Guitar Part Magazine Hors Série by Jimi Hendrix: A Psychedelic Odyssey with French Flair
Alright, buckle up, folks. We’re diving into Guitar Part Magazine Hors Série, a quirky little homage to the one and only Jimi Hendrix, brought to us courtesy of France’s Studio Press. This isn’t your typical Hendrix album—it’s more like someone took his vibe, threw in some instructional vibes (yes, really), and served it up with a side of Jean-Jacques Rebillard on instruments. The result? A strange but oddly compelling mix of Blues Rock, Psychedelic Rock, and Pop Rock that feels like listening to Hendrix through a funhouse mirror.
First off, let’s talk tracks. There are plenty here—too many to unpack without getting lost in the haze—but two stood out for me: “Méthode Voodoo Chile” and “Hey Joe.”
Now, “Méthode Voodoo Chile” is exactly what you think it is: a step-by-step guide to shredding like Hendrix did on this epic tune. But instead of just being boring or overly technical, it somehow captures the soul of the original while breaking it down piece by piece. It’s like having Jimi himself leaning over your shoulder saying, “Okay, mate, now wiggle your fingers like this.” By the time you hit the playback section, you almost feel like you’ve earned those calluses. Almost.
Then there’s “Hey Joe,” which needs no introduction. Everyone knows this track—it’s iconic, timeless, and basically mandatory at any self-respecting campfire singalong. What makes this version memorable is how stripped-back yet faithful it feels. You can practically hear Hendrix smirking as he plays, like he’s daring you to keep up. Spoiler alert: most of us mere mortals won’t.
The rest of the album follows suit, blending covers, breakdowns, and playbacks with an almost educational bent. Tracks like “Méthode Purple Haze” and “Méthode Red House” make you appreciate Hendrix’s genius even more because they lay bare the complexity behind his riffs. And yeah, sure, it’s not all perfect—some parts feel a bit dry, like reading guitar tabs aloud—but hey, nobody said learning should always be sexy.
What struck me about this project is how unapologetically niche it is. It’s not trying to reinvent Hendrix; it’s paying tribute to him in a way that’s equal parts nerdy and heartfelt. Listening to it feels like stumbling across a secret club where everyone speaks fluent six-string. Plus, it’s got that French je ne sais quoi—like sipping espresso while sketching guitars in a café somewhere near Montmartre.
So, would I recommend this album? If you’re a Hendrix fanatic or a budding guitarist looking to level up, absolutely. But if you’re after pure entertainment value, maybe stick to Are You Experienced. Honestly, though, I kinda love how weird this whole thing is. It reminds me that music doesn’t have to fit neatly into boxes—it can exist somewhere between art, education, and experimentation.
And finally, here’s a thought to leave you with: If Jimi Hendrix were alive today, do you think he’d approve of this album—or would he just laugh and light his guitar on fire again? Food for thought.
