Joe Satriani Hammersmith Apollo 19th October 2010
First up was Simon Mcbride someone who I'm being honest I didn't know a lot about but certainly do now.
Hailing from Northern Ireland and playing a modern blues sound drawing comparison's to Joe Bonamassa and Gary Moore the 40 minute set went down a storm. Playing as a 3 piece in support of his recently released second cd "Since Then" this was mightily impressive stuff. Great singing and stunning geetarplaying including some excellent slide work tracks such as "Down To The Wire","Hells Water Rising"and "Devils Road" all showcase the talent. Finishing with a cover of Jimi Hendrix's "Power Of Soul" which was also on his first cd he is definately an act to follow.
What hasn't been said about Joe Satriani?
Well touring as a 5 piece was certainly a first for Joe and for all those that have heard the new cd know the depth that this has added.
Coming onto a stage which had 25 white strip lights hung vertically above and to crystal clear sound we were treated to a 2 hour 20 minute masterclass.
The setlist was as follows
Ice Number 9
Hordes Of Locusts
Flying In A Blue Dream
Light Years Away
Memories
War
Premonition
Satch Boogie
Revelation
Pyrrhic Victoria
Crystal Planet
The Mystical Potato Head Groove Thing
Dream Song
Why
Crush Of Love
Andalusia
Littleworth Lane
Wind In The Trees
God Is Crying
Wormhole Wizards
Always With Me Always With You
Big Bad Moon
Encore of
Crowd Chant
Summer Song
Superbly backed by the musicians who recorded the cd being Mike Keneally on keys,Jeff Campitelli on drums and Allen Whitman on bass with the addition of long time back up geetarist Galen Hanson this was a journey through Joe's entire career.
Including right back to 1986 and his first cd "Not Of This Earth" with the inclusion of "Hordes Of Locusts" and right up to the modern day with 8 songs off the new cd.
The band laid down a monstrous groove leaving Joe to weave his sonic tapestry across fan favourites new and old. Each solo takes you on a journey always inventive and leaving the crowd in a drop jawed expression.
All the new songs fitted in perfectly expanding on the recorded output in the only way Joe can. For me "Premonition","Pyrrhic Victoria" and "Wormhole Wizards"are already classics with the last mentions groove rocking the foundations. We also had a keyboard part to end a song for the first time ever and at one point a geetar/keyboard duel. Stunning.
With an awesome light show that used the light and shade dynamics of the music to great effect the 140 minute set flew past the band and crowd had a ball.
Ending with the crowd participation of "Crowd Chant" and a quite unbelievable version of "Summer Song" the band left to a standing ovation and all comments on the way out said that was the best Joe show ever!!
I really could go on all night.
Head over to youtube that has some fantastic coverage and immerse yourself in the sheer magic of Joe Satriani!!
10/10 ME
(photos (C) Steve Johnston)
