The Jimi Effect Pt 1
We asked an array of phenomenal guitarists three questions about the influence that Hendrix had on their own guitar development, on music in general, and on creative culture. Question 1:
What did Jimi Hendrix mean to you as a player?
JAN AKKERMAN
I think he was a great musician and showman, but I had very different influences like Django Reinhardt, Wes Montgomery or the first rock pioneers, and all different styles because I used to play the accordion when I was six years old. So in short, NO secondhand blues licks. So in the beginning I didn’t pay too much attention. I did like Hey Joe and The Wind Cries Mary as compositions, but didn’t think much of it until I hooked up with Joachim Kuhn, a monster keyboard player and friend and totally into free jazz and a big fan of Hendrix. He emphasised the freedom of Jimi’s playing, which I loved, also especially the albums Electric Ladyland and Axis: Bold As Love.
JENNIFER BATTEN
He represented a movement in electric guitar of breaking the boundaries of what had gone before, and challenging expectations in the role of the guitarist in a band. With his presence the guitar’s potential became adventurous, dangerous, exciting, and wild.
KIRK FLETCHER
Jimi Hendrix has meant many things. When I was a kid I saw Hendrix as an amazing guitarist both in and out of the studio. A sonic genius way ahead of his time. His command of sound with this deep understanding of soul. As I grew older I started thinking about how he
