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In these days of Coronavirus lockdowns, self isolation, and news channels that only seem to inform us of ever increasing body counts, we probably all need something a bit more uplifting to bring a smile to our faces. While a new Joe Satriani release at any time is always something to look forward to it’s especially true now. Thankfully Joe managed to finish it before any kind of U.S. lockdown. He comments in a recent interview: “I’m so grateful that we were able to do it when we did it. We were all pretty innocent, we didn’t know what was coming. We were making it when this crisis was just beginning to get started. But everybody made the record, we all travelled, we finished it. This is beyond catastrophic for all the people who work in the business, from the parking-lot attendants to the ticket takers and everybody else. It’s going to take a lot of work, but we’re all in it together, and we’ll get through it.”
To make the experience of creating the new album more exciting and fresh for Joe he decided to put together a new team of musicians, engineers and even a new studio. Working with co-producer Jim Scott, bassist Chris Chaney, keyboardist Eric Caudieux and drummer Kenny Aronoff he’s managed to put together his seventeenth studio album: “Shapeshifting”. While promoting the album Joe described the meaning of the album title: “It’s tied to this theme of me putting myself through stylistic shifts – dramatic ones – and sort of surrendering myself to each one of the songs without any regard to past forays into different styles or accomplishments or technique or anything. So, whatever the song I wrote was, I would just become the right guitar player for that song.”
While you may think that this shape-shifting idea might produce an eclectic mishmash of an album where Joe really goes far out on a limb this isn’t really the case. Joe sounds like Joe. While there’s a lot of variety on the album there’s nothing that will out-and-out shock any existing Satriani fan. He’s not going to alienate any of his followers with this one.
As you would expect from an album with Joe’s name on it the production and musicianship is superb. While earlier works showcased his phenomenal guitar technique the last few releases have been much more laid-back, melodic, and more about the song. This album falls into the same vein as those later albums. As one of the most influential guitarists in the world he doesn’t have anything to prove to anyone.
Of the 13 tracks there are no duds or disappointments. Once you finish the album you’ll probably want to put it straight back on and listen to it all over again as there’s a lot going on here. Songs range from the heavier and rockier “Spirits, Ghosts, and Outlaws” and “Nineteen Eighty”, the reggae inspired “Here the Blue River, to the slightly moodier but beautiful “Teardrops”. One of my favourite tracks, and also one of the shortest at just over two and a half minute’s long, is “Waiting”. I love the soft piano opening and it features some of Joe’s most subtle and tasteful playing.
While some albums may outstay their welcome this album, even though it has 13 songs, leaves you wanting more. All the songs expertly flow together from one to the next. I just can’t fault it. Some fans may miss the lack of higher energy rockier tracks that Satriani was more known for in the early days but even then I’m sure they’ll find much to enjoy here. Another great release from this 63 year old, yep it’s hard to believe, silver surfer.
Shapeshifting Pre-Orders Available Now – https://joesatriani.shop.musictoday.com/store/
Reviewer: Martin Patterson
Photo Credit: © Joseph Cultice
JOE SATRIANI – RESCHEDULED “SHAPESHIFTING” UK TOUR 2021
Birmingham Symphony Hall Friday 30 April 2021
Bexhill De La Warr Pavilion Saturday 1 May 2021
Manchester Bridgewater Hall Sunday 2 May 2021
London Palladium Tuesday 4 May 2021
Sage Gateshead Wednesday 5 May 2021
Glasgow O2 Academy Thursday 6 May 2021
Tickets available here.
