Jimi Hendrix: Musician

by Keith Shadwick, Keith Shadwick

(Book). In the decades since Jimi Hendrix's untimely death, much has been written about his life, loves, drugs, money and hassles. In the meantime, the reputation of his music has been quietly growing. This book concentrates firmly on his work, examining what makes Hendrix's music so extraordinary. Author Keith Shadwick offers a unique slant on the man as musician, following Hendrix from his 1960s beginnings, through the years of his intense listening and learning, to the full flowering of his Experience. This insightful, coffee table-quality book concludes with a bold new anaysis of how Hendrix, like so many artists of genius before him, lost control through his determination to assert it. Includes an appendix on Hendrix's gear by music journalist and guitarist Douglas J. Noble. Full color, filled with fantastic photos throughout.

Genres: Music

352 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2003

Reviews

[Fili Wil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Primera biografía que leo. A mi parecer la cronología de los hechos clave que conformaron la personalidad del músico está muy bien delineada y no se atribuyen espiritismos ni causas imaginarias a lo que sencillamente se sabe que pasó.

El autor del libro murió hace trece años a fecha de esta opinión. Creo que hay un trabajo clave en posicionar de forma paralela la música que Hendrix creaba con su situación vital y sus aspiraciones. La profundidad con la que se llega a analizar cada una de las canciones en sus distintos aspectos se me hace a ratos asombrosa y a otros difícil de seguir. Esto último se debe sencillamente a que mis conocimientos musicales son prácticamente nulos y por lo tanto siento que aún habiendo leído la totalidad de las páginas, mucha de la magia que queda detrás de la fama se me pierde.

Es un libro fácilmente recomendable a fans de la figura o de la aportación a la música de The Experience, pero también a músicxs pues ahí es donde de verdad brilla la narración del libro.

[AL · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has the noble intent to focus on the music of Hendrix and not the gossip and intrigue of his everyday mundanity, but reading the analysis of the author passing judgement over various songs and performances using tired or tepid metaphors makes for some tedious reading. There are some valuable tidbits here that are not in other Hendrix bios which makes it not all bad, but I suggest skimming over the author’s music criticism sections, which will make the a quicker and more satisfying endeavor.

[Nowick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading with emphasis on the musical education, and rise and fall of the greatest guitarist of his generation. He was married to his instrument; and above all, it seems, Hendrix loved to jam.

[Liam · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit dry, but still a good insight into what he was like. Needs more pictures.