I am now a big Satriani fan, although I didn't even know this was coming out, and there's a DVD for the same concert! I guess I wasn't paying attention, but what counts is that this album caught my eye when I slid into the record store to shuffle through the bargain bin (which sometimes holds inconspicuous treasures). Naturally, I made the purchase, and was later blown away by the great performance captured on these two discs. The power of Satch's infectious, virtuoso music is caught so effectively here, thanks in part to Eric Caudieux contributing the rhythm guitar section, which was often a neglected factor of Satch's live shows. The techno element of the Engines of Creation songs is buried under a raw, robust performance, so if you didn't like the last album, you'll probably love the iterations of its songs compiled here (which consumes a chunk of Disc 1.) Stu Hamm's compelling bass occupies a big space in the mix, which is cool because although Joe's arresting virtuosity is the highlight, his songs are often anchored to cool bass lines. An enjoyable solo spot also underscores Hamm's tasteful ability, where he integrates a quote from Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" and really gets the crowd going with some galloping grooves. "Time" can be forgiven as a somewhat tepid opener (great song, though), for it segues into the aggressive attack of "Devil's Slide," which blisters with intensity and sounds more visceral with real drums and a speedier take on the song's big crunchy riff. From there, the song selection is great, covering almost 150 minutes of Satch songs, from concert staples "Satch Boogie," "Summer Song," and "Surfing with the Alien" to newer tunes like the beautiful "Until We Say Goodbye," the quirky, sparkling "Borg Sex," and the dynamic, sizzling "Crystal Planet" (with a cool piano intro). Joe's hairpin soloing is often embellished live, so keep an ear open for elaboration, and he has fun with the crowd too. All the songs are treated with a favorable production that effectively balances clarity with rawness, and each song is performed awesomely. I would have liked to hear "Up in the Sky," because it's probably a smokin' live song (it'd be a good opener), and I wish he'd perform "Motorcycle Driver," because it's one of my favorites, but those are wishes, not detriments. Buy this on Ebay...it just might become the most listened to Satriani album in your collection. (-: DTDRead full review
This is his best live recording. The video is great but the CD in your car is better. Great playing throughout. Good music you can listen to, not party time rock. Live, but not a circus awesome.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Best technical guitarist in the Universe,,, Joe Satriani!!! Legendary riffs combined with harmonic bass lines by Stu Hamm and spot on drumming by Jeff Campitelli. Subtle but influential intros on keyboards by Eric Caudieux,,,his ability to spar lead riffs with Joe on Borg Sex was superb,,great rhythm and backup guitars by Eric also. If you want the full effects of this album get the live DVD version of the concert!!!
Great songs with songs not as popular than normal Greatest Hits or Live , Beautiful Bass solo by Stuart Hamm Live
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This album rocks!!!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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