By: Rob Cavuoto

If you love Jimi Hendrix, the blues, and getting a chance to hear some of your favorite guitarists play all the Hendrix’s hits on one stage, do yourself a favor catch the Experience Hendrix Tour when it comes to your hometown.

It’s not often that you can see so many famously talented guitarists in a low key setting jamming out. With the likes of Steve Vai, Brad Whitford , Eric Johnson, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Sheppard and of course Billy Cox of Hendrix fame, it seems like a no brainer. Let your mind float way.

The show flows very smoothly and quickly between artists, with no stage or equipment changes. Just amazing players, getting up and showcasing their talents. Regardless of who was playing, Jimi’s vibe, sound and soul are constant throughout the night.

Steve Vai Photo Credit: Rob Cavuoto

The show opened with an outstanding performance by Ernie Isley and Billy Cox doing “Stone Free” and “Message of Love.” They transition into Living Colour who in my opinion were the stand outs of the night, and that’s saying something with the company they were keeping. I had never seen the band before but blown away by not only Vernon Reed’s playing, but also the amazing range and energy level of their singer Corey Glover as they tore into “Power of Soul” and “Crosstown Traffic” while running into the audience for their perform.

Next up was an amazing American guitarist, Eric Johnson, performing stellar versions of Hendrix’s “Housing Burning Down,” Drifting” and “Burning of the Midnight Lamp.”

His band transformed into a new band comprised of Jonny Lang and Brad Whitford who did “All along the Watchtower” and “Wind Cries Mary.” It was cool to see Brad step into the spotlight and wail.

Steve Vai Photo Credit: Rob Cavuoto

Up next were Kenny Wayne Sheppard and Noah Hunt. These guys were a truly impressive duo; Noah’s soulful vocals on “I Don’t Live Today”, “Come On” and “Voodoo Chile” drove their set home.

The special guest and star of the tour is none other than guitar god Steve Vai performing “Midnight,” “May this be Love,” “Love or Confusion” and “Foxey Lady.” What Steve did to those guitars, and the sound that came out of it was awe inspiring. At one point he and the guitar were one, and I wasn’t sure who was playing who.

There were many instances during his performance that I needed to pull my eye from the camera’s view finder to get a better look at what he was doing and what I was hearing. Vai is a true guitar genius and legend of the instrument.

Expand your mind, step out of your comfort zone, and check out this tour, you might be surprised; it’s a real groovy place.

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Photo Gallery

Noah Hunt and Kenny Wayne Sheppard Photo Credit: Rob Cavuoto

Billy Cox Photo Credit: Rob Cavuoto

Eric Johnson Photo Credit: Rob Cavuoto

Jonny Lang Photo Credit: Rob Cavuoto

Brad Whitford Photo Credit: Rob Cavuoto

Steve Vai Photo Credit: Rob Cavuoto

Steve Vai Photo Credit: Rob Cavuoto