By Scott Smith
TIMES RECORD • SSMITH@SWTIMES.COM
One stellar area quartet will recreate some of the on-stage sparks, fire and
cool vibe of one of rock’s greatest guitarists Friday in Fort Smith.
Oreo Blue will perform selections from its new DVD video and CD package,
“The Oreo Blue Experience,” in honor of the still-astounding achievements of
the late Jimi Hendrix at 8:30 p.m. Friday at Neumeier’s Rib Room and Beer
Garden at 817 Garrison Ave. Filmed recently at Dave’s On Dickson in
Fayetteville, the video showcases the immaculate — yet always fiery —
interplay of guitarist/vocalist Gary Hutchison, saxophone player/vocalist Brian
Crowne, bassist Rod Williamson and drummer/vocalist Stephen Boudreaux. The
four-piece sizzles on “Purple Haze,” “All Along The Watchtower,”
“Voodoo Child (Slight Return),” “Red House” and “Changes,” as well
as and six other heartfelt covers and Hutchison’s instrumental “Us.”
Crowne said the 11-year-old group wanted to record the tribute for some time,
and actually received permission from the Jimi Hendrix Estate to push forward
with the project. Anticipating Friday’s gig in Fort Smith, he said he was
surprised at the video’s timeliness — Hendrix’s bassist, Noel Redding,
died May 12 at age 57.
“We were trying to shoot something that you might see on VH-1 or MTV, and I
had a ball doing it,” Crowne said of the video, which donates $1 from each
sale to VH-1’s Save the Music Foundation to help purchase instruments and
supplies for schools in need.
What won’t surprise fans on the DVD and CD is Oreo Blue’s usual level of
professionalism; what does shock is the clarity of the video’s color-perfect
picture and wonderfully fat sound. Viewers are treated to numerous close-ups of
the musicians’ hands while they take turns soloing and riffing the night away,
and the virtually flaw-free audio helps recreate a concert-going experience.
“We try to have a mutual respect for each other, both personally and with
families,” said Crowne when asked about the group’s stability and long-term
appeal. “If you’re happy at home, it’s easy to get on the stage and do a
good show.”
Copies of the DVD/CD package will be on sale at Friday’s show for $25 each.
It also can be purchased at area music stores and online at www.oreoblue.com and
www.cdbaby.com.
Admission to the show is $5.
For information, call 494-7427.