A Bit of History about the Band.

In 2004, after a long hiatus, we began seriously playing guitar and the harp. The last time we played was in the 80's. In our search for rock's rootz, we knew we wanted to target music from the 50's and 60's and began different phases –Beatles, Stones, Hendrix, Van Morrison, Dylan, Motown to Roy Orbison, Ricky Nelson, the Everly Brothers, Chuck Berry to Muddy Waters, Little Walter to 50's Rhythm and Blues to…..Jimmy Reed.

We officially decided to become a Jimmy Reed Tribute Band in January of 2005. This was when the VeeJay transcriptions began. Eight hours a day, six days a week, from January thru April we sat and jammed with the Charley distributed CD Box Set of Jimmy's VeeJay output. Six CD set bought on EBAY for $20.00. Probably the best 20 bucks we have invested in the Band. Attempting to combine Eddie Taylor's and Jimmy's guitar riffs…running bass lines, turnarounds … learning to BLOW the harp on the songs in the key of A, (for those who play the harp, you know it's more natural to DRAW when playing the blues) Transcribing the lyrics ……. For those of you who know Jimmy's singing style, well, he slurred his words a lot (inebriated, on some of the cuts, for sure) and he was from Mississippi.

To a White boy, born and raised in the North, some of his phrasing sounds like “a ribariva rouna botm” (from “Down in Mississippi”) ---this has taken some time. At some point, we hope to post the lyrics to Jimmy's songs on this site….(at least our interpretation).

So why did we make the decision to play Jimmy's music?

Three reasons

1. We have come to the conclusion that this music is some of the best music that has never been heard by most folks …. And it should be.
2. The music will stand as an significant contribution to the rootz of rock and roll.
3. It seemed like the right thing to do

In the beginning of 05' we really set our mind to the task of delivering our interpretive tribute to Jimmy's music.

The Name “Joe Hendricks Experience” is really half tongue in cheek; half tribute to Jimi and, well, it's easier than Hernick.

So, essentially we locked ourselves in the house in January of 2004, bought a bunch of guitars, amps, recording equipment, pro audio, etc. and for a year we worked at becoming accomplished --- with one goal in mind --- to get out of the garage and perform.

The mojo was in me and was screamin to get out. We wanted to boogie chillun'…… more about this in the Odds and Ends section of the site.

We were familiar with a few Jimmy Reed tunes, but only covers -- Steve Miller's “Big Boss Man” and the Animals cover of “In the Morning”. When we started digging, we were amazed at the volume of quality and fun material Jimmy delivered. As we listened, we heard so many familiar lines, phrases, riffs, etc. that we came to the conclusion that Jimmy was as influential to the birth of Rock and Roll as anybody. His sound was unique, in a very subtle way. We found our mission. Jimmy had gotten under our skin.

We took a road trip to Mississippi, Memphis and Nashville to get our karma better aligned, and to visit an old, old friend and a true musician. (see photo). Bill was the lead guitar player in our high school band, the Henchmen, in the 60's and moved to Nashville in the early 80's. Bill was, and remains, a true gentleman and an extraordinary musician. Woody is the chief at SONY publishing on Musicians Row.

Like Garage Bands? Check out our youth here.

Back to history.

In April of 2005 we felt we were ready, so we went out into the public to test the water. We put together a CD Demo with “ Hush Hush ”, “ Found My Baby ” and “ In the Morning ”, and went about visiting establishments. After a week, and maybe 10 visits, we landed a gig at a BBQ joint in Caledonia, NY, and played there for four Fridays. We were a little rusty, but not bad for our first couple outings. We needed to do a lot of tweaking to get the sound we were looking for. The last performance was the best, good feedback and all. What we didn't know was that the place was about to close. I suppose that was why the manager gave us the opportunity. We will be forever grateful to her. Also, to family and friends that came by and gave support.

This gave us the confidence to seek another opportunity and it happened in May. The Eagle Hotel in Leroy NY (photo). A five week run, that gave us more experience. Good time, good people, playing 5:00 – 9:00.

Then came Beale Street Cafe in Rochester, NY. Then the Heron Hills Winery in Hammondsport, NY and now we are regulary pursuing performing opportunities. Go to The Music to hear some of the Joe Hendricks Experience interpreting Jimmy Reed's music.

The continuing saga will be documented in the Odds and Ends section.