Jimi Hendrix

Hear My Train A Comin’ (Experience Hendrix/Legacy)

Hear My Train a Comin’ isn’t the first documentary on Jimi Hendrix, but it may be the best. Originally produced for PBS’ acclaimed American Masters, the film continues that series’ tradition of artistic, dignified storytelling. With creative use of graphics, including samples of Hendrix’s handwritten lyrics, and on-camera interviews with key figures both professional (Eddie Kramer, Billy Cox, Chas Chandler) and personal (Linda Keith, Fayne Pridgon, Paul McCartney), UK director Bob Smeaton (Festival Express) paints a colorful portrait of the superhero guitarist as a dedicated artiste. Smeaton pays scant attention to the more scandalous side of Southpaw’s career, his numerous dalliances with women and drugs mentioned more in passing than as essential episodes. Instead, he concentrates on what made Hendrix famous in the first place: his music. Even better, the DVD includes footage of several Hendrix festival performances, including his final show at Germany’s Love & Peace Festival. Essential for fans.

This article appears in December 13 • 2013.

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Michael Toland started writing about music in 1988 on the Gulf Coast, moved to Austin in early 1991, and has inflicted bylines upon the corporeal and digital pages of Pop Culture Press, The Big Takeover, Blurt, Amplifier, Austin.citysearch, the Austin American Statesman, Goldmine, Sleazegrinder, Rock & Roll Globe, High Bias, FHT Music Notes, and, since 2011, The Austin Chronicle.