Woodstock Guitar Gods Create Psychedelic Refuge

In August, 1969, the Woodstock Music and Art Fair was held at Max Yasgur's farm in White Lake, NY. The occasion was billed as "An Aquarian Presentation - Three Days of Peace and Songs."

The initial day of the event was devoted to folk. Richie Havens opened up with a plea for "Flexibility," showcasing his propulsive acoustic strumming. Ravi Shankar generated the target market into a meditative, hypnotic trance like state with a screen of Sitar mastery.

Day two was occupied with rock superstars from the psychedelic age. Santana's offering, "Spirit Sacrifice," was underpinned by Mike Shrieve's tribal drum solo. Mountain drove a "Southbound Train," conducted by Leslie West, a fat guy with a fat guitar tone.

Creedence Clearwater Revival supplied "Born on the Bayou," the swamp rock traditional conceived by John Fogerty, an attractive player who created unforgettable riffs and crafted underrated, ariose leads. Pete Townshend as well as The Who started with an entertainment of the Rock Opera "Tommy," and also [As_Well_As ﻿full article] ended with destruction during the anthem "My Generation."

The 3rd day was delayed due to thunderstorms. Resuming the show with a flash of British lightning, Alvin Lee of 10 years After proclaimed "I'm Going Residence," by helicopter. Johnny Winter season rotated J.B. Lenoir's "Mom, Talk With Your Child" right into a Texas twister.

Crosby, Stills & Nash harmonized on the ode to Judy Collins, "Collection: Judy Blue Eyes," as Stephen Stills painted an Asian backdrop in a modal tuning. Paul Butterfield captained a ship lost at sea on "Wandering Blues," with initial friend Michael Bloomfield adding a blistering six string solo.

Closing the festival with his advanced instrumental variation of "The Star Spangled Banner," Jimi Hendrix transformed the national anthem from a party of battle right into an event of tranquility.