Review - The 2019 Hendrix Experience @ the Paramount Theater (10/4/19)

Joe Satriani of Experience Hendrix 2019 (Photo: Kevin Keating)

If you weren't one of the 2200 people at the Paramount in Oakland this past Friday night, you missed your chance to see some of the best living guitarists performing the greatest hits of Jimi Hendrix with the 2019 tour of the Hendrix Experience. This years' tour featured a who's-who of guitar legends playing alongside other famed musicians from the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Stevie Ray Vaughan's Double Trouble and The Slide Brothers' Calvin Cooke and Chuck Campbell for a three-hour show that was simply one-of-a-kind. The list of musicians included: Buddy Guy, Joe Satriani, Jonny Lang, Doyle Bramhall II, Eric Johnson, Dweezil Zappa, Billy Cox (the only surviving member of the Jimi Hendrix Experience / Band of Gypsys) (bass),  dUg Pinnick (from King's X) (bass & vocals), Chris Layton (from Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble) (drums), Mato Nanji (from Indigenous) (guitar), Kenny Aronoff (drums), Tom Hambridge (drums), Henri Brown (vocals), and Kevin McCormick (bass). 


Dweezil Zappa & Eric Johnson of Experience Hendrix 2019 (Photo: Kevin Keating)

The format of the show found each of the featured guitarists given a 3-4 song set with a mix of the other supporting musicians that amounted to an approximate 20-minute set each. There were way too many highlights throughout the night to list them all, but standout moments for me included the combo performance of Dweezil Zappa and Eric Johnson opening the show, "All Along the Watchtower" performed by both Jonny Lang & Eric Johnson, and just about the entire second half of the night! 


Buddy Guy at Experience Hendrix 2019 (Photo: Kevin Keating)

Each of the guitarists applied their own unique style to Jimi's hits, and in combination with the backing band, sounded absolutely fantastic. Whether it was Johnson's clean Fender tones played with absolute precision, or the way Jonny Lang contorted his entire body into the bluesy interpretations of "Fire", or Buddy Guy's one-handed playing on the neck of his guitar while tapping on his cheek with his free hand all with the widest of grins you've ever seen, or Satriani picking strings with his teeth, or Doyle's reverse guitar playing that a casual observer might not notice, but if looked at closely, as he plays left handed, the strings on his guitar neck are upside down which influences his overall sound. The collection of guitarists on stage no doubt were influenced by Jimi, and came together to celebrate his music in their own crafted style.

Jonny Lang of Experience Hendrix 2019 (Photo: Kevin Keating)

The night kicked off just after 8pm with a special presentation by Janie Hendrix to a local student who had written an essay and won himself a brand new guitar. Janie thanked the crowd for their support of the Hendrix Foundation and quickly gave way to the night’s first batch of performers: Dweezil Zappa, Billy Cox on bass, and Chris Layton on drums who launched into “Freedom”. Dweezil was replaced for guitarist Mato Nanji, and vocalist Henri Brown took over with Billy and Chris for “Stone Free”. When I closed my eyes, I could picture Jimi himself onstage, and it only got better when slide guitarist, Chuck Campbell joined the band for “Foxy Lady”. I was blown away and we were only 3 songs into the night. Henri’s vocals were spot on, and Mato’s guitar was flawless as the sound enveloped all of us in the theater.

Dweezil Zappa, Chris Layton, Billy Cox, Henri Brown & Mato Nanji of Experience Hendrix 2019 (Photo: Kevin Keating)

The line-up shifted again for the fourth song of the night, “Power of Soul”, which let Chuck and Mato take a break and had Eric Johnson take over. Dweezil joined them on “Love or Confusion” with Eric taking over lead vocal duties from Henri; and the foursome continued with “Bold as Love” before Dweezil once again left the stage for EJ to finish up his set with “Are You Experienced?” — this time with Henri taking over vocal duties again. Watching Dweezil jam with EJ was awe inspiring and you could see how much fun Dweezil was having up on stage.


Dweezil Zappa & Eric Johnson of Experience Hendrix 2019 (Photo: Kevin Keating)

Next up was the Slide Brothers Calvin & Chuck who, along with Mato back on guitar duty, played through “The Sky is Crying” before the stage and theater went dark. Emerging from the darkness with the help of a lone spotlight on center stage, was Doyle Bramhall II, who proved to all of us in the theater that he didn’t need a backing back to blow us away with “Hear My Train a Comin’” If you’re not already familiar with Doyle, like Jimi, he plays left handed guitar, but his strings are reversed along the neck, so it’s always amazing to watch him play live. Doyle had Kevin McCormick (bass) and Chris Layton (drums) come join him for his remaining two songs: “Izabella” and “Angel”. And with that, it was up to Jonny Lang to take over guitar duties with Kevin & Chris still backing.

Doyle Bramhall II of Experience Hendrix 2019 (Photo: Kevin Keating)

Somewhat surprisingly, Jonny was not only joined by Mato, but Eric Johnson also decided to come back out for an absolutely amazing version of “All Along the Watchtower.” The three guitarists were just incredible.

Eric Johnson & Jonny Lang of Experience Hendrix 2019 (Photo: Kevin Keating)

Mato left the stage for Jonny & Eric to continue with Chris & Kevin on “The Wind Cries Mary” and Eric then left the stage for Henri to take his place on vocals for “Fire”. And then it was Mato’s turn to replace Henri for Jonny’s closing number “Spanish Castle Magic”. Did you keep up with all of that? Line-up changes were happening fast and furious throughout the night, and as a fan of both Jonny and Eric, it was incredible to hear the two perform together, especially on one of my favorite Hendrix songs, “Watchtower”. The two guitarists couldn't be more different, with Eric’s quiet focus on his finger positioning and crystal clear tones. Even EJ’s voice is soothing but precise and complements his guitar’s tonality and style. Jonny on the other hand is all about channeling all his energy into his bluesy and sometimes muddy playing, and his contortions provoke the notes that his guitar emanates. Watching the two together, was probably the highlight of the show for me.

Mato Nanji of Experience Hendrix 2019 (Photo: Kevin Keating)

There was a brief 20 minute intermission before the second half of the night kicked-off with none other than Buddy Guy, Billy Cox, Mato Nanji, and Tom Hambridge with "Who Knows Fanfare" and "Louisiana Blue" before Chuck joined them onstage for "Hey Joe". Henri Brown then joined them for "Them Changes", and Calvin came out and joined them on "Red House" to close Buddy's set. Buddy’s always a treat to watch perform and this time was no different with Buddy showing off his one-handed playing technique and even how he plays with an upside-down guitar. He was relatively reserved compared to other times we’ve seen him in the past — not having time to share stories or not wanting to show off too much by slinging his guitar around his body as he’s been known to do in the past. 


Buddy Guy of Experience Hendrix 2019 (Photo: Kevin Keating)

To close out the night, Joe Satriani paired up with King’s X bassist, dUg Pinnick, who like Henri, sounded a lot like Jimi on vocals. Famed session drummer, Kenny Aronoff had his own drum riser on stage right waiting for him and along with Henri & Janie on tambourines, took off on “Crosstown Traffic”. Henri & Janie left to leave the 3-some to finish out the night with "Manic Depression", "I Don't Live Today", "If 6 Was 9", and the show closer, "Voodoo Child".

Joe Satriani & dUg Pinnick of Experience Hendrix 2019 (Photo: Kevin Keating)

The *only* thing I could have asked for was an encore that would featured all of the main guitarists, but barring that, and as I’ve mentioned before, it was an absolutely amazing night featuring some of the best guitarists living today. I’m actually embarrassed to say that this was the first time I’ve caught this show and after this Friday night, will definitely not be the last. Don't make the same mistake I've done for years and be sure to check their tour schedule here!

Kenny Aronoff of Experience Hendrix 2019 (Photo: Kevin Keating)

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