Jimi Hendrix: Voodoo Child – Harvey Kubernik and Kenneth Kubernik – Sterling Books – Hardcover – $30.00
Another stellar offering from Harvey Kubernik (along with brother Kenneth). On a bookshelf fairly groaning under the weight of Jimi Hendrix biographies, essays, treatises and studies, this one stands out as illuminating and essential.
As a research tool, it’s invaluable. The Kuberniks have gone above and beyond in digging out every shred of information that proves essential in tracking the career of one of the most important figures in Rock – one that continues to draw interest and inspiration today.
Not only is it jammed with useful information, it is dotted with photos and images from some of the most well-known eyewitnesses of the period. It only lends itself to the completeness of this project. Topping it off are the accounts, the asides and the impressions from those who would be considered peers at the time, whether they were close or mesmerized observers.
As for the quality of this book – the quality of photos (by the likes of Henry Diltz) is first rate with rich color and detail. Again, a lot of research went into this project and a goodly amount of praise goes to Gavin Motnyk, the book designer who did an extraordinary job laying this mountain of material out in a comprehensive way, and who transformed the whole thing well beyond a reference tool and turned it into a coffee table book as well. So it serves two purposes.
It’s fascinating reading for a casual fan, or somebody who has heard about Jimi Hendrix but doesn’t really know, and it rings a lot of bells for someone who remembers the artist and the period very well – and as someone who had seen Jimi Hendrix in concert many times during his short career, this book serves to set stories straight and to illuminate those events that may have slipped from memory (as is the case with many of us from the time).
Needless to say, this is a book to get. See if you can get it from an Independent bookstore or, if all else fails – do the Amazon thing. Click on the link to go there.
As you know, we’ve suspended indefinitely our ads in order to make Past Daily a better experience for you without all the distractions and pop-ups. Because of that, we’re relying more on your support through Patreon to keep us up and running every day. For as little as $5.00 a month you can make a huge difference as well as be able to download all of our posts for free (news, history, music). You’ll see a banner just below. Click on that and become a subscriber – it’s easy, painless and does a world of good.
