Modern Listener Guide: Jimi Hendrix

by Frank Moriarty

The question arises in online music forums, is asked in the pages of guitar magazines, is debated among countless music fans: "People say Jimi Hendrix was a genius, but where do I start with his music?"After all, as the iconic status of Hendrix looms larger with each passing year, there is a continual generation of new listeners just discovering his work. They may know he is important by how often he is name-checked by today's top musicians and by the near-constant presence of his image across all forms of media, but they soon discover there is a complicated and confusing body of material spread across many titles and record labels.Now acclaimed author and musician Frank Moriarty brings to life the world of Jimi Hendrix in Modern Listener Guide: Jimi Hendrix. With informed commentary and spirited critical perspective, Moriarty expertly leads the way through the studio sessions, live concert recordings, and myriad album and box set releases that comprise the imposing legacy of one of the world's great guitarists and musical personalities.In the wake of Jimi Hendrix's brief, mercurial career, books about this legendary musician tend to offer simple platitudes, casually proclaiming various works to be Hendrix's masterpieces. But they offer little or no context communicating why these recordings are masterpieces and through what means Hendrix realized his musical vision. Accordingly, Modern Listener Guide: Jimi Hendrix takes on its subject in a way that has not been successfully accomplished, with insight and analysis given life by a vibrant approach.The music appears largely in chronological format, surrounded by events within the life and career of Jimi. This provides a colorful, up-to-date and historically accurate framework. What was it like to be on tour in 1968? How is it that the biggest rock star in the world lived a life of chaotic day-to-day logistics? How did Hendrix's creative instincts clash with "the way pop music is done?" The answers to these questions and many more complement the critical reviews of Jimi's music, giving readers a revealing and complete picture of this musical legend.By balancing accurate portraits of Jimi's career interspersed with insightful commentary on the dozens of significant releases that stand as cornerstones of his creativity, Modern Listener Guide: Jimi Hendrix will be invaluable to readers just discovering Hendrix, and will also appeal to those already familiar with Jimi's compelling music and unforgettable life.

258 pages, Paperback

Published November 26, 2018

Reviews

[George Kanakaris · Rating 5 out of 5]

So there have been hundreds of books written about Hendrix , but this is one not to be missed.First , this is written by a connaisseur , a man who must love his music : that just breathes through the book.Every collector or fan of Jimi knows that his catalogue has been confusing, mislabeled, edited , re-mixed beyond recognition.This author gives an excellent overview and detailed review of the many many releases AND concerts.No propaganda and marketing terminology here folks , just a lot of information.This turned out to be a real page turner and once you start this book , you will be experienced.Highly recommended.

[Ward Whipple · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comprehensive overview of every Hendrix album, live and studio, taken mostly on chronological recorded order, putting everything in context and connecting loose threads. The author pulls no punches when something sounds off. Best of all, he's published additional chapters online when further additions to the catalog appear.