Getting a guitar last Christmas sprang my interest in finding out more about the world’s best guitar players. I finally came upon Jimi Hendrix…and just in time as the DVD, Jimi Hendrix The Guitar Hero released earlier this fall.

Release Date: September 14, 2010
Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 109 minutes

Classic Artists could not claim to have a complete series on rock legends and their mark on the world of music without this film, the final word on guitar virtuoso Jimi Hendrix.

Rather than drudging up scandal and outworn hypothesis about Jimi’s lifestyle and ultimate death, this Classic Artists film looks at Hendrix the master of electric guitar, as told by a selection of the world’s greatest musicians. JIMI HENDRIX: THE GUITAR HERO includes all new and exclusive interviews with Dave Mason (Traffic), Eric Clapton, Mick Taylor (Rolling Stones), Eric Burdon (The Animals), Paul Rodgers (Bad Company), Ginger Baker (Cream), Bev Bevan (ELO), Crosby, Stills and Nash and others. Some of these musicians were his mentors, some his contemporaries and some admirers of his incredible talent. Countless musicians have emerged as new talent as a result of his influence, explaining why Hendrix’s work remains at the zenith of rock music to this day.

Moving beyond the icon and the myth, Classic Artists brings alive the image and music that Jimi Hendrix evoked from his very soul, using the instrument, as, he put it, as his “personal diary.” This style evoked a home-grown and raw, uncensored sensuality, which indeed was his nature and that of his music, as if he were his own muse.

Narrated by Slash (Guns N Roses, Velvet Revolver) a longtime Hendrix acolyte, this film is less a biography than the first film ever to focus on the music itself and the impetus of the master who created it.

I was excited to watch this film before watching but afterwords I became even more intrigued with the musical legend that is Hendrix. Some of the world’s best guitarists and more share their personal accounts of witnessing Jimi playing or just being in his presence. Slash, Eric Burden, Leon Hendrix, Mick Taylor, Zoot Money, Eric Clapton, Dave Mason, Alan White, Author, Charles Cross, and Jimi’s ex-girlfriend, Kathy among others are among the few who appear. It’s really more of a tease than anything else, hearing their experiences and seeing a bit of footage of Jimi playing. Note that the footage shown of Jimi is sparse, so you’ll see the same few videos and images repeatedly throughout the documentary.

Along with these personal accounts, this film details everything from Hendrix’ time in foster care with his brother to his time in London, England and owning the stage at a Cream concert to his untimely death. Though the story telling is not as chronological or in depth as I would have hoped. This DVD is not a life story, it is literally just focusing on the musical talent of Jimi Hendrix and how he changed the musical game. However, it seems there was a lack of musical permission as I did not hear a large variety of Hendrix songs playing in the background. That was slightly disappointing.

Overall this is more of an introductory documentary than anything else. It is by no means a comprehensive full-length documentary that you can take a whole lot from but you’ll enjoy it because it will get viewers excited to learn as much as they can about Jimi Hendrix.

Bonus Features:
* Henry Diltz’ 8mm Silent Footage: The Monkees 1967 Tour
* Full Performance of “Hey Joe” at the Marquee in London
* Extended Interviews (Slash, Mick Taylor, Micki Dolenz, Leon Hendrix, Joey Covington, Stephen Stills, Lemmy Kilmister, and Dave Mason)
* Photography and Memorabilia (Includes a 20 page full color booklet)

Own Jimi Hendrix The Guitar Hero on DVD today.