ALBUM REVIEW: Electrifying new release from Joe Satriani and co-conspirators on What Happens Next

IT'S fair to say that Joe Satriani is one of the most entertaining and electrifying players in recent history. And, while we may look at the upcoming G3 show with John Petrucci and Uli Jon Roth is not coming to Ireland we have some consolation with the latest Satriani release 'What Happens Next'.

For the axeman to be so consistent and interesting on this his 16th solo album is something to be marvelled at.

This is an instrumental release that captivates and throughout makes the listener revel in. This is an album to crank up - let your neighbourhood hear its excellence. Or better still, just slap on some good headphones and kick back for a truly immersive guitar experience.

Teaming up with bassist extraordinaire Glenn Hughes and Chad Smith (Red Hot Chilli Peppers) this is a collection of 12 tracks that see musicians simply enjoying themselves...for your aural pleasure.

From the pomp of the opener 'Energy' through to the closer 'Forever and Ever' there are no miss steps at any point.

With his collaborators Satch gives us a release that winds, snakes and grooves - an elixir of tone and rhythm that is switches from sweet, sweet sensuality on 'Smooth Soul' to high octane tracks such as 'Thunder High On The Mountain'.

Damn it - you could list all of the tracks, and all of their delicious elements and it still would not do it justice: put simply this is a guitar lovers wet dream.

And, what makes it so special are the arrangements. All too often instrumental albums are just wank-fests, but the arrangements are such that each tracks makes sense. Take 'Looper' as an example. The entirety of the song has such balance in the expression and ease it is when listening to it.

'What Happens Next' is the question posed. And, if Satriani can keep this energy and composition flowing who knows? But in the meantime sit your ass down and love this.

Review by Jonathan Traynor

What Happens Next is out now on Sony/Legacy Recordings 

LIVE REVIEW: Satch takes Glasgow by storm - Satriani rips through new and old classics

WHEN Joe Satriani played Glasgow in November there was only one man for the job - uber-fan and one of our resident photographer and reluctant reviewer Darren McVeigh...This is what he had to say.

Let's face it, it's a tough job for anyone to open for the Satch and it was South African born blues guitar player Dan Patlansky who landed the job.

Despite the task Dan showed no nerves and he and his band took to the stage. They ripped through their set with such aplomb to earn admiration from the crowd.

 

The axeman said he had been touring with Joe for the last month and it had been humbling experience and one of the biggest honours of his life.

The main focus  tonight for Patlansky was to promote his debut international release 'Dead Silence Thieves' . One thing that stood out was the crowd's reaction to his single 'Backbite', played like Hendrix with pedals screaming and total fluency. This is a artist worth keeping an eye on.

However, let's face it - much as Parlansky was good it was Guitar maestro Satriani everybody had come to see...

Big screens lit up with alien animation themed production kicking off the set. Then with guitars screaming it was time to rip into Joe's latest release, 'Shockwave Supernova' and at this stage the audience, as expected showed their total appreciation for Satriani.

Straight away he slowly slides into 'Flying in a Blue Dream' then into the melodic 'ice 9'.

Addressing the crowd Satriani said it was good to back in this building as it brought back good memories. and tonight he built more great memories for everyone present. 

Then he tore into 'Crystal Planet' heading into the 'Extremist' album we go with the song 'Friends', dedicated to Dan and, of course, the audience.

With all the fury and frenetic pace it was time for a mellow note with a classic Satriani tune from 'Is There Love in Space' album, 'If I Could Fly', there was great applause from the crowd as it finished.

Joe was clearly having a lot of fun on stage and got us to rename the bassist 'Thunder Beast' and urging the crowd to chant the man's nom de guerre.

There was one song that stood out; 'God is Crying', Joe showed again how clinical this band is 
playing together as they jammed and played of one another note for note: amazing to watch.

We were treated to an outstanding rendition of 'Goodbye Supernova' then into the 'Satch' classic 'Satch Boogie', bringing it all back to me and all in attendance to where it all started for Joe.

 

As per gigging tradition we then get a good night from Joe and his band, a quick bow and the lights go out.

Everybody in the concert hall as expected were screaming 'Joe! Joe! Joe!' and with no great surprise but plenty of delight the lights go up and the 'Big Bad Moon' rose to a standing ovation then straight into 'Surfing with the Alien; complete with the screen playing out an alien frenzy.

This was an amazing night of Satch classics; but then again we expected no less!


Review and photographs - Darren McVeigh.