Din of Ecstasy - A Consequential Pivot [Part 2]

Power Trio and Emotional Turmoil

Part 1 of this multi-part series examined and countered music critics’ consternation regarding the shift from Living with the Law to Din of Ecstasy. This post discusses what motivated Chris Whitley to write his second album. Based on his comments in several interviews, I conclude that, as Chris Whitley approached Din, he was motivated (1) by his wanting to form his own “power trio” to explore his affection for bands such as The Hendrix Experience and (2) by his needing to address the alienation and neurosis he experienced as his marriage collapsed and as he began another relationship.