenced by Carlos Santana and his band. For more info/pictures of Carlos Santana and Buddy Miles, and The Tellstars, visit us at
www.tellstars.com
Mike Roman, Esq.

Anna said...

So I was right. You are Mike Roman of the Tellstars!
Enjoy the gig!