Customer Reviews

Jimi Hendrix: An Illustrated Experience

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

There seems to be an abundance lately of these "musuem-in-a-box type" books. There's one for John Lennon, Jim Morrison, Bob Dylan, and now Jimi.

Jimi Hendrix: An Illustrated Experience is divided into three parts:

Biography: This is not the strongest part of the book. Considering the authors, John McDermott, author of two previous books on Hendrix, and Janie Hendrix, Jimi's step-sister, one would hope for more detail on some the areas that have been overlooked by other books. Sadly, this is not the case. Page 60, the final page, is filled with many "pats on the back" for all the two authors have done, or feel they've done, to keep Jimi's legacy on track. There's even a photo credit error on page 19. That's John Goddard's photo as seen in the book "Harlem of the West."

Interactive - Inserts: This is the real reason for buying the book. Many of these items were auctioned off over the years, and only those with deep pockets would have had a chance at owning the real thing. Of course, due size constraints, many are reduced, and a lot of the colorc aren't as vibrant as the original. Still, they are very cool to examine up close.

Music/Interview CD: Most collectors probably own the material on this CD, especially if you purchase CDs from Experience Hendrix's Dagger label. The CD features tracks from two releases "Morning Symphony Idea" and "Live at Clark University." Most people who purchase the book are the serious collector, and it's a shame Experience Hendrix didn't come up with a more imaginative collection of Hendrix material for the CD.

As another reviewer said this "museum in a box" set with over 30 reproduced documents - mostly letters or Journals - slipped in pockets throughout the text is not the best biography of Hendrix. Then again, I'm not sure it's supposed to be. There are other bios of Hendrix - two Hendrix books were already authored by co-author John McDermott.

This book made to be "interactive" with the "reader" pulling out the pieces of paper. Unlike similar "boxes" out there, much of the Hendrix material is in the same format, with the exception of a few mini-posters. I would have though that other multi media would be fun to see. The book does come with a 70-minute CD and - while this material is available from Hendrix specific websites, it's not generally found in major bookstores where this book is made to be seen and sold. The 30 minute "Studio Jam" with Jimi playing with all kinds of sounds could act as a "soundtrack" to leafing through the book and playing with the inserts.

So, no it's not perfect but if you think about it as a hands-on "experience" it can be a lot of fun. And - given the author's credentials - you know that the facts should be correct.

I gave it Four Stars as a fun "experience" and not as a reference book. There are plenty of them.

Steve Ramm
"Anything Phonographic"

Be careful not to buy into anything written or stated by his step-sister.
She had virtually no interaction with Jimi. Moreover she consistantly places a self serving (monetary) driven slant on everything she publishes about Jimi.

I bought this book for my daughter who is a big Hendrix fan. It is really awesome! It contains copies of original writings and songs in Hendrix's own handwritting! It is layed out like a scrapbook with pages of history and narration. There are also photos and personal letters. It is a very unique layout. My daughter loves it.

happy i bought it. lots of different types of information plus 70 min of music. very cool.

Found it used for insanely cheap! Nice inserts and posters but skip the "bio" part of it. Excellent CD if you don't already have the Dagger Records material.

...This is a fine example in the recent fad of "scrapbooks" (with removable facsimiles of documents, letters, tickets, etc., pertaining to the artist) of legendary rock musicians. Gives a good sense of Jimi's journey to the fulfillment of his artistic vision. Oversize book comes in impressive heavy slipcase/box. Quality printing and binding add nicely to the value, as does the CD containing an interview with Jimi and a few live concert tracks...

I found this book in Georgia one in the bookshop by accident and I liked it very much, but it was to expensive. Than I remembered that I can buy it from amazon for more profitable price. This is new years gift for my husband. I can imagine, how it will make him happy. He's Jimis fan, he's playing on guitar and sings Jimis songs very good.

My dad loved the book, very easy to read , and lots of pictures and even a music CD is included. My dad is a down heart Jimmy FAN!!