#30 of 500
· Rolling Stone
“Hendrix arrived in 1967 and made every guitarist on the planet reconsider their career choices. The UK Track Records pressing has a different tracklist from the US version and is mastered with more presence. 'Purple Haze' changed what a guitar could do. 'The Wind Cries Mary' proved he wasn't just volume.”
Jimi Hendrix (1942-1970) revolutionized electric guitar playing and became one of rock music's most influential figures in an incredibly brief career. Born Johnny Allen Hendrix in Seattle, he honed his skills playing backup guitar for R&B acts before moving to London in 1966, where he formed the Jimi Hendrix Experience with bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell. His debut album, 'Are You Experienced' (1967), introduced revolutionary guitar techniques including feedback manipulation, wah-wah effects, and left-handed playing styles that remain influential today. Following this breakthrough, Hendrix released 'Axis: Bold as Love' (1967) and the landmark 'Electric Ladyland' (1968), establishing himself as the era's preeminent guitarist. His iconic performance at Monterey Pop Festival (1967) cemented his status as a superstar.
Style
Hendrix pioneered psychedelic rock and hard rock, blending blues foundations with experimental electronic effects, distortion, and improvisational flair. His sound was characterized by innovative use of studio technology and his unprecedented mastery of electric guitar as a solo instrument.
Significance
Hendrix's influence on rock music and guitar playing is immeasurable; his albums are considered essential for any serious vinyl collector. His original pressings, particularly early UK releases on Polydor, are highly sought after by collectors, and his recordings showcase the sonic depth that makes vinyl an ideal format for his densely layered productions.
Are You Experienced marked Jimi Hendrix's explosive debut, recorded primarily at Olympic Studios in London between October 1966 and April 1967. Working with producer Chas Chandler, a former bassist who discovered Hendrix performing in New York clubs, the guitarist laid down the album's foundation with engineer Eddie Kramer. The sessions captured Hendrix's revolutionary approach to electric guitar, featuring innovations like feedback, distortion, and unconventional techniques that would reshape rock music. Tracks like "Purple Haze," "Foxy Lady," and "The Wind Cries Mary" emerged from these sessions, showcasing both his technical mastery and compositional gifts. Hendrix's childhood friend Noel Redding played bass, while Mitch Mitchell provided drums, forming the core of the Jimi Hendrix Experience. The album was assembled with remarkable speed, reflecting the urgency and creativity of its era.
Historical Context
Released in May 1967 in the UK and August 1967 in the US, Are You Experienced arrived during the Summer of Love and the height of psychedelic rock's emergence. The album immediately established Hendrix as a guitar virtuoso and cultural phenomenon, reaching number 3 in the UK and eventually number 5 in the US. It coincided with his legendary performance at the Monterey Pop Festival in June 1967, which cemented his status as a rock icon. The album's success demonstrated the appetite for experimental, guitar-driven rock and influenced countless musicians across multiple genres.
Pressing Notes
Early UK Pressings on Polydor Records (mono and stereo) are highly sought by collectors, particularly first pressings with the original gatefold sleeve. The US release on Reprise Records exists in multiple variants—early pressings included different mixes and master tapes. Later stereo mixes differ noticeably from original sessions recordings. Collectors should note that different territories received different track listings and sequencing. Reissues have proliferated over decades; the 1997 MCA remaster and subsequent 2010 Experience Hendrix reissues offer improved audio, though original pressings remain prized for their character. Mono pressings are rarer and valued by serious collectors.
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