Johnny Edwards is used to having people call him "Jimi".

    It's not surprising, given the resemblance to the late Jimi Hendrix, widely considered to be the greatest guitarist in the history of rock. "I have to answer," Edwards says, "so I don't feel rude." But Edwards and his mates in the newly formed band Wild Blue Angels are connected to the music of the legendary guitar whiz in ways that are far from superficial. Each one is a Hendrix devotee with an extensive background in blues-rock and a determination to make Hendrix’s music come alive for today's audiences.

"Our idea is to capture the essence of the era and the fire and drive of Jimi Hendrix," said drummer Keith Pike.

    Pike, Edwards and bassist John Finzar, of Norton, comprise Wild Blue Angels. The trio wear costumes like those donned by the members of Hendrix’ band, the Jimi Hendrix Experience, in the 1960s. They'll add stage effects and theatrics, including pyrotechnics and guitar smashing. Each show will be different. And they play gigs based on actual Hendrix concerts, including the famous Monterey Pop Festival, Berkeley, Winterland, Isles of Wright and Rainbow Bridge.

    The three men know each other through other rock and blues bands. Finzar played with Ken Lyon and The Tombstone Blues Band and Killer Kane and the Blue FOs. Pike has been with The Tombstone Blues Band and Stormin’ Norman and the Hurricanes, and Edwards spent many years on the road with a variety of show bands, singing, dancing and playing.

    "The Hendrix tribute is a big concert even that takes a lot of planning," Pike said. "The band will play exclusively Hendrix material. They wouldn't single out any favorite songs." "There's so many, I like ‘em all," Finzar said. "Sooner or later, we'll be doing all of them."

    Hendrix has been dead for 27 years, but his music endures and the members of the band feel it appeals to a wide range of audiences. "We like to think that we're doing Jimi justice," Pike said. "I take his music very, very spiritually, like it was my own", Edwards said.

    Edwards traces his inspiration all the way back to 1968, when he saw Hendrix perform at former Rhode Island Auditorium in Providence. For a brief moment, their eyes met. "After that, I was totally influenced by his playing," he said.

    Edwards met Hendrix’s father, Al, and sister, Janie, at an electric guitar competition at Mama Kim Music Hall in Boston. He was one of only 10 guitarists from New England invited. He once met Noel Redding, bassist from the Jimi Hendrix Experience in Providence.