Tag: Jimi Hendrix

After publishing this essay earlier today, and then attempting, after the fact, to add a poll, two extensive efforts to produce a comprehensive diary have vanished into the netherworld.

As always, this writer thanks wikipedia for the serving as a wonderful font of information, both in general, and more specifically, as a resource for this diary.  Please refer to that site for further detail.

As we approach what is literally the longest night of the year, on Monday, December 21st, we are reminded of the ageless traditions surrounding the Winter Solstice. For many ancient cultures, at least those residing in the Northern Hemisphere, this marked the anticipation of longer days ahead.  The return of increased warmth and sunlight were an absolute necessity to grow the food critical to sustain life.  The Winter Solstice marked the final celebration before that annual eternity during which the question of survival during the months ahead was asked anew.  Those at the time hoped that the provisions already set aside would be sufficient until the earth again reawakened from that long slumber, to again produce that bounty so vital for life to continue.  They were acutely aware that the months of January and April oftentimes brought increased death from starvation.  The Winter Solstice was a time when livestock were typically slaughtered, primarily to preserve precious food stocks.  This was then one of those rare occasions during the year when fresh meat was available.  

Many of us are now fully engaged in the “spirit of the season”, swept away by the merriment of the decorations and bright lights; nonstop gatherings with family and friends; the reassuring, soothing strains of Bing Crosby crooning “White Christmas”; appreciating Jimmy Stewart’s performance in “It’s a Wonderful Life”; and the numerous other traditions that mark this time of the year.  For those multitudes, this season provides a welcome annual respite from the usual cares of the world, when we are reminded to focus on that which is “near and dear to us.”  Despite one’s best efforts and intentions, reality all too often falls far short of expectation, to find that ever elusive Holy Grail, the “perfect” holiday season,such as those that play endlessly on television during December 24th and 25th.  

Millions in this country, those teetering on the cusp, are rightly wondering, given present challenges, whether these days will mark the happiest holiday season they will experience for the remainder of their lifetimes.  For them, that temporary departure from reality can serve as a soothing distraction from the dark, threatening clouds that loom so omninously on the horizon.

And then there are the many millions, joined by legions of newcomers, involuntarily conscripted into the growing hoards of those overcome by sheer desperation.  They, too, will search in vain for signs that the seemingly endless period of darkness, which for them began months or years ago, will one day end.  

For those who no longer have a roof over their head and wonder where the they will find their next meal, any chance encounter with the merriment of the season must seem a cruel mockery of their destitute condition.  Our own government, which to varying degrees in the past provided real, meaningful assistance to those in need, has been hijacked by greedy corporate interests, dedicated solely to personal enrichment, heedless of the cost to others. Hard earned tax dollars that were turned over year after year to provide a social safety net, along with borrowed billions, are increasingly diverted into the outstretched hands of those least in need of help.  

Some of us may have become desensitized to the travails suffered by those afflicted by poverty, as portrayed in annual productions of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”  Witnessing such woe on the silver screen, television or on the stage is one matter.  Living it is an entirely different proposition.

At this time of the year, we cannot escape the plenitude of happy, upbeat holiday tunes, at stores, on television, or for those unfortunates, just outside their front door.  Speaking of the latter, has anyone else yet become incensed with those who are not satisfied with just elaborate lighting displays, but are seemingly compelled to add outdoor holiday music. played for hours on end, enthusiastically sharing these tinny, annoying renditions with their entire neighborhood?  

Rather than follow that lead, I will provide an alternative, evoking a mood more in keeping with the long night that lies immediately ahead for many, both in a literal sense two days from now, and in a figurative sense, most likely for the next few months, years or longer.  It is in that spirit that the following song is presented this week.

The featured song this week never appeared in the Top 40, however, many will experience instant recognition within two or three bars, if not sooner.

This song has been extensively covered, making the narrowing down of choices this week exceedingly difficult. Despite my previous rule of nor more than four choices, I find it impossible to not add a fifth this week. If I was asked to pick a favorite, at various times, I could quite possibly choose any or all of the five.  I would have to say that if it weren’t for the pioneering work of its original performer, however, the others that have followed would likely not be possible.

This song is rated at #101 on Rolling Stone’s list of 500 greatest songs of all time. The guitar solo was designated as the 11th greatest solo of all-time in Guitar World’s 100 Greatest Guitar Solos’ Guitar Legends, Issue #46.  The original peformer appeared six times on this list, more than any artist on that list.  This number was recorded in 1968, and was re-released as a single after the death of the composer in 1970. It was the A side on a three-track record, and reached Number 1 in the UK.

I cannot provide the information that follows without revealing the identity of the song, which is… Jimi Hendrix’ Voodoo Child.  

The following quotes, in part, reflect the widespread admiration others had for Jimi Hendrix’ trailblazing work.  

As found on wikipedia:

The genesis of “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” was essentially in “Voodoo Chile”, a long blues jam featuring guest Steve Winwood.[2] On May 3, 1968 (the day after “Voodoo Chile”‘s recording), a crew from ABC filmed the Jimi Hendrix Experience while they played. As Hendrix explained it:

[S]omeone was filming when we started doing [Voodoo Child]. We did that about three times because they wanted to film us in the studio, to make us-“Make it look like you’re recording, boys”-one of them scenes, you know, so, “OK, let’s play this in E, a-one, a-two, a-three,” and then we went into “Voodoo Child”.[3]

On the Band of Gypsys live album Live at the Fillmore East, Hendrix referred to the song as the Black Panthers’ national anthem.

Joe Satriani identified Voodoo Child as his favorite guitar solo, stating:

“It’s just the greatest piece of electric guitar work ever recorded. In fact, the whole song could be considered the holy grail of guitar expression and technique. It is a beacon of humanity.”

And Kenny Wayne Shepherd added the following:

“This is pretty much the guitar anthem of all time. From that amazing opening riff to the way he breaks it down in the middle and gets funky, the whole thing is incredible. There are things Jimi did on the guitar that humans just can’t do. You can try all day, even if you’re playing the right notes, it’s not the same. It definitely seems as if he was coming from a higher place when he played.”

Without further ado, here is but one of many renditions by Hendrix to be found on the web:

The legendary Stevie Ray Vaughn greatly admired Jimi Hendrix, perfoming cover versions of several of Hendrix’ songs. This represents one of Vaughn’s versions of Voodoo Child:

The next three performers are perhaps not as well known, however, I would encourage those reading this article to at least listen to a minute or two of each version, since they each include a unique feature setting it apart from the far more prevalent attempts to emulate Hendrix note for note.

Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and Yngwie Malmsteen combine to provide a little different twist.  Malmsteen’s gritty vocals add a jagged edge to this song, and the triple lead work toward the end is truly something to behold!

When we think of pedal steel guitar, we might initially imagine a perfomer who is at least fifty or older,complete with the requisite paunch, cowboy hat, and bolo tie, accompanying music whose lyrics pay homage to repossessed pickup trucks, bar fights, unrequited lust, and being so down in one’s luck that his own dog refuses to acknowledge him. Robert Randolph literally destroys every single one of those conceptions. Please check this out, you’ll be glad you did!

Finally, speaking of a relative unknown, at least on a national scale, Geoffrey Castle would seem to fulfill that description. Voodoo Child on the violin?  Since I discovered this version, and sent it on to others, I think the number of views on youtube has doubled, to something like 18 as of this morning. This also rates as another rendition that must truly be seen to be believed!

Please vote for one, two or all five if you feel so inclined. Or add your own favorite rendition, including your reasoning in the comments section.

Enjoy, and a Happy Winter Solstice to all!

“Peace in our times?”

Moving broken line | stable broken line | stable broken line

Moving solid line | stable solid line | stable solid line

Trigrams: Heaven over Earth moving to Wind over Thunder

12. Obstruction	42. Benefiting
Obstruction. This is not the other not benefiting the noble one’s persistence. Much goes, little comes. One cannot continue, one is being obstructed. This is frustrating. There is more loss than gain. This isn’t the other going against one’s interests, actually. Blaming someone may make one feel better, but isn’t helpful at solving the problem.	Benefiting. It is beneficial to have a goal to move to. It is beneficial to cross the big river. Benefiting from the situation. It’s a good idea to have a plan for undertaking something, to make good use of the opportunity.

Moving line 1:

Pulling out grass and entangled roots because of its accumulation.

Persistence brings good fortune.

Progressing.

Removing something that has accumulated and is now in the way, weeding it out by the root. Under the surface, things may be more entangled than one thought. Things go well by persevering with this. There is progress being made.

Moving line 4:

Having a higher purpose.

Without fault,

but it is a category separate from happiness.

Working on something that’s important to you, perhaps regarding your personal or spiritual development. There is nothing wrong with that. It is no pleasure to go through this development, but it really needs to be worked with.