In the smoky, electric nights of New York City’s late ’60s music scene, few venues captured the spirit of rock and blues like **Steve Paul’s Scene**. Nestled in the heart of Manhattan, “The Scene” was a magnet for musical icons, a place where legends casually jammed in front of small, awe-struck crowds. But one night in **February 1969** stands out above the rest—a night when **Jimi Hendrix**, **Johnny Winter**, and **Buddy Miles** came together for an unforgettable, impromptu performance.
This rare jam session was more than just a meeting of talent—it was a spontaneous fusion of psychedelic rock, blues, and soul. And in an unexpected twist, **Jimi Hendrix wasn’t on his usual Stratocaster**. That night, Hendrix grabbed bassist **Tommy Shannon’s instrument** and laid down the low end, while Johnny Winter tore up the fretboard on guitar and Buddy Miles drove the groove from behind the drum kit. The lineup was further rounded out by **David Bennett Cohen** on keyboards and **Steve Burgh** on a **Les Paul Custom**, adding texture and fire to an already incendiary mix.
The Scene: A Crucible of Creativity
**Steve Paul’s Scene** was a cultural hotbed in the late 1960s, frequented by the likes of Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, and The Rolling Stones. It was more than a club—it was a haven for experimentation and collaboration. Managed by the charismatic and eccentric **Steve Paul**, the club had an open-door policy for creative expression, making it a place where artists often felt free to break boundaries and jam with whoever was around.
On this particular night in 1969, it was more than just a jam. It was a **collision of raw talent** and **musical spontaneity**.
Jimi Hendrix on Bass
Seeing **Jimi Hendrix on bass** is a rarity in itself. Widely considered the greatest electric guitarist in history, Hendrix was known for his explosive solos, use of feedback, and groundbreaking tone. But he was also a remarkably fluid bassist—rhythmic, funky, and deeply musical. That night, with **Tommy Shannon**’s bass in hand (Shannon was Johnny Winter’s longtime bassist), Hendrix locked in with Buddy Miles, creating a dynamic rhythm section that elevated the jam to another level.
This moment also foreshadowed Hendrix’s collaboration with Buddy Miles in **Band of Gypsys**, formed later in 1969, in which Hendrix leaned further into funk and soul influences.
Johnny Winter’s Fiery Guitar
Opposite Hendrix on bass was the fiery Texas bluesman **Johnny Winter**. Known for his lightning-fast licks, slide 
Winter and Hendrix had deep mutual respect, and while their styles were different—Hendrix, more psychedelic and exploratory; Winter, more rooted in traditional blues—the contrast made their collaboration that night all the more thrilling.
Buddy Miles Behind the Kit
**Buddy Miles**, the powerhouse drummer and vocalist, was already a known quantity, having worked with Wilson Pickett and Electric Flag. His powerful, funky drumming laid the backbone of the jam, pushing the tempo and driving the music with unmatched energy. Miles would go on to work extensively with Hendrix later that year, becoming the drummer for Band of Gypsys and co-creating one of Hendrix’s most rhythmically adventurous projects.
Rounding Out the Lineup: David Bennett Cohen & Steve Burgh
**David Bennett Cohen**, best known as the keyboardist for Country Joe and the Fish, added soulful organ and piano textures to the session. His playing was warm, improvisational, and steeped in the blues—a perfect fit for the night’s genre-blending spontaneity.
Meanwhile, **Steve Burgh**, a respected session guitarist, held down rhythm duties on a **Les Paul Custom**, adding weight and bite to the collective sound. Though less known than the other players, Burgh’s contributions gave the jam its full, layered sound.
A Moment Lost to Time
Unfortunately, no known professional recording of the jam exists. Like many iconic moments from the golden era of rock, it lives on through **word-of-mouth, grainy photos, and vivid recollections** from the few lucky enough to witness it. But the magic of that night—six immensely talented musicians, jamming freely with no agenda but the music—has become the stuff of underground legend.
The February 1969 jam session at **Steve Paul’s Scene** represents a unique, electrifying collision of genius. Jimi Hendrix on bass, Johnny Winter on guitar, and Buddy Miles on drums was already enough to make history—but with David Bennett Cohen and Steve Burgh rounding out the lineup, it became a once-in-a-lifetime convergence.
It was a night when ego was checked at the door, genres melted together, and raw musical expression ruled the room. A true testament to the magic that can happen when legends meet, instruments are passed around, and the music simply takes over.
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