Joe Satriani is an absolutely amazing talent. He is more than just speed and riffs - there is a lot of emotion in his playing. This is never more apparent than when you put him in the live setting. His studio recordings are fantastic — make no mistake about that — but the concert stage is where the emotion really comes out. Ask just about any performer and they are sure to tell you that being onstage in front of a live audience is what it is all about. I guarantee that the live performance lets much more emotion seep into the playing, and <em>Joe Satriani LIVE!</em> is proof of that.
The show starts in darkness, then a few blue lights shine out into the crowd. From the darkness on the stage, you begin to hear notes, the opening strains of "Flying in a Blue Dream" emanating from the black. The lights slowly come up revealing Joe Satriani, black shirt, sunglasses, bald head and all, standing alongside his band members. So begins a two-plus hour journey into the world of Satch.
When given a choice between a live CD and a live DVD, I more often than not tend towards the DVD. Sure, the CD can go more places with you, and perhaps let yourself better imagine actually being there in the crowd. However, I prefer the actual sights of the show to accompany the sound. Instead of just picturing it, I like to see the performance, see the crowd reactions, see what kind of presence the band has onstage, and in the case of guys like Satch, I like to be able to see them play. There are few words that can describe the joys of watching those who know their way around an instrument ply their craft. This performance provides a great look into Satch and his playing. Watching his fingers fly over the notes, lingering occasionally for emphasis, is a sight to behold.
The stage is sparsely set. Satriani is not about stage theatrics - he lets his music handle that for him. You get the four musicians, their equipment, and a modest light show, what else do you need? This isn't Slipknot or Rob Zombie who bring a strong visual element along with their music. There is nothing wrong with that; different artists have different approaches to their image.
Watching this DVD you can see that wonderful blend of technical skill and emotional injection play across the music. The setlist is heavily weighted towards his recent Super Colossal, but does offer a mix of his earlier favorites. This is not really a career spanning set, and that is sure to turn some people away, especially if you are not as fond of Super Colossal. Still, watching this is fantastic: the old alongside the new, all displaying the work of one of the best guitarists around.
Article comments
1 - Mike
Satch is the best guitarist who ever lived. Plays cleaner, and more emotive than anyone ever has. He is also techniqually brilliant.
2 - Klaas
Saying that someone is the best guitarist is absurd. You're not helping Satch by making statements like that.