Joe Satriani

The Tivoli  04.11.14

A capacity crowd of mainly men, and the occasional dutiful wife or girlfriend, swells the Tivoli tonight to hear some guitar playing from Joe Satriani. From the moment Satriani plays his first flurry of notes he has the crowd with him, some moving their fingers with his, some raising their arms in the air, some head-banging and some just smiling with pure delight.

Flying in a Blue Dream is an early set highlight which is accompanied by the first of many excellent film projections at the rear of stage. Tracks from Satriani’s new album Unstoppable Momentum are in abundance, and they get an equally appreciative response as the older songs.

To see Satriani live is to witness a man in total control of his instrument. His speed and dexterity need to be seen to be believed. It is true Satch can shred like a demon, but it is his melody playing that really impresses me. Song after song holds my attention due to the very singable melodies within them.

Joining Satriani on stage are; Marco Minnemann on drums, Bryan Bellar on bass and Mike Keneally on keyboards and guitar. They also have a firm command over their instruments and lay down a watertight groove which allows Satriani the freedom to play.

By the time the big ‘hit’ Always with Me, Always with You is played we have seen a consummate showman and heard one helluva guitarist swoop and soar through a pretty impressive set of songs.

Satriani has a loyal following in Australia, so let’s hope next time he comes here it is with his mates Chickenfoot. That’d also be a rocking night.

Words: Craig L Thomson