Audio and video of Jimi Hendrix’s last performance is part of a new documentary called “Ronnie’s” which chronicles the life of saxophonist Ronnie Scott, a poor, Jewish kid growing up in 1940s East End, London who became owner of the eponymous night club.
Ronnie’s hosted a number of jazz luminaries of the time; Dizzy Gillespie, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Nina Simone, Van Morrison and Chet Baker.
But one night in September of 1970 the spotlight shone on the guitar virtuoso of the rock world, Jimi Hendrix, unfortunately for the final time on stage.
Hendrix sat in that night with friend Eric Burdon, who was playing with the Latin-influenced rock band War during a residency at the famous London jazz club Ronnie Scott’s at the time.
From the official description of the evening:
Hendrix showed up on the evening of Sept. 16, 1970 for the second set, and played moving, dramatic phrases all across the ensemble’s covers of blues and folk standards “Mother Earth” and “Tobacco Road,” rousing the crowd to cheer and holler at the stage.
From the Rolling Stone.com article:
For the film, director Oliver Murray and his team managed to digitally pull Hendrix’s playing to the fore, and when his solo takes the spotlight in the clip, it’s stunning. Hendrix effortlessly transitions from blues phrases to shimmering, otherworldly effects, before settling into a trembling landing as the song ends.
The following evening word came through the club and the world that Hendrix had died.
Another reminder of what could have been and how tenuous life is – even for the most talented of people.
“Ronnie’s” is directed by Oliver Murray and will premiere in theaters & on digital February 11th.
Check out the official trailer for “Ronnie’s” HERE.
[YouTube: Rolling Stone / Rolling Stone.com / Greenwich Entertainment ]
