The Musicality of The Experience

While Jimi Hendrix’s lyrics are rich and full of meaning, an equally, if not more important aspect of his songs is the music played behind the singing (especially the legendary Hendrix guitar) as there is much symbolism in the instrumental parts of the song.  Even before Purple Haze, the first song on the album, begins, there is a sort of musical count off.  This is traditionally done by the drummer (clicking his sticks while saying “one, two, one two three four”), but in Purple Haze, it is done by Jimi’s psychedelic guitar; it tells the listener that this is the instrument that will lead the album, keeping it steady, while also taking it far beyond the traditional rock album.  The set up of the songs on the Are You Experienced Album are not necessarily unconventional.  Many are in four four time, have steady beat, and have verses a chorus and a bridge; however Hendrix, along with his talented band members (Noel Redding on the bass and Mitch Mitchell on the drums), uses his brilliant artistic creativity to weave musical twists and effects into his songs that are unheard of with any other band of the time.  

Jimi’s album did what a lot of the concept albums of the time could not.  He combined the brainpower, symbolism, and purpose with the grit and hard core rock experience that he loved so much.  The album is focused on getting the experience and going through the whole think with a fearless and chaotic guitar playing leader.   When asked about his emotions while playing, Jimi said “Everybody should have a room where they can release so my room was the stage”.