Hey Joe! - A Biography

Arriving on the music scene in 1984 with his first album, a self-titled, self-released EP containing a small number of tunes he had recorded, including 'Talk To Me' and 'Saying Goodbye', Joe Satriani has developed into the greatest electric guitarist in the world. It is an accomplishment that he has achieved with tremendous hard work and dedication.

Joe Satriani was born in Westbury, New York, and began playing guitar at age 15. He in fact owned his first guitar at 14 but was interested and involved with playing drums from the age of 9 until 14 years.

Achieving local success with his debut album, Joe got the funds together (a credit card with a $5000 credit limit) to record an album titled 'Not Of This Earth'. With tunes like 'Rubina', 'Memories' and 'Not Of This Earth', Joe garnered respect from his peers and guitar fans alike. It was this acknowledgement that caught the eye of ,then underground, record label Relativity.
They signed Joe straight away.

His first album with the record company would turn heads and astonish the music industry and public. Entitled 'Surfing With The Alien', it would become a multi-million unit seller, Grammy nominated masterpiece of modern guitar. Joe's ability to produce humable melodies within a rock guitar context is his great gift. It is something he would put to great use in his next release, 'Flying In A Blue Dream'.

On tour for 'Flying', Joe would find time to write most of the tunes for his next album, 'The Extremist'. He sought some new producers and players to join him in his venture. Andy Johns-of Van Halen fame, among others-would produce, while brothers Matt and Greg Bissonette would provide the band structure. This album was another huge success for Joe.

Joe's next album would be an experiment into the realm of blues. This self-titled album launched a world tour that brought Joe, Stu Hamm, Jeff Campitelli and Jonathan Mover down under for the first time since the 'Flying In A Blue Dream' tour. I was lucky enough to see them play in Sydney in early 1996 (Check out my 'Concert' section).

Then, along comes G3 ! What a concept. It toured right across North America and also ventured to England and some other major stops. Joe, Steve Vai and Eric Johnson took the music to the fans. In its second incarnation, with Kenny Wayne Shepherd, G3 continued to draw the crowds. This tour gave Joe some time to write some material for his next release.

Crystal Planet was released in March 1998 on Epic Records. It saw Joe return to some familiar sounds and styles (distinct from and similar to those heard on 'Joe Satriani'). It has a slightly more electronic feel to it, but it is all Joe. Teaming up with his power trio, Joe, Stu and Jeff have produced a great album (arguably, his best work yet and my personal favourite along with 'The Extremist').

Once again teaming up with Stu on Bass and Jeff on drums, the trio hit the road taking the new material from Crystal Planet on the two and a half hour 'An Evening with...' show across the country.

During this time Joe was writing for his next audio adventure.

When 2000's 'Engines of Creation' hit the shelves, Joe had obviously discovered a whole new avenue to explore; one that melded his fiery guitar technique and a new musical influence, electronica and techno-styled rhythms and beats. Not so much a departure from his previous efforts, this album seemed to add a new element to the song writing and melodic possibilities for Joe.

Next to hit the ever-expanding Satriani catalog, was 'Joe Satriani-Live in San Francisco'. This CD/DVD combo really has captured Joe at his best in a live setting, in front of a home town crowd at the Filmore in SF. Finally, something to represent Joe in a full live concert format--not to mention a Mr. Stu Hamm on Bass guitar. These are both fantastic to see and hear...Joe at his best!

Not content to rest on his laurels, Joe continued to forge a path for his fabled G3 concert tour concept. His good friend Steve Vai was now joined by Dream Theatre guitar virtuoso, John Petrucci. Together, the three of them played select dates across the US and, as has become a G3 trademark, would finish each show with a few cover tunes, most notably, a selection of Jimi Hendrix songs ('Little Wing' and 'Voodoo Chile').

Joe released his follow up to Engines of Creation, titled 'Strange Beautiful Music' (which, incidentally is the name of his publishing company). It saw Joe deliver quite a diverse album stylistically and a number of tracks have quite an organic sound, helped along by the inclusion of banjo's, lap steel and acoustic guitars.

Joe hit the road once again with his good buddy, Steve Vai and the gifted Yngwie Malmsteen for another installment of the G3 tour which saw the boys tour across the US and film the Denver show for a G3 DVD 'Live in Denver' and follow that the next night with the recording of the double CD "Rockin' in the Free World" from Kansas City. Joe also release the 'Anthology' double CD and also re-released 'The Satch Tapes' onto DVD around this time.

'Is There Love In Space?' was next recorded by Joe and the band. It is a rocking record that showcases some of Joe's most blistering playing.

The G3 bus was again rolling into Europe in 2004 with Mr. Vai and Robert Fripp. The whole G3 concept still carries with it a great following and energy every where it goes.

Joe Satriani is a musical and technical genius, however modest in his acceptance of praise. He will continue to astonish the industry and rock this world !!