Every electric guitarist has to face the legacy of Jimi Hendrix at some point. Hendrix could make the instrument sing, cry or erupt. The guitar was a psychedelic orchestra in his hands. And his skills extended beyond just strings and frets — he expanded the sonic terrain with his creative use of effects pedals and feedback.
His performances were shamanic. He played with his teeth. He played behind his back. He set the thing on fire. He smashed it.
So it’s fitting that the traveling tribute Experience Hendrix requires a small army of ax-slingers — serious six-string wizards like Zakk Wylde, Buddy Guy, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Dweezil Zappa, Jonny Lang, Eric Johnson and more — to try and replicate the magic of Hendrix. Beyond the playing, there were the songs, which will be played with feverish intensity.
The Experience Hendrix Tour stops at the Toyota Oakdale Theatre, 95 S. Turnpike Road, Wallingford, on Thursday, March 17, at 7:30 p.m. $22 to $65. Information: 203-265-1501, livenation.com.
