Music review: Joe Satriani – 鈥榃hat Happens Next鈥�
For those of us who rejoice in the beauty of an electric guitar in the hands of a master, Joe Satriani returns to create a six-string euphoria through a set of 12 electrifying tracks designed to make hearts pound and raise the hair on the back of your neck.
Listed on his website as the world蘑菇视频 most commercially successful solo guitar performer, Satriani once again demonstrates his guitar wizardry with 鈥淲hat Happens Next.鈥�
For his 16th studio album, Satriani secured the help of two Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members. Along with Satriani, drummer Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and bassist Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple form a power trio responsible for unleashing a frenzied wall of sound that engulfs listeners with a fresh vibrancy of energy and passion.
Satriani seems right at home alongside Smith, who he previously rocked out with as part of the supergroup Chickenfoot with ex-Van Halen members Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony.
With the new material, Satriani seems to have temporarily abandoned his trademark progressive stylings contained on his earlier releases for more of a back-to-basics blending of rock and soul.
鈥淓nergy鈥� is the rousing album opener and first single that roars out of the gate with a no-holds-barred excitement and reckless urgency.
The delicate and free-flowing aura of 鈥淐herry Blossoms鈥� produces a dreamy track that represents renewal and beauty as Satriani, Smith and Hughes demonstrate their first-rate improvisational skills on this absorbing offering.
鈥淭hunder High on the Mountain鈥� serves as the soundtrack for a soaring spiritual journey in search of direction and change, whereas 鈥淗eadrush鈥� reflects a full onslaught of pure adrenaline with a raw rock and boogie beat that surges to satisfaction while tantalizing the senses.
Wondering what is happening next with the guitar icon?
The Palace Theatre in Greensburg will host Satriani and talented guitarists John Petrucci of Dream Theater and Phil Collen of Def Leppard on Feb. 11 for a memorable evening of guitar-driven performances.
Clint Rhodes is the 蘑菇视频 music reviewer. He can be reached at clinton43@me.com.