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 Joe Satriani, Phil Collen and John Petrucci |
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Review and photos by Brian Wolk Joe Satriani's G3 package tour has always showcased the most recognized names on its bill since it began in 1995, with names that easily roll off any guitarist's tongue. Names like Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, Kenny Wayne Sheppard, Paul Gilbert, and seven-time guest John Petrucci.This year's North American installment featured a name that many said with a question mark at the end: Phil Collen of Def Leppard. Not the biggest shredder, but definitely a name, right? In an interview with John Petrucci a few days prior to the celebration, John had this to say about Phil. "Phil is so humble with his success, and what a great musician. He should not be underestimated." On Saturday, February 17th, the Merriam Theater in Philadelphia, hosted yet another celebration on Broad Street, where just a week prior, the town celebrated the Eagles' first Super Bowl victory. This was, as John Petrucci put it during an interview with me that Thursday from his hotel, as well as during his set, "A celebration of the guitar and of the mutual respect of musicianship." The lights dropped and Phil Collen took the stage with his band Delta Deep, with Forrest Robinson on drums, Craig Martini on bass, and a modern-day Ella Fitzgerald by the name of Debbi Blackwell-Cook on vocals, with an exclamation point of massive proportions. "Quadrant 4" showcased the 60 year old player's ability to shred with the best of them. And other numbers, like the Mountain meets Whitesnake tune, "Mistreated" and "Bless These Blues" showed a true love of the delta blues with some gut wrenching technique that only a true player with a genuine love and understanding of the blues could muster. John Petrucci, along with fellow Dream Theater member Mike Mangini on drums and former Dixie Dregs, as well as Joe Satriani, bassist Dave LaRue, brought another flavor. "This is the metal part of the show," he announced after literally tearing the heads off the audience with "Wrath of the Amazons" and "Jaws of Life." John has a style that is steeped in technique, soul, majesty, and just sheer mass! Musicality was truly demonstrated by all three members in pieces like, "Glassy Eyed Zombies," "Damage Control," "Glasgow Kiss," and "Cloud Ten" which was introduced as "The Happy Song" all carrying a flavor of light, shade and texture that John easily demonstrated, no matter how many notes were played!! Satch, as Joe Satriani is known, always brings with him a sense of chill and vibe that matches technique, skill, taste and Hendrix inspiration. His opening piece, from his new album What Happens Next, was exactly what it claimed to be: "Energy." Other highlights such as "Cherry Blossoms," "Cataclysmic," "Summer Song," a beautiful subtle version of "Always With Me, Always With You," and the surprise return of "Circles" from his legendary Surfing With The Alien album, had the audience reveling in the moments. Satch has an amazing band with him, as usual. Featuring Joe Travers on drums, Bryan Beller on bass, and co-guitarist and keyboard player Mike Keneally, was brought forward to add his own flavor to Joe's "Super Funky Badass." In typical G3 fashion, the three artists joined together, with the help of Delta Deep's Debbie Blackwell-Cook on vocals, on Deep Purple's "Highway Star," Stevie Wonder's "Superstitious," and The Alabama State Troupers' "Going Down" where Satch, John, and Phil all traded solos, and once again, the exclamation points came out like party favors at this celebration! The only things missing were the funny hats!! It's a must-see show for anyone who loves great music, but especially for those who worship the guitar. |
 Joe Satriani |
 Joe Satriani |
 John Petrucci |
 Joe Satriani |
 John Petrucci |
 John Petrucci |
 Phil Collen |
 Phil Collen |
 Phil Collen |
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