Comments on: Why is playing Hendrix on the guitar not really playing a cover?

By: Sara

Sara — Thu, 14 May 2009 14:39:17 +0000

Well, it seems to me that great music has always be re-played and reinterpreted. That means, I agree with you Danny–otherwise, no one would every play any music again–from Bach to Beethoven to Bartok (just to name classical composers). I don’t care for bands that just try to be another band. But, is can’t be wrong to play music you love and make it your own!

By: David Martin

David Martin — Thu, 14 May 2009 12:01:43 +0000

Your advices of learning guitar is marvelous and I really appreciate the way how you had portrait everything.

By: Danny

Danny — Thu, 14 May 2009 11:40:12 +0000

Susie,
Interesting and valid point you make about artists. I guess if you connect dots it might be the same..lol..but realistically that is such a true statement when it comes to artists. That’s the point, we are all individuals who perceive things differently. Freedom of mind..

See ya..

By: Susie

Susie — Thu, 14 May 2009 11:36:09 +0000

Great write up Danny! A real cerebellum java jolt! I don’t know if I have an answer not being a musician, I think both Stevie & Jimi would be amazed at the people trying to play like them, and striving to be good. I think both these guys were kissed by the angels of music when they came to us. I don’t think that talent can be defined or duplicated.

As an artist, I find it really tough to do something the same way each time. I was asked for a sketch of a girl back awhile ago, and they wanted two originals… well, as I tried, they were both a little different. It is a feeling when I pick up that pencil, as I imagine it is a feeling when a guitar player picks up that guitar. It’s something that just is.. Buck get’s ticked at me when I am in a project or have a project ahead of me, and I don’t just jump in and DO… he’ll bring home a cool piece of junk for me to paint or draw on, and keep asking.. what are you going to do with it?

I don’t know until that little voice in my head and that hurricane in my soul wakes up. Plain & Simple..

The passion that Stevie and Jimi had to make music was unreal and not of this earth.

By: Daniel Lehrman

Daniel Lehrman — Thu, 14 May 2009 00:28:07 +0000

Well thought out comment. Point well taken. I see where folks love, and are loyal to their music as I am to mine.

I appreciate the kudos. It was lot of thinking, I think I’ll hit the sack, I got a headache!

Talk to you tomorrow.

By: Allan

Allan — Wed, 13 May 2009 22:53:44 +0000

Hey Danny, great article.
First, thanks for the props!!
To comment on a few things, and I haven’t really thought these out carefully, so I may be off base, maybe not. Might be rum induced!!!
In one sense, Jimi and/or SRV cannot be covered, as you pointed out, they never played the songs the same way twice. I’ve always wondered, is that because they are in the creative zone, or because they can’t remember what they did originally??? I’m not saying that to dis anyone, just something I’ve thought about many players, Clapton being another, though not in the same league. The song “Crossroads” by Cream is a prime example. EC played it differently every time they played the song, yet everyone remembers the one version that has been beat to death on the radio.
To play devil’s advocate here, yes, both Jimi and SRV can be covered. There, I said it. My explanation is that for those patrons of a bar/club listening to a “cover” band, most of them are not musicians or guitar players. But they do know music to a certain degree. Therefore, they want to hear the version, or cover, of a song as they remember it being played on their CD player/turntable/radio, etc. So many bar bands almost have to resort to playing many of the songs as close as they can to the original, or the listeners think they suck. They don’t get or understand creative license.
I play a lot of cover songs with the jam band, as I did back in the 70′s when I was in a real band, and many of those I play the solo note for note as the original was played. Others I add my own vibe to it, though trying to make it in the style of the original.
Sorry to be so long winded, but wanted to add my .02 worth. I agree, and disagree, but a very good, well thought-out article.
Thanks,
Allan.