#83 - Are You Experienced?: Jimi Hendrix Experience (1967)

Now, here’s some high-grade psychedelia. The typography, the colors, the outfits, the fisheye lens. Wow!

Most of this – right down to the wardrobe and hair – was the work of graphic designer Karl Ferris. In addition to using the fisheye, he also shot it on infrared film. The location, by the way, was Kew Gardens, In London.

Interestingly, this one was a second take. The band wasn’t too crazy about the first effort, which was the one released in Britain (and was designed by Bruce Fleming).

For the new attempt, Hendrix asked for Ferris specifically, after seeing his cover for the Hollies’ Evolution:

Ferris, mostly known as a photographer, did only nine other covers, most for the Experience but a few for Donovan as well.

And here’s a cool portrait / montage-of-his-work / tribute by another photog, Vivo Gal Grabby:

The album itself is a kind of greatest hits, and includes gems such as “Foxy Lady," "Are You Experienced?" "Hey Joe," "Purple Haze," and "The Wind Cries Mary". Interestingly, it was their debut!

Not sure what more I can say about Hendrix himself. Personally, I’ve always thought he was the best guitarist ever.  Of course I have the CD (somewhere around here).

Can’t think of any other great Hendrix/Experience covers, though Electric Ladyland’s not bad – and the inside cover certainly was controversial:

So, apart from Jimi, who were the Jimi Hendrix Experience? So, we've basically got white guy, Jimi, and other white guy (that’s actually drummer Mitch Mitchell and bassist Noel Redding, by the way):

A couple of parodies:

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