Surfing With The Back Catalogue
Joe Satriani – O2 Academy, Glasgow, 15th May 2023
Joe Satriani – O2 Academy, Glasgow, 15th May 2023
Joe Satriani and his impressive band of Kenny Aronoff (drums), Bryan Beller (bass) and Rai Thistlethwayte (keys/ guitar) took to the O2 Academy Glasgow stage as part of the rescheduled 2022/2023 Earth Tour to deliver a performance that showcased Satriani’s incredible guitar talents, which have enduring appeal to a fairly wide demographic.
Throughout the night, across two sets, Satch treated the audience to a mix of his well-known hits, tracks from current album The Elephants Of Mars and lesser-known deeper cuts from right across the catalogue, creating a guitar-driven spectacle that made quite the sonic and visual impression (the back projections and light show were large scale and added to the sense of occasion).
The evening kicked off with 'NIneteen Eighty' from 2020 album Shapeshifting, which set melodically charged rock tone.
Satriani's technical prowess, virtuosity and stage presence were then on full display for The Elephants of Mars brace of 'Sahara' and the title track, followed by the rockin' 'Ice 9' from Surfing With The Alien, all highlighting that Satriani’s compositions encompass both melody and dexterity.
Throughout the night, across two sets, Satch treated the audience to a mix of his well-known hits, tracks from current album The Elephants Of Mars and lesser-known deeper cuts from right across the catalogue, creating a guitar-driven spectacle that made quite the sonic and visual impression (the back projections and light show were large scale and added to the sense of occasion).
The evening kicked off with 'NIneteen Eighty' from 2020 album Shapeshifting, which set melodically charged rock tone.
Satriani's technical prowess, virtuosity and stage presence were then on full display for The Elephants of Mars brace of 'Sahara' and the title track, followed by the rockin' 'Ice 9' from Surfing With The Alien, all highlighting that Satriani’s compositions encompass both melody and dexterity.
'Thunder High on the Mountain' (from 2018 album What Happens Next) brought an almost cinematic vibe to the set before the pace picked up again with 'One Big Rush' from one of Satriani’s most popular and successful albums, Flying in a Blue Dream, although the second guitar played by Rai Thistlethwayte was, unfortunately, almost inaudible.
Another Elephants number, 'Blue Foot Groovy,' injected a funky groove while the expressive wah-wah solo refreshed the atmosphere.
The audience reaction to 'Flying in a Blue Dream,' instantly recognisable from Satriani’s peerless feedback control in the intro section (and featuring his legendary legato technique) loudly and clearly confirmed it as a firm fan favourite.
By contrast 'Spirits, Ghosts and Outlaws' from Shapeshifting didn’t hit the same audience heights and suffered from an ending that was stretched out a bit too much (which, to be fair, Satriani seemed to allude to with a smile).
'Faceless' then presented itself as a soulful, bluesy number that included one of Satriani’s best melody parts (the addition of sympathetic keys added depth to the performance); follwoing number 'Crystal Planet' further connected with the crowd and a discernible increase in the volume of appreciation.
A nostalgic moment came during the final number of the first set, 'Summer Song' (from 1992’s The Extremist) courtesy of the retro video on the back projection that featured Satriani with his long (gone) hair, reminding everyone of his long-lasting impact on the music scene.
(Doubly impressive was the fact that as Satriani played this 31 year old number backed by the equally-aged music video, there were moments where the fretboards were perfectly in-sync!)
The second set commenced with a drum solo by the still-impressive 70-year-old Kenny Aronoff, albeit it was probably only really appreciated by the tub-thumpers in the audience.
The Set 2 tempo was quickly increased however by 'Energy' from the What Happens Next album, although many an honest fan will tell you it also carries a whiff of 'Satriani by numbers'.
Faring much better and providing some variety was 'E 104th NYC 1973' from The Elephants album.
Blending atmospheric elements and a jazz vibe reminiscent of Miles Davis, it showcased Satriani's versatility and willingness to experiment. A set highlight.
Rai Thistlethwayte’s distorted synth solo followed (amply demonstrating his own virtuosity) before 'Cool #9' took centre stage to become the standout number of the night.
Featuring interplay between keys, guitar & bass over an infectious swing groove, Satriani’s solo on the number included use of a whammy pedal to include notes a few above what he was playing; the results created a dynamic and immersive musical experience.
While Joe Satriani can usually merge various musical styles well, 'Ali Farka, Dick Dale an Alien and Me' from Shapeshifting came over as a bit of a musical misfire that didn't work particularly well in a live setting (it did however win song title of the night hands down).
The title track from Shapeshifting, which followed, was a big improvement, featuring captivating octave chords and insistent riffs, further solidifying Satriani's reputation as a master of his instrument.
Another Elephants number, 'Blue Foot Groovy,' injected a funky groove while the expressive wah-wah solo refreshed the atmosphere.
The audience reaction to 'Flying in a Blue Dream,' instantly recognisable from Satriani’s peerless feedback control in the intro section (and featuring his legendary legato technique) loudly and clearly confirmed it as a firm fan favourite.
By contrast 'Spirits, Ghosts and Outlaws' from Shapeshifting didn’t hit the same audience heights and suffered from an ending that was stretched out a bit too much (which, to be fair, Satriani seemed to allude to with a smile).
'Faceless' then presented itself as a soulful, bluesy number that included one of Satriani’s best melody parts (the addition of sympathetic keys added depth to the performance); follwoing number 'Crystal Planet' further connected with the crowd and a discernible increase in the volume of appreciation.
A nostalgic moment came during the final number of the first set, 'Summer Song' (from 1992’s The Extremist) courtesy of the retro video on the back projection that featured Satriani with his long (gone) hair, reminding everyone of his long-lasting impact on the music scene.
(Doubly impressive was the fact that as Satriani played this 31 year old number backed by the equally-aged music video, there were moments where the fretboards were perfectly in-sync!)
The second set commenced with a drum solo by the still-impressive 70-year-old Kenny Aronoff, albeit it was probably only really appreciated by the tub-thumpers in the audience.
The Set 2 tempo was quickly increased however by 'Energy' from the What Happens Next album, although many an honest fan will tell you it also carries a whiff of 'Satriani by numbers'.
Faring much better and providing some variety was 'E 104th NYC 1973' from The Elephants album.
Blending atmospheric elements and a jazz vibe reminiscent of Miles Davis, it showcased Satriani's versatility and willingness to experiment. A set highlight.
Rai Thistlethwayte’s distorted synth solo followed (amply demonstrating his own virtuosity) before 'Cool #9' took centre stage to become the standout number of the night.
Featuring interplay between keys, guitar & bass over an infectious swing groove, Satriani’s solo on the number included use of a whammy pedal to include notes a few above what he was playing; the results created a dynamic and immersive musical experience.
While Joe Satriani can usually merge various musical styles well, 'Ali Farka, Dick Dale an Alien and Me' from Shapeshifting came over as a bit of a musical misfire that didn't work particularly well in a live setting (it did however win song title of the night hands down).
The title track from Shapeshifting, which followed, was a big improvement, featuring captivating octave chords and insistent riffs, further solidifying Satriani's reputation as a master of his instrument.
Another gig highlight came by way of the introspective 'Teardrops,' which provided a moment of quiet amongst the storm with its beautiful melody and laid-back atmosphere.
'Luminous Flesh Giants' then offered an atonal melody tapping solo and a breakdown that added a unique dimension to the song.
'If I Could Fly' began with an extended bluesy intro that showcased Satriani's ability to evoke solo guitar emotion before the number transitioned into one of his trademark catchy melodies.
The timeless appeal of 'Always With Me, Always With You' then captured the audience's hearts, serving as a further testament to Satriani's enduring popularity.
The show ended with energetic fan favourite 'Satch Boogie,' leaving the crowd exhilarated and wanting more, which, of course was then delivered.
The encore began with the infectious 'Crowd Chant' before Satriani closed out the night with his instrumental masterpiece, 'Surfing with the Alien' from the 1987 album of the same name.
Outstanding show that this was there were a few noticeable niggles – there were times when the out front mix could, and should, have been improved, particularly, as mentioned earlier, for Rai Thistlethwayte’s guitar.
Also, the fact that the venue was (unusually for the O2) a fully seated gig didn’t – initially – help create an atmosphere conducive to what is essentially a rock gig.
Additionally, a Monday night gig with tickets pegged at £60+ meant it wasn’t a full house, although for your money you got a show, not just a gig, which was appreciated by the audience.
By pricing association however the merch stall wasn’t particularly busy, but once you accumualte ticket and travelling costs, the likes of £70 hoodies is a step too far for most, which is no surprise in an inflationary economy.
Those minor gripes aside, this was a great show showcasing some musical brilliance, with a stage show of the highest quality and some of the best of the back catalogue of one of the most popular instrumental guitarists on the planet.
Joe Satriani has the flash, and can legato with the best of them, but what sets him apart is his ability to conjure up meaningful and memorable melodies.
Part of the reason for that is that his style is rooted in the blues, and he can say far more in a few notes than a hundred tapped out without any thought or taste – but he can also 'wig out' as well as any, making it a best of both six-string worlds.
Joe Satriani. Surfing with the back catalogue, in his own inimitable style.
'Luminous Flesh Giants' then offered an atonal melody tapping solo and a breakdown that added a unique dimension to the song.
'If I Could Fly' began with an extended bluesy intro that showcased Satriani's ability to evoke solo guitar emotion before the number transitioned into one of his trademark catchy melodies.
The timeless appeal of 'Always With Me, Always With You' then captured the audience's hearts, serving as a further testament to Satriani's enduring popularity.
The show ended with energetic fan favourite 'Satch Boogie,' leaving the crowd exhilarated and wanting more, which, of course was then delivered.
The encore began with the infectious 'Crowd Chant' before Satriani closed out the night with his instrumental masterpiece, 'Surfing with the Alien' from the 1987 album of the same name.
Outstanding show that this was there were a few noticeable niggles – there were times when the out front mix could, and should, have been improved, particularly, as mentioned earlier, for Rai Thistlethwayte’s guitar.
Also, the fact that the venue was (unusually for the O2) a fully seated gig didn’t – initially – help create an atmosphere conducive to what is essentially a rock gig.
Additionally, a Monday night gig with tickets pegged at £60+ meant it wasn’t a full house, although for your money you got a show, not just a gig, which was appreciated by the audience.
By pricing association however the merch stall wasn’t particularly busy, but once you accumualte ticket and travelling costs, the likes of £70 hoodies is a step too far for most, which is no surprise in an inflationary economy.
Those minor gripes aside, this was a great show showcasing some musical brilliance, with a stage show of the highest quality and some of the best of the back catalogue of one of the most popular instrumental guitarists on the planet.
Joe Satriani has the flash, and can legato with the best of them, but what sets him apart is his ability to conjure up meaningful and memorable melodies.
Part of the reason for that is that his style is rooted in the blues, and he can say far more in a few notes than a hundred tapped out without any thought or taste – but he can also 'wig out' as well as any, making it a best of both six-string worlds.
Joe Satriani. Surfing with the back catalogue, in his own inimitable style.
Nelson McFarlane
FabricationsHQ
Photo credits: The Silver Surfer
Joe Satriani will play the Palladium in London on May 17th
Click here for tickets
European Dates:
May 19 - Reims, FR, La Cartonnerie (Sold Out)
May 20 - Paris, FR, L'olympia (Sold Out)
May 21 - Paris, FR, L'olympia
May 22 - Metz, FR, Bam
May 23 - Besancon, FR, La Rodia
May 24 - Strasbourg, FR, La Laiterie
May 26 - Karlsruhe, DE, Tollhaus
May 27 - Winterbach, DE, Salierhalle
May 30 - Toulouse, FR, Theatre du Casino Barriere
May 31 - Perpignan, FR, El Mediator
Jun 01 - Barcelona, ES, Sala Barts
Jun 02 - Madrid, ES, Sala Riviera
Jun 03 - Bilbao, ES, Santana 27
Jun 04 - Bordeaux, FR, Theatre Femina
FabricationsHQ
Photo credits: The Silver Surfer
Joe Satriani will play the Palladium in London on May 17th
Click here for tickets
European Dates:
May 19 - Reims, FR, La Cartonnerie (Sold Out)
May 20 - Paris, FR, L'olympia (Sold Out)
May 21 - Paris, FR, L'olympia
May 22 - Metz, FR, Bam
May 23 - Besancon, FR, La Rodia
May 24 - Strasbourg, FR, La Laiterie
May 26 - Karlsruhe, DE, Tollhaus
May 27 - Winterbach, DE, Salierhalle
May 30 - Toulouse, FR, Theatre du Casino Barriere
May 31 - Perpignan, FR, El Mediator
Jun 01 - Barcelona, ES, Sala Barts
Jun 02 - Madrid, ES, Sala Riviera
Jun 03 - Bilbao, ES, Santana 27
Jun 04 - Bordeaux, FR, Theatre Femina