JAZZIZ

by Bill Meredith

On 2B3’s Jimi (self-released), Denver-based keyboardist Jeff Jenkins, guitarist Mike Abbott and drummer Mike Marlier successfully blend surprising originality into the oeuvre of guitarist Jimi Hendrix in an instrumental Hammond organ trio format. The arrangements by Abbott and Jenkins result in a staggered “Purple Haze,” acidic “Manic Depression,” shuffling “Foxey Lady,”
and even a couple originals (the bluesy “Etched in Stone” and atmospheric title track) that effectively capture the project’s spirit. Throughout, Jenkins provides the glue with textures and left-hand bass lines; Abbott effectively channels the late guitarist’s chordal and soloing genius; and Marlier powerfully mixes the jazz-influenced playing of the Jimi Hendrix Experience’s Mitch Mitchell with the thump of later Band of Gypsys drummer Buddy Miles. All of which exemplifies why trumpeter Davis wanted to record with Hendrix, and makes Jimi comparable to a similarly
explorative 1995 tribute release, Purple Haze, by organist Dr. Lonnie Smith, guitarist John Abercrombie and drummer Marvin “Smitty” Smith.