Originally published Sunday, May 4, 2008 at 12:00 AM
EMP's "An Evolution of Sound" lets visitors get in touch with Hendrix and his music
The No. 1 question Jimi Hendrix fans (especially musicians) have about his music: How did he do that? The spacey, psychedelic sounds the...
Seattle Times music critic
"Jimi Hendrix: An Evolution of Sound"
Through Apr. 11, 2010, Experience Music Project, 325 Fifth Ave. N., Seattle; museum admission (including the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame), $15, $12 seniors/youth/military/students (206-770-2702 or 1-877-EMP-SFM; info: www.empsfm.org).The No. 1 question Jimi Hendrix fans (especially musicians) have about his music: How did he do that?
The spacey, psychedelic sounds the Seattle rock legend created on the electric guitar still fascinate and puzzle, because no one has ever been able to quite duplicate them.
But "An Evolution of Sound," the new Hendrix exhibit at Experience Music Project, helps clear up the mystery. Through artifacts, instruments, electronic equipment and examples of studio technique, the exhibit follows the evolution of Hendrix's music, from his upbringing in Seattle through his stint in the military; his years as a working musician on the chitlin' circuit; his experiences in New York and London; and his spectacular, short-lived career as a rock superstar, before his death in 1970.
Living up to the mandate of the museum — represented by the word "Experience" in its name — the exhibit is hands-on. It invites visitors to manipulate recording-studio equipment just as Hendrix did in his own studio, Electric Ladyland in New York, as well as the effects-pedals he used to manipulate his guitar sounds.
It's an ears-on exhibit, too. Slip on headphones and hear sound bites of the music that influenced Hendrix, and the music he made. iPod-embedded tables next to a comfy couch let you choose from hundreds of music selections to listen to with headphones.
As you come into the exhibit room, the first thing you see is an array of guitars Hendrix used, including shards from three he smashed into pieces at various concerts. All had been hand-decorated by him, with colorful words and images. Large wall panels, with photos, documents, video screens and interactive elements, outline the arc of Hendrix's life and career, showing the musical and historical context of his creative life.
While all the electronic, interactive gizmos can provide hours of fun and information, the most fascinating things in the room are those directly connected to Hendrix — his diary; personal photographs; letters home; the costume he wore at the last show he played here in July 1970, three months before he died; and a tailored, '60s-era jacket that the exhibit says classified him as a "dandy."
Most everything in the room is from EMP's Hendrix collection, which is extensive. EMP was originally conceived as The Jimi Hendrix Museum by founder Paul Allen, but he was denied the use of that name by the Hendrix family, because they planned to open their own museum in New York (which has never materialized). The family loaned some objects for this exhibit.
Jacob McMurray, senior curator, says the museum plans to mount new Hendrix exhibits every two years or so, with different themes. "We have enough material for 100 years' worth of exhibits," he said.
Patrick MacDonald: 206-464-2312 or pmacdonald@seattletimes.com
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
CD review | Wale's 'Attention Deficit'
Dozens of acts, several stages beckon at first Seattle cabaret festival
Deck the Hall Ball lineup announced; tickets on sale Saturday
Simon Rattle, Berlin Philharmonic to tour U.S.
Taylor made? All eyes on Swift at CMA awards

Ken Auletta talks about "Googled"
Ken Auletta talks about Google with Brier Dudley at the Seattle Central Library.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Police: DNA from officer's slaying matches suspect
- Lt. governor's son shot by co-worker in Kent; gunman then shot self
- DNA, ballistics tie man to cop killing, police say
- McGinn next Seattle mayor; Mallahan concedes as vote gap widens
- Prosecutors consider charges against suspect in police shooting
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- Trucker dies as big-rig plummets off SF bridge
- Steve Kelley | Hasselbeck gives Seahawks' sagging season a stay of execution
- Huskies are finding talent in Tacoma
- Prosecutors prepare charges against suspect in police shooting
263 - Pelosi tours Seattle's Swedish after health-care vote
209 - King County OKs 'don't ask' law on immigration
209 - McGinn more than doubles his lead over Mallahan
192 - Resolute Fort Hood soldiers ready for return
130 - Time to bring Ken Griffey Jr. back in 2010
98 - Obama pressed into role as national healer
95 - 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
95 - Josh Smith picks UCLA
85 - DNA, ballistics tie man to cop killing, police say
83
- For 80-year-old Maple Valley man, hoops aren't just a dream
- Plans call for Triangle to become West Seattle gateway
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- Silver Lake restaurant destroyed by fire
- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tours Seattle's Swedish after health-care vote
- Pakistani-American cafe, bar owner on verge of being Granite Falls mayor
- All You Can Eat | Fruit flies: thrill to the kill
- McGinn next Seattle mayor; Mallahan concedes as vote gap widens
- Rainier Pacific Financial calls rescue 'unlikely'













