Nigel Kennedy

Violin maestro and maverick Nigel Kennedy performs the music of Jimi Hendrix.

Kennedy's performances have ranged from straight classical interpretations to collaborations with Stefan Grappelli, Kate Bush, Robert Plant and Paul McCartney. However, from early on in his career there has been one composer to whom he keeps on returning: Jimi Hendrix.

This concert sees the virtuoso work with a brand new international line up, including guitarist Doug Boyle (regular collaborator with Robert Plant), 18-year-old guitar prodigy Julian Buschberger, vibraphonist Orphy Robinson (founding member of The Jazz Warriors), and leading European rhythm section Tomasz Kupiec and Adam Czerwinski (the Jarek Smietana band).

'What attracts me to Jimi Hendrix's music is the amazingly open mind that he had. This was reflected in many ways; he was always gracious and never insulting to anybody and this showed through the music.

'There were any number of influences that you can hear through his compositions; these ranged from rock, blues and Celtic through to trance and experimental styles. Maybe that's why I find it so natural exploring his music, having been involved in so many similar styles myself.' (Nigel Kennedy)