Happy Birthday Joe Satriani - July 15, 1956!
(Title image by DALL-E 3)
Hi WA Friends!
Please help me celebrate the birthday of one of my favorite guitar players, Joe Satriani!
I wrote about Joe back in 2022:
https://my.wealthyaffiliate.com/frankb-1/blog/do-you-surf-with-the-alien
A Little History
Joe was born on July 15, 1956, in Westbury, New York. He began playing the guitar at the age of 14, inspired by the death of Jimi Hendrix. His early influences also included Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck. Joe quickly became the go-to guitar teacher for serious students in the area. He taught players like Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, and Kirk Hammett!
Joe quickly became renowned for his instrumental rock compositions and virtuosic guitar skills, and his breakthrough came with his second album, Surfing with the Alien (1987). This album cemented his status in the guitar world, reaching No. 29 on the Billboard 200 and earning a platinum certification.
I was fortunate enough to have Joe sign this album for me, which proudly hangs in my music studio. It always reminds me of the Fantastic Four movie with the Silver Surfer and the dedication it takes to achieve that level of guitar mastery! Sorry about all the reflections!
My autographed Joe Satriani albumJoe continued to release successful albums, including Flying in a Blue Dream (1989), The Extremist (1992), and Crystal Planet (1998), each demonstrating his ability to blend melody with technical mastery.
In addition to his solo career, Joe has been involved in various collaborative projects. He was a member of the supergroup G3, alongside Steve Vai and a guest guitar player, and later joined Chickenfoot, featuring Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony, and Chad Smith. He has also contributed to recordings by other artists and worked as a touring guitarist for Mick Jagger in the late 1980s.
Equipment Used (For all you WA Gearheads, and you know who you are! Lol)
Here is an abbreviated list of some of the more common equipment that Joe has used throughout his career (courtesy of me and ChatGPT 4o):
Guitars:
- Ibanez JS Series: Satrianiβs signature model, with various versions like the JS1000, JS1200, and JS2400.
- Ibanez 540 Radius (540R): His primary guitar during the recording of Surfing with the Alien.
- Ibanez JS1: A custom model with a chromed finish.
- Ibanez JSBDG: A rare "Black Dog" model with custom inlays.
Today, I am playing my JS1000 guitar all day (and night, Lol) in honor of Joe!:
My Joe Satriani Signature Series (JS1000) guitarAmplifiers:
- Marshall JVM410H: Used extensively in the studio and live performances.
- Peavey JSX: Satrianiβs signature amp head.
- Marshall 6100: A 30th-anniversary edition amp used in the β90s.
- Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+: Featured in the recording of Flying in a Blue Dream.
Effects:
- Boss DS-1 Distortion: A staple in Satrianiβs rig.
- DigiTech Whammy: For pitch-shifting effects.
- Ibanez Tube Screamer: Used for overdrive tones.
- Fulltone Deja Vibe: For vintage Uni-Vibe effects.
- Eventide H9: A multi-effects unit used for a variety of sounds.
- VOX Big Bad Wah: Satrianiβs signature wah pedal.
Honors and Awards
Joe Satrianiβs contributions to the guitar world have been widely recognized and include the following incomplete list (courtesy of ChatGPT 4o):
- 15 Grammy Nominations: Acknowledging his technical skill and musical creativity.
- Platinum Certification: For Surfing with the Alien.
- Multiple Gold Certifications: For albums like Flying in a Blue Dream and The Extremist.
- Classic Rock Roll of Honour Award: Innovator Award (2015).
- Guitar World Readerβs Poll: Various awards for Best Rock Guitarist and Best Overall Guitarist.
Discography
Here is the list of essential Satriani albums (courtesy of ChatGPT 4o). I recommend you give each one your undivided attention! However, if you must listen to only one album, check out Surfing with the Alien (1987).
Solo Albums:
- Not of This Earth (1986)
- Surfing with the Alien (1987)
- Dreaming #11 (1988)
- Flying in a Blue Dream (1989)
- The Extremist (1992)
- Time Machine (1993)
- Joe Satriani (1995)
- Crystal Planet (1998)
- Engines of Creation (2000)
- Strange Beautiful Music (2002)
- Is There Love in Space? (2004)
- Super Colossal (2006)
- Professor Satchafunkilus and the Musterion of Rock (2008)
- Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards (2010)
- Unstoppable Momentum (2013)
- Shockwave Supernova (2015)
- What Happens Next (2018)
- Shapeshifting (2020)
- The Elephants of Mars (2022)
With Chickenfoot:
- Chickenfoot (2009)
- Chickenfoot III (2011)
Collaborations and Live Albums:
- G3: Live in Concert (1997)
- G3: Live in Tokyo (2005)
- G3: Live in Denver (2004)
- G3: Live in New York (2012)
How About Chickenfoot II?
So, if you're one of the musical elites who read down this far, you're probably wondering what the hell ever happened to Chickenfoot II? Here's the band's interpretation. Parabolic dives in a 747 jet to achieve weightlessness while recording, really?? You figure it out! Lol π
https://youtu.be/3cIxDLIE5zc?si=ZiYtJ74hhxf0RWsY
The Bigfoot explanation at the end of the video is totally ridiculous! Everybody knows that Bigfoot was in Scotland riding the Loch Ness monster at the time! You can't make this stuff up, not even on drugs! π
Photos never lie!My Birthday Celebration Tonight!
Tonight, we are having a little soiree in Joe's honor with family and friends, food, drink, and lots of Joe's music, plus a concert video. It's guaranteed to be as unusual as his music, and the theme will be built around his "Not of This Earth " album! As you can see, I'm having all the fun I can in my retirement years! Lol
Happy Birthday, Joe! π π₯³
So, be well, Rock On, and watch out for the giant Cyclops playing a Les Paul guitar! I hope I have brightened your day and reduced the boredom in some small way! π
(Image created by DALL-E 3)Frank π€πΈ
~70% Human written content
Recent Comments
48
Joe Satriani is a huge idol of mine, I performed The Forgotten Part 2, live a few years back. Crazy where guitaring has gone since then.
I look at players like Andy James and Tim Henson playing on YouTube and the level of technique has just gone through the roof even old Joe I am sure would be impressed.
Great post mate, love the autographed album :)
Hi Luke
I agree that players like Tim Henson are the next level of guitar technique. Polyphia is an incredible band!
Keep on drumming! π€π₯
Frank πΈ
Excellent post, Frank!! π
Joe is also one of my favorite guitar players! If I had to pick my favorite all around musician / singer, it would be Sammy Hagar and Chickenfoot was one of my favorite Sammy projects! I believe Joe is currently touring with Sammy on the Best of All Worlds tour. π€πΆ
Surfing with the Alien is currently playing on my PC here at work!
Happy Birthday Joe!! πΈπ€πΈπ€π
Thanks again Frank! And keep on Rockin!! π€πΈ
What an incredible collection you have!
Tim πΌ
Just watched the Youtube video, I can't believe I never saw this!!
Loved it!
Thanks, Frank! πΈπ
Tim πΌ
Hi Tim
Yup theyβre currently on tour. Theyβre doing all Van Halen songs.
Glad youβre spinning up some Satch to celebrate Joeβs birthday! πππ
I love that Joe Satriani guitar. It has a wicked fast neck and DiMarzio pickups that absolutely kill! Lol π
I put one of those pickups in the bridge position of a guitar I modded with a blue and silver Lace Sensor pickup in the middle and neck position. That guitar sounds incredible in a totally different way! π―
Rock On! π€
Frank πΈ
Hahaha, I was going to tell you to make sure you see the Chickenfoot video! πππ
So glad youβre enjoying my music posts!! π
I saw Joe so long ago that he still had hair. lol
Late 80βs was the first time I saw him at Tipitinaβs in New Orleans. I made my parents go with me. π€£
Hi Steve
Yeah, that was back in the "Not of This Earth" days and going forward about three more albums.
I've seen Joe four times, all phenomenal shows! π
Rock on! π€
Frank πΈ
Not heard of him before Frank.
Gasp, horror, where have you been.
I will remedy this obvious omission in the fundamentals of life and report back.
Happy Birthday Joe from your newest fan.
And you too Frank, have a happy day.
Bux
Hi Bux
Since you plan on remedying this musical oversight, all will be forgiven! π Lol π
Check out the album "Surfing With The Alien" to start, and let me know how you judge Joe's skill level. πΆ
Rock On! π€
Frank πΈ
Thank you Frank.
That is now in my diary for a later listen to. I guess it sounds better with a beer.
Bux
Frank, I've listened to Joe and the Alien. It's good but not me.
The rhythm is just a little too fast for me, I'm more of a Floydian person., laid back and drifting off.
I can see why he is so successful, good skills and making that guitar talk its own language.
Thanks for encouraging me.
I'm just about to listen to some Om chanting - I feel I need it after a very busy day.
Bux
Hi Bux
Pink Floyd is one of my favorite bands and David Gilmour is absolutely amazing!
He has a new album coming out on Sept 6th called Luck and Strange and is touring to support it.
I guess I can forgive you for not worshipping Satriani. Itβs a guitar player thing. Lol π
Rock On! π€
Frank πΈ
Maybe I'm missing out. I have never played guitar, not even an air guitar.
You play guitar, Frank, and I'll drink the beer.
Bux
Hi Ela
You obviously are a person of impeccable musical taste! πππ
Today is a great day to listen to some of Joe's tunes. πΆ
Rock On! π€
Frank πΈ
Photos never lie Frank! Love that one of Bigfoot riding the Loch Ness Monster!!
Take it easy on the celebrations my friend and happy birthday Joe!!
Rock On!!
πππ»πΈππ₯πΉ
Hahaha, I knew you'd like that image, Nick! π
I usually overeat, but I'm not much in the drinking department.
Rock On & check out some of Joe's tunes for his birthday! π€
Frank πΈ
Thatβs great to hear, Nick! πππ
Enjoy the rest of your night, πΉ
Frank π€πΈ
See more comments
You've definitely reduced my boredom! I don't know this guitarist or these albums at all! But I love the ideas with the aliens! I am an alien and zombie fan so anything to do with either I am up for! And I remember Bigfoot riding the Loch Ness monster. It was a Saturday if memory serves me correctly...
Karin
Hi Karin
I have to post something like that every once in awhile, when I sense that WA members are getting into a rut and need a little break from reality. Lol π
Glad you enjoyed it. Check out Joeβs music if you like high octane Rock and Metal. π€π
Frank πΈ