Jimi Hendrix, the most influential guitarist in rock music history, who distinctly added to the genre’s then speeding comet with his electrifying brand of blues and funk, will be celebrated at the Apollo Theater Nov. 26, one-night only, with two dynamic performances at 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.
The concert will feature “Hendrix contemporaries and those inspired by his legacy,” with Fishbone, the spirited late 1970s Black rock group with penetrating fusion notes of ska, punk and soul rock.
Special guests will be guitarists Ernie Isley and singer/songwriter Nona Hendryx; poet Saul Williams; the singer and former member of Prince’s New Power Generation, Liv Warfield; the founder of New York City rock band Gods and Monsters, Gary Lucas; and child star of Broadway’s “School of Rock,” Brandon Niederauer “TAZ.”
The concert will sail through Hendrix’s reservoir of early R&B influences that eventually led to his explorations of rock. After being discharged from the U.S. Army in 1962, Hendrix played up and down the Chitlin’ Circuit operated by the Theater Owners’ Booking Association. As he began his journey of the musical rainbow he was a sideman to R&B and blues singers Wilson Pickett, Jackie Wilson and Sam Cooke.
Becoming bored with that scene, the young Hendrix moved to Harlem in 1964, and stayed at the then prestigious Hotel Theresa on 125th Street. That same year he won first prize at the Apollo Theater amateur contest. As a shining gem on the Harlem club circuit, he met Ronnie Isley and became the lead guitarist for the Isley Brothers.
Hendrix toured with the Isley’s during 1964 and briefly resided with them in their home in Teaneck, N.J., where the young Ernie Isley first met the guitarist. On this early journey, he joined Little Richard’s touring band and had stints with King Curtis and Joey Dee and the Starliters.
Hendrix moved from Harlem to Greenwich Village to become immersed in a more diverse music scene. Two years later, in 1967, after relocating to Europe, he recorded the album “Are You Experienced” (Reprise).
The Apollo celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Jimi Hendrix Experience and what would have been his 74th birthday. Johnny Allen Hendrix was born Nov. 27, 1942, in Seattle. He died Sept. 18, 1970.
“Jimi Hendrix found a home on our stage and throughout the Harlem community during his short but phenomenally influential career,” said Kamilah Forbes, the Apollo Theater’s executive producer. “His story epitomizes the importance of providing platforms for young, daring artists, which is central to the Apollo’s mission today.”
Hendrix’s technique of racing amplified feedback and his popularizing use of the wah-wah pedal changed the entire concept of any person picking up an electric guitar or any instrument. He influenced everyone from Miles Davis to Prince. His styled versatility covered the rock skies like a magnificent rainbow after a thunderous rain storm.
On Nov. 27, Hendrix’s spirited soul will shine over the Apollo stage like the axis bold as love, through the purple haze and experienced enough to kiss the sky.
Tickets are $35-$95. Call 212-531-5305 or www.ticketmaster.com.
Ever since the top flight drummer and composer Joe chambers relocated in 2008, to become the music department’s jazz professor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, New Yorkers have missed his illuminating musical presence.
On Nov. 25-27, the adaptable multi-instrumentalist, who may surprise us on vibraphone, returns to Manhattan to celebrate his latest Savant recording, “Landscapes,” at Smoke Jazz and Supper Club, 2751 Broadway at 104th Street, for three sets each evening at 7 p.m., 9 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
Chambers last recording with the producer and independent record company owner Joe Fields was in 2005, when they released the memorable CD, “The Outlaw.” On this latest CD and engagement, Chambers is leading a trio with the established bassist Ira Coleman and pianist Rick Germanson.
Chambers career throughout the 1960s established him as both a noteworthy hard-bop and an avant-garde jazz drummer and as an intriguing composer, particularly through his partnership with vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson.
His open style and flexibility has garnered him recording dates on Wayne Shorter’s Blue Note recordings, with Archie Shepp, with Andrew Hill, on Miles Davis’ “The Complete In a Silent Way Sessions” (Columbia) and with M’ Boom, the radical percussion ensemble founded in 1970 and led by Max Roach, and along with Roach included Roy Brooks, Joe Chambers, Omar Clay, Warren Smith and Freddie Waits.
For reservations, call 212-864-6662.
Because of the lack of support across the United States The future of jazz remains a burdening issue constantly up for discussion.
JazzWeBop and the Harlem School of the Arts are doing their part to end this frantic discussion by introducing jazz to youngsters from age 8 months to 5 years.
On Dec. 3, two free classes at HAS, 645 St. Nicholas Ave. at 141 Street, will be available for families to experience at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.
WeBop is an early childhood program that gives children a joyous platform to swing to hip jazz rhythms as they learn about the core concepts, great performers and instruments of jazz with their parents or caregivers.
These 45-minute classes offer a creative outlet for children to explore jazz vocabulary through movement, songs, storytelling and play. “The classes give children the opportunity to move in an improvisational spirit without any judgement,” stated Alison Magistrali, manager of WeBop Education.
The winter “Jazz Family” schedule runs from Jan. 10 to March 5, 2017, on consecutive Saturdays. Band weeks will include guest musicians, and iconic musicians who will be creatively introduced include Ella Fitzgerald and John Coltrane. This program will enhance skills in listening, creativity and imagination.
For more information on the free classes and program, contact webop@jazz.org or 212-258-9922.