When it comes to modern day guitar heroes, Joe Satriani easily rates as one of the world’s greatest. It was his second solo album, 1987’s Surfing With The Alien, that really put the guitarist on the map. The album, the first of many nominated for a Grammy, featured three songs — “Surfing With The Alien,” “Satch Boogie” and “Always With Me, Always With You” — that fell into heavy radio rotation, unheard of for guitar instrumentals. Satriani’s incredible melodic sense and unique style clearly separated him from the pack of shredders back then, and it stands true today.
With Chickenfoot on hiatus, Satriani has made 2013 the year of Unstoppable Momentum, his 14th solo album. It’s a record rich in texture and muscular tone, comprising all the trademark Satriani licks and tricks, plus a few surprises to melt your mind. With a band that includes Frank Zappa alumnus Mike Keneally, Satriani is stepping out for a late summer / early fall tour to promote the record. I spoke with him just prior the first date in San Diego (I’m seeing him the next night in Los Angeles), and we discussed the album, the tour behind it, Steve Morse (who’s opening some of the shows), Deep Purple (he was with them for a few months before Morse), and the future of Chickenfoot and G3. From what I gather, he’s going to be busy for quite awhile.
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