Flying in a Blue Dream

"When you're talking serious electric guitar, Joe Satriani's name must be mentioned, as he is a true master of this most revered of instruments.

He began his career by teaching music for many years and among his avid pupils were Steve Vai (David Lee Roth / Whitesnake), Kirk Hammett (Metallica), David Bryson (Counting Crows), John Petrucci (Dream Theatre), jazz-man Charlie Hunter, and Larry Lalonde (Primus) - all incredible musicians in their own right.

It wasn't until 1987 though that he received worldwide recognition for his fantastic sophomore effort, 'Surfing With The Alien', before being handpicked by Mick Jagger in 1988 as a hired gunslinger, when the Stones front man toured the globe on his 'Primitive Cool' trek. Much later, as a favour, he performed a number of live dates with hard rock icons Deep Purple. He filled the spot left vacant by Ritchie Blackmore, until a more permanent replacement, Steve Morse, was found for the position.

Whilst Joe's first two recordings, 'Not of This Earth' (1986) and the aforementioned 'Surfing With The Alien', provide complete guitar instrumental showcases, 1989s 'Flying in a Blue Dream' expanded on that blueprint, displaying the many other talents that Satch had to offer. He wrote, arranged, and played most of the material and instruments on it including harmonica, keyboards, and banjo - he even sang on six tracks. And, although it must be admitted that none of the pieces on this third solo release quite match the sheer beauty of "Always With You, Always With Me", there is certainly a wide selection of exceptional material here…

Yes indeed, the many diverse styles of music that are proffered on 'Flying in a Blue Dream' mean that there's something on it for everybody; from the ZZ-type boogie of "Big Bad Moon", the mellow optimism of "I Believe" or the hard-drivin' "Can't Slow Down", which includes a blistering solo that literally skyrockets the listener into the hemisphere.

Joe's long-time friend, bass maestro Stu Hamm guests on a couple of the best numbers on offer, those being "The Bells Of Lal" and "Strange". The former is a brilliant jam that begins with eerie Eastern percussive tinkering plus backwards guitar, which then builds to an impressive crescendo of aural delights. The latter number on the other hand, is a tight funky piece coupled with weird lyrics and flourishing, Zappa-inspired guitar licks.

The super-cool "Mystical Potato Head Groove Thing" is a definite highlight, crammed full of inventive six-string pyrotechnics, and super-fast staccato runs that Satch blasts over rock-solid grooves. "Big Rush" is aptly named for it's full throttle fretwork, which takes the listener on a sheer adrenaline ride - as does "Back To Shalla-Bal" where Joe coaxes chainsaw revs and all manner of sounds out of his Ibanez.

There are of course a number of ballads too in the shape of such soulfully moving cuts as "The Forgotten" and the soaring, grand finale of "Into The Light". But overall, the crowning achievement on this 60+ minute release is the wondrous title track, which actually opens the proceedings. Joe combines beautiful melodic lines with technical ability making this one of his most perfect instrumental compositions ever.

'Flying in a Blue Dream' covers the whole spectrum of Mr. Satriani's musicality and (along with 'Surfing With The Alien') should be sought out by all rock fans and guitar enthusiasts alike."
-GEOFF & MARTY (12th March, 2005)