User:The Amazing Jimmi Mayes

'''Jimmi Mayes-Holds the Musical Key to Many Cities, Makes Them Sound Like They're Deep in Mississippi

From a musical standpoint, the Sixties were the most important decade in the twentieth century -possibly in th whole of American cultural history. The sound of Mississippi--direct or indirect--could heard in the best pop0ular music of this era: blues, R&B, funk, soul and the psychedelic rock of artists like Jimi Hendrix. Judging from what was coming over the radio, cities like New York and Chicago had a Mississsippi address. If anyone had a key to the musical life of those cities, and others, it was Jimmi Mayes. He distinguiished himself as drummer, musical directopr, composer, and singer. During that time and since he has been the consummate collaborator--an essential player from 1960 to 2007 in range of historic gigs and recordings of terrific variety. He is still in top form, and by the way still driving to gigs in a car with Mississsippi plates. Though based his adult life in Chicago, home remains Jackson.

'''Highlights of Jimmi Mayes' Career

Jimi Hendrix & The Sixties

Just because a state of genius is so rare, a many a musical wizard has wished he was gifted at making friends; Jimi Hendrix was fortunate in that  he found true friendship with Jimmi Mayes. A result was a tribute Hendrix authored, "MY FRIEND",. With Mayes on drums, it was released on two historic recordings, "The Cry of Love", and "First Rays of the New Rising Sun". In the fullness of time, it is regarded as a signature Hendix composition, recently featured in Martin Scorsese's PBS documentary about the blues. Another is, "The Georgia Blues", with Jimmi Mayes again on drums.

The friendship between Jimmi and Jimi began in the mid-Sixties. Mayes was musical director of Joey Dee and Starliters-the house band at the hottest club in the Big Apple during those years. Mayes brought him in as guitarist. It was an inspired decision that proved inspiring in other ways. When Hendrix moved on, it was go to London, and to set the whole world on fire with with guitar. To understand someone like Hendrix, great talent of one's own is needed. Jimmi Mayes is a person whose musical gifts have been unquestioned since he turned professional at the age of fourteen.

Also have a new CD coming out entitled, "The New Monkey Shine", on an independent label Depo Records. You're able to purchase soon on cdbaby and his My Space website entitled, Jimmy Mayes and the Mill Street Depo. Also he's looking for an agent and publisher for his new book, "The Turning Point, about his relationship with Jimi Hendrix.