Sunday, March 23, 2014

Concert Review: BandFuse Rock Legends Present: EXPERIENCE HENDRIX


EXPERIENCE HENDRIX: March 22, 2014 The Concert Venue at Harrah's

A sure-fire sellout year in-year out at Atlantic City theaters was a sure fire hit once again.



This night's All-Star Lineup: Original Hendrix Experience bandmate BILLY COX, Buddy Guy, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Eric Johnson, Doyle Bramhall II, Stevie Ray Vaughan's longtime drummer in Double Trouble, Chris Layton, Dweezil Zappa and it's always a treat to see Aerosmith's Brad Whitford up close from about 30 feet away!  A+++

Talented Supporting Stars: Kenny Wayne Shepherd's longtime frontman, Noah Hunt, Mato Nanji from Indigenous, Eric Gales and HENDRIX look-a-like and major "shredder" Dani Robinson  A+

The Set list: A blistering 3-hour show kicked off promptly at 9pm with a stage introduction from Janie Hendrix, The President of Experience Hendrix, LLC. She spoke of Jimi's early references to the "Electric Church."  The "Electric Church concept was the simple formula of a rockin' jam session featuring accomplished musicians to connect people by way of music!

The legendary bassist, Billy Cox the ONLY player with the exception of Jimi Hendrix himself to be an active member of both the "The Jimi Hendrix Experience" and Band Of Gypsys took center stage to Rock out STONE FREE! Guitarist, singer Dani Robinson who best resembled Jimi himself in a real back to the future' 1968 moment,  sent shivers through a sold out pack house at Harrah's Concert Venue.  The only protest I may have had was that Dani Robinson, who at one point was wailing on guitar with his tongue, was not on stage throughout the 3-hour non stop performance. I have to believe it would have taken the focus off the other all-star players.  A

My personal Hendrix Favorite moments: Eric Johnson wailing on FOXY LADY, Johnson and powerful frontman Noah Hunt performing EZY RYDER, A rockin' Hendrix classic HEAR MY TRAIN A COMIN' and the finale of RED HOUSE featuring Buddy Guy, Billy Cox and Brad Whitford! I loved the coolness of Buddy Guy performing the Muddy Waters classic, LOUISIANA BLUES! WOW! A+++

Stage energy: From the opening featuring Cox and Robinson, to Eric Johnson, Eric Gales, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd wailing on his axe' one-handed at times, the players appeared to feeling the high of performing the rock God that is Jimi Hendrix. Johnson remarked to the audience "what a gift it was to be present and able to perform that music for us!" A+

Crowd Response: Like most casino audiences, it was a sit down affair. At times, various performers had to remind people they were at a rock concert and they appreciated a rowdy response. It was clearly a sold out theater of classic rock enthusiasts who appreciated the level of play on stage. C+

Overall: The music of Jimi Hendrix will never fade or lose its appeal. It has transcended generations of fans! From 17-70, the house was rockin' to EXPERIENCE HENDRIX! A+

Thanks to the legendary Billy Cox and his lovely wife who chatted with us for a time before show even posing with my resident 19 year old Hendrix fan for a picture. Billy is a total class act who not only performed flawlessly but had free time for any fan wanting to get close. He does this every night!!!!!A++++