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 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