Jimi Hendrix's "The Wind Cries Mary"

[JasO]

While researching Jimi Hendrix's life in 1966-1967 for my book Stone Free: Jimi Hendrix in London, I was astounded to learn that Jimi conceived, composed, and recorded "The Wind Cries Mary" in less than 24 hours. As detailed in an article I've just posted in the online Talking Guitar magazine, Jimi's poetical lyrics were inspired by an argument he'd just had with his girlfriend. The next day the Experience spent four hours in De Lane Lea studio in what would prove to be one of their most productive sessions. They began with several takes of "Purple Haze," moved on to "51st Anniversary," recut the basic track of "Third Stone From the Sun," and did seven takes of "Fire." Then, with just 20 minutes remaining, Jimi taught Mitch and Noel the changes for his just-composed "The Wind Cries Mary." As Jimi explained, they cut the final version “in about two takes. I explained to Mitch and Noel what I had in mind, and we played it halfway through so Chas could get the balance. Then we played it through once. Six minutes later the song was ready to be mastered and pressed." The article includes additional insights from Jimi, Kathy Etchingham, Chas Chandler, Mitch Mitchell, and others. It's available for free, and you can access it here:

Jimi Hendrix: "The Wind Cries Mary"

#jimihendrix #thewindcriesmary #chaschandler

 

[bholder]

Great tune. I used to do a shabby cover of it, should work it up again. Poignant lyrics really paint some pictures in the mind...

 

[pypa]

It's such a beautifully composed song. I wasn't much for many of Hendrix's songs. But this one was different for me.

I've made attempts to learn this song, and have been struck by his technique. He understood his instrument. That iconic riff at the end of each verse is so simple and clever and tasteful - both in voicing, and the subtle hammering on.

Love it.

 

[bholder]

It's such a beautifully composed song. I wasn't much for many of Hendrix's songs. But this one was different for me.

I've made attempts to learn this song, and have been struck by his technique. He understood his instrument. That iconic riff at the end of each verse is so simple and clever and tasteful - both in voicing, and the subtle hammering on.

Love it.

Yeah I never learned his version properly, I just strummed the basic chords. But I'm way better a player now, I should learn it his way, its a gorgeous guitar part. Almost neoclassical counterpoint in spots.

 

[Lawdawg]

Yeah I never learned his version properly, I just strummed the basic chords. But I'm way better a player now, I should learn it his way, its a gorgeous guitar part. Almost neoclassical counterpoint in spots.

The guitar is relatively simple for a Hendrix tune and I find that it's fairly easy to play a passable version. That said, as with most Hendrix songs it's almost impossible to play anywhere near how Hendrix does it. The man was a true one of one genius.

 

[Mike M]

I always think of that quote about his playing on stuff like Mary, Little Wing, Castles, Axis

"Curtis Mayfield on Steroids"

 

[ElvisNixon]

One of my favorite Hendrix songs and solos. To me, you can hear the rather large influence Steve Cropper had on Jimi. Beautiful medlodic solo that completely compliments the song. Very tasteful and restrained, but still jaw-dropping.

Thanks for the article Jas!

 

[thescarecrow]

Thanks for sharing @JasO

 

[old wrench]

It's a beautiful song - I've loved it from the first time I heard it

Classic Jimi Hendrix - his softer, more soulful side - he really paints a picture


edit - by the way, that is a very nice write-up!


.

 

[Wally]

While researching Jimi Hendrix's life in 1966-1967 for my book Stone Free: Jimi Hendrix in London, I was astounded to learn that Jimi conceived, composed, and recorded "The Wind Cries Mary" in less than 24 hours. As detailed in an article I've just posted in the online Talking Guitar magazine, Jimi's poetical lyrics were inspired by an argument he'd just had with his girlfriend. The next day the Experience spent four hours in De Lane Lea studio in what would prove to be one of their most productive sessions. They began with several takes of "Purple Haze," moved on to "51st Anniversary," recut the basic track of "Third Stone From the Sun," and did seven takes of "Fire." Then, with just 20 minutes remaining, Jimi taught Mitch and Noel the changes for his just-composed "The Wind Cries Mary." As Jimi explained, they cut the final version “in about two takes. I explained to Mitch and Noel what I had in mind, and we played it halfway through so Chas could get the balance. Then we played it through once. Six minutes later the song was ready to be mastered and pressed." The article includes additional insights from Jimi, Kathy Etchingham, Chas Chandler, Mitch Mitchell, and others. It's available for free, and you can access it here:

Jimi Hendrix: "The Wind Cries Mary"

#jimihendrix #thewindcriesmary #chaschandler

I have been listening to the remastered “Are you Experienced“ album that has the thoughts of Eddie Kramer and Chas Chandler and others on the final work for that album that was done at Olympic Studios. Fascinatin….

I always think of that quote about his playing on stuff like Mary, Little Wing, Castles, Axis


"Curtis Mayfield on Steroids"

Yessir….Mayfield was a big influence on Hendrix.
This first cut was from 1961. In the background Mayfield is playing some things that Hendrix likely grabbed onto….albeit with his own touch and approach Which evolved 8nto someth8ng totally new for electric guitarists.


This is from later on….great version of a great song.


Another big influence had to have been Buddy Guy. Guy played with fire, and Jimi took it to another level.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

That type of RnB rhythm guitar playing has been a " Staple " for
many decades...

 

[schmee]

I like that song. Just reworked it up after ignoring for years. Was thinking of doing it in the duo. But hey, I'm not Hendrix so not sure I will!

 

[Wally]

That type of RnB guitar rhythm playing has been a " Staple " for
many decades...

and. I have been appreciating for all of those decades….playing it for most of them, too.….going on for going on parts of 7 decades. (8^0…
.(;^)

 

[Boreas]

Probably the only Hendrix song I play that anyone would recognize... Never learned the solos.

Did SRV ever play this? His Little Wing is superb.

 

[Wally]

Probably the only Hendrix song I play that anyone would recognize... Never learned the solos.

Did SRV ever play this? His Little Wing is superb.

I am going to accept that SRV tried to cop every Hendrix lick he heard…as well as all three of the ‘Blues Kings’, Johnny Winter, Buddy Guy, some Bugs Henderson, and many others.

 

[Boreas]

I am going to accept that SRV tried to cop every Hendrix lick he heard…as well as all three of the ‘Blues Kings’, Johnny Winter, Buddy Guy, some Bugs Henderson, and many others.

Lenny incorporated allota nice blues licks from many influences. Another favorite.

 

[JPKmusicman]

Coolest song my guitar teacher ever taught me. Very melodic.

 

[BluesMann]

Time to go Back to Are You Experienced. Mary and May this be Love. Some o f the most beautifully melodic songs Jimi composed I think. Of course there is the great 1983 A Merman I Should Turn to Be. That’s a beautiful piece as well.

 

[kLyon]

Interesting... I had always heard that it was a demo track that wound up getting used, and that Hendrix was playing the bass on it instead of Noel (which kind of makes sense, hearing it, but I guess wasn't the case...))

But, either way, it's a great song, great track, and the solo is beautiful.

 

[MelodicBend]

I loved and understood this song and its qualities even as a kid.
I still can't quite believe a fellow human was able to come up with it, compose it, and perform it in its form as we know it.
The individual notes and chords are so harsh but harmonized so beautifully. Jimi sounds like 3 guitarists. It is Jimi Hendrix magic for sure.