Wednesday, April 12, 2006

Joe Satriani and Eric Johnson

Ever since I heard the G3 album, I’ve been dying to see Satriani live. Sure Eric Johnson and Steve Vai were phenomenal in it, but Sat baby stole the show.

After having that album as a staple cd for long drives for years, I actually saw the recordings of the show. It makes an interesting viewing and I highly recommend it. Here are three awesome guitarists who have such varied styles when it comes to playing that it’s just as good fun watching as it is to listen.

Satriani kicks the show off. When he plays, it’s worthwhile to steal glances at his face instead of just staying zoned in on his fingers (I know it’s hard, but try). You know the times when you are grinning like an idiot in concerts while the rock stars are in their element of coolness. Well not Satriani. He enjoys his music to the point where he looks just as ridiculously happy playing his piece as you would be listening to it. I think you’ll find that you'll be grinning more yourself after that.

On the other side is Eric Johnson who is so involved in his guitar that he doesn’t bother with anything else. Satriani tries to involve you, but Johnson couldn’t care less. He plays wonderfully and sings along n all that. But, he finds his guitar more enthralling than the zillions of people looking up to him. He might not be the best fun to see, but he’s great to listen to.

Then there is Steve Vai. If you belong to the sect of people who shake their booty to their rock music, you’ll love Vai. He dances to his music and has such good fun that you’ll feel like dancing along too. And he has this rhythm guitarist who sings funky as well. The whole tone of his music is very disco dancy kinds and I love it.

Needless to say, I’d have loved to attend another G3 concert on similar lines, but getting to see Satriani and Johnson isn’t bad at all. They are going to play at the Warfield in San Francisco on May 13th, 2006. The floor tickets cost about $40 and are totally worth it. If you were planning on taking the balcony tickets, please reconsider. Floor tickets are the only way one should see a concert, me thinks. If you want, I’ll hold a place for you in the line and we can go and boogie down to some real good music. See you there :-)

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