My Son Jimi

Rating:
Summary: A rare treat
Review: Before Jimi Hendrix was a guitar genius he thought about being a commercial artist. Included in this book are never-before-published pieces of art which young Jimi Hendrix created as a grade school art student. These pieces of art offer a glimpse into the imagination of the young imaginative Jimi and surely will have an effect on anyone who has ever enjoyed Jimi's later accomplishments with a guitar. I enjoyed viewing the transitions Jimi went through as he progressed as an artist. Jimi had to let his vision out somehow and no doubt Al Hendrix helped foster the young man's creative energy. A good read and view.

Rating:
Summary: Essential Perspective
Review: For years, while reading conflicting opinions by numerous authors of all things Jimi, it seemed natural to wonder what Jimi's dad would have had to say about it. Fortunately, rather than sit back and wonder about it, Jas Obrecht worked with Al Hendrix to get the story told. Of all people, Jimi's father surely had an important story to tell, from a vital perspective - that being the family anchor throughout most of Jimi's often scattered childhood.

"My Son Jimi" is a tender yet objective look into the life of a uniquely gifted soul. The childhood personality traits that Al reveals sync well with what we know of the adult Jimi. With so much known about nearly every breath of his life once he became famous, it's refreshing to hear so many stories and details of Jimi's early days and the events that influenced his view of the world. Al's memory was obviously sharp, as evidenced by the depth of chronological details and his ability to wrap the up-close human perspective into those details. For example, in describing the lean years when money was tight, Al was forced to move from place to place and chase employment opportunities. Al closes the history loop by describing the impact these events had on young Jimi. Likewise, the descriptions of home life when Jimi's mother Lucille was living elsewhere, often with other men, are treated with respect to all, allowing as much dignity to be preserved as possible, even in very undignified circumstances. These touches add a healthy coating of reality and personality that can never be touched upon by an author merely reporting a historical perspective.

I found Al's descriptions of Jimi's music illuminating and intriguing. Obviously, Al was proud of his son's accomplishments, but was still able to hear the music for what it was, with open ears. I believe that his need to be honest and realistic was a key component leading to the success of Experience Hendrix once the family had acquired the Hendrix legacy. Look at it this way - for decades, Alan Douglas had been the caretaker of Jimi's music and although I don't think he was deserving of all of the hateful criticism he received, I do believe he was a puppet in the machine that turned its head away from Jimi's clearly stated intentions of where his music was headed. Al listened to Jimi, for example Jimi's eagerness to work with and appreciation of Eddie Kramer and Al then brought Eddie into the fold to help move the music in the right direction. This was no mistake - it was action motivated by love.

Al's prose is not particularly colorful, nor embellished - instead he speaks economically, to the point and from the heart. This may lead some to criticize this book unfairly, but I believe that the content, honesty and perspective Al has brought forth make My Son Jimi essential reading for those interested in learning the true story of Jimi Hendrix.

Rating:
Summary: A much needed perspective on Jimi's life
Review: I bought this book yesterday and finished it today. I have always felt, for reasons I could never really explain, that Jimi had a kindred spirit with my own. His father's recollections on Jimi's early life let me know why. I'm so glad Mr. Al Hendrix wrote this book. The lies about Jimi are legion. I remember in the 60's that most of what I heard about him had to do with drugs. It's a real shame that you have to explore a person's life like a detective (in a country with a supposedly "free" press) to find out what they were really like. There is one thing I really liked about the Hendrix family the book revealed; their free and easy interactions with non-blacks. No wonder Jimi's music and message was universal. In a time when blacks and whites seem to be once again withdrawing into their own groups I found the Hendrix family to be very refreshing. Being black myself I totally reject the pressures brought against me to participate only in things stamped with the "black" seal of approval. And I'd like to salute Al Hendrix for being a real father and taking care of his family, even children he didn't sire. A lot of men today wouldn't do what he did. Jimi was very fortunate to have such a father and I think he knew it. Thank you Mr. Hendrix for sharing your life and that of your son with us on a more intimate level. I for one will always love Jimi and hold a fondness for him in my heart. And now for you as well.

Rating:
Summary: dad ,unsung hero
Review: With all the rock-god hype linked with Jimi, it is easy to forget that he had a solid foundation at home with a loving dad, who sincerely cared about what happened to him, and always tryed to do the right thing for him under the worst circumstances--extreme poverty, thinly veiled racism, and an alcoholic mother who he loved dearly, but could not return his love. Jimi's dad was the rock he needed to absorb his values.His innate sweetness
and legendary humility testify to a humble, hard working everyman trying to do the right thing for his son.A must read for the Hendrix fan. to me the it explains Jimi's mindset, when in London in his early career, the (then) T.V. star LULU said to the press that the experience was a"flash in the pan". Instead of the usual biting comeback, Jimi said "i just think that it was nice of her to say anything about us at all"I suspect that comment cut her worse than anything else anyone could have said