If Jimi Hendrix hadn’t died at the age of 27 in 1970 what sort of music would he be playing now? Jazz perhaps? It’s conjecture, but we know Hendrix was taking to Miles Davis about a collaboration. Miles was a huge Hendrix fan, as was his arranger Gil Evans, who marvelled at Hendrix's “onomatopoeic approach” to guitar playing. Evans later became an interpreter of Hendrix with Ryo Kawasaki and John Abercrombie filling in the guitar parts that had originally been planned for Hendrix himself. One of Hendrix’s favourite albums was Rahsaan Roland Kirk’s Rip, Rig & Panic. Hendrix felt an affinity for Kirk, and on one occasion jammed with him in London. Hendrix regarded Kirk as a magical musician and aspired to play in his spirit. This mix highlights some interpretations of Hendrix music on a jazz tip. Kicking off with a killer version of Little Wing by Gil Evans which starts slow before reaching a searing conclusion. Hendrix and jazz, what’s not to like! Give it a listen and enjoy!
