A musician like Hendrix was exceptional. There were plenty of players around at the time that could have been as innovative but Jimi was in a league all his own. He created and reinvented sound that never existed before. 
He turned distortion and feedback from a mere effect into intricate music and integrated it into the song itself to become part of the music. There wasn't a presence or anyone to draw from. He could't go down to the local music store to buy strings prefabricated for rock. He took what he had available and turned it into something like no one did before. If Jimi Hendrix were here today his genius would be present in whatever endeavor he put himself into 

Not disputing Jimi's visionary talent. Every guitar lick I play has some mediocre wannabe influence from that Master.
What I wonder about is the timing of it all and what happens if we are outside the window of opportunity that allows us access to the front stage. Like what they said about Abraham Lincoln if he tried to run now.
 
Going retrospect, there are several artists on this forum that if teleported back to the 60's would already be inducted into the hall of fame. Some of you guys are incredible musicians and your original material worth more than anything on the radio in the present.
 
Problem is if it will ever be heard outside a link in the songs forum if by chance anyone clicks on it.
 
Going off topic with this, but was wondering how much Hendrix would impact today's music if he showed up on the street with his Fuzzface, strat, Cry Baby wa, his vision and tried to make a statement in the current marketplace.
 
There is so much bleeding garbage out there from bedroom studios that the real gems are too often lost in the noise. Was really really lucky when I was a banger in the 60's. The university town had 3 guitar players of any respect. We got to divide up all the girls and only had to have the volume set high enough to be invited to the after gig party. Now it seems that too many worthy artists are drowned out in a sea of garbage begging "Listen to me".
 
Firm believer that evolution and progress over the bigger picture is getting us to a better place. Will happen, only hard to see the benefit in it for the individual artist right now.
 
John

bayoubill
A musician like Hendrix was exceptional. There were plenty of players around at the time that could have been as innovative but Jimi was in a league all his own. He created and reinvented sound that never existed before. 

never existed before

He turned distortion and feedback from a mere effect into intricate music and integrated it into the song itself to become part of the music. There wasn't a presence or anyone to draw from. He could't go down to the local music store to buy strings prefabricated for rock. He took what he had available and turned it into something like no one did before. If Jimi Hendrix were here today his genius would be present in whatever endeavor he put himself into 

Great post Bill
 
Kenny

The fact that Jimi was a “genius” is indisputable. But let’s not forget Beck had laid the foundation in his time with the Yardbirds. “Shapes”, for example, was recorded in September ‘65. I’m not saying Jimi didn’t mutate it, massage it, and take it to the next level. Chas Chandler, in “The making of Electric Lady Land” describes Jimi as a “sponge” IIRC. Always searching, listening, learning; then blending and creating.
Perhaps searching for”inspiration” would best describe it.
I doubt much of what has been released would “pass muster” had he lived.
Just my nickel98...
T

A few random thoughts ...
 
When I think about " what if Jimi had the tools some of us have "
I was thinking more in terms of the absolute power of being able to shape sounds ...not just the gtr sounds ...including the overall sounds he may have used to get his tune and tunes messages across  ...
 
With Jimi's  imagination and creativity I'm sure what ever he may have come up with would have been a real ear opener ...
 
It was brought up " If Jimi was alive today " where would he and his music be ?
Hhhmmm that's a real tough one ....
I have no answers on that one because it would be purely speculative on my part to go there
 
 
I can say that a number of musicians and guitar players I used to listen to back when Jimi was alive are still with us ..
Some have prospered and still gig .Some have quietly cut back on performing .In a few cases who knows what they are up to .
Of the players that are still alive I listened to from Jimi's Era , Clapton , Beck , Page , Santana ,Pete Townshend , Leslie West , Roy Clark , and a few others ....the only one that I don't hear much about these days is Roy Clark 
I listened to Roy for 2 hrs the other night ...I listened to Leslie West for 2 hrs last night so I dig their playing much better than I like many of  the new breed players ......
 
Yeah as far as Jimi sounding dated or a little stale by today's standards .
It's not Jimi's fault that he was so creative and fresh sounding that every body copped his stuff ...
Heck there are even a few guitar players that have made a decent career out of sounding just like Jimi ...
I wont mention any names ...only initials . .....SRV & R T come to mind ....
 
Anyway , I'm happy people are expressing themselves  ( myself included  )
 
all the best,
 
Kenny