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Joe Satriani @ Symphony Hall
Jun 21 2006 By Laurence McCoy, Birmingham Mail
FROM the opening riff of Surfing With the Alien, the faithful followers of guitar maestro Joe Satriani knew they were on familiar ground.
And the favourites were all there - from Satch Boogie to Always With Me - with the addition of new material from the mad axeman's latest album Super Colossal.
That title track at least is destined to join the list of Satriani classics, using as it does the tried and tested formula of a catchy hook that is the platform for blindingly fast fretwork and screaming feedback and the kind of jaunty showmanship that kept the whole show rattling along at a frantic pace.
Satriani's awesome technique caused the odd jaw-dropping gasp of astonishment and disbelieving shake of the head, but the unmistakable enthusiasm and genuine pleasure in the music making meant the odd departure into indulgence was easily forgiveable.
After all isn't that what being a rock guitar god is all about?