SatchVai Stuns At State Theater
Whenever I get the chance to go to the State Theater, know it will be a good time. It’s such a beautiful space to see a show within, dripping with history with acoustics that make everyone sound stellar. Joe Satriani and Steve Vai…plus Animals As Leaders for opening support? Knew this concert would be a special one.
Animals As Leaders was an excellent pairing to accompany SatchVai. With the perfect mix of metal and experimental sounds, was ready to melt into the music. The audience was primed perfectly for this type of music. Having the bones of understanding more technical musical progressions and organization, Animals As Leaders showed their immense ability to create a landscape so interesting within the instrumental genre.
Starting as a solo project beforte morphing into the band we see today, Tosin Abasi is a treat to see live. His guitar stylings and stage presence is expert level. The songs are hypnotic and easy to absorb, smooth when needed and gritty and aggressive when you are almost lulled into a cozy stupor in your seat. Javier Reyes flanking the other side of the stage was also right on the money with his performance. Every bandmate felt like they were settling into a well-loved leather jacket. Comfortable while being tried and proved over and over. No missteps. No hiccups. Just smooth sailing note after note.
SatchVai aka Joe Satriani and Steve Vai. An epic duo made of two legendary musicians.
I never thought I’d see one of these living guitar Gods play, and to be blessed by both being on stage was truly surreal. Fingers were crossed for some of my favorites to be played, which are not limited so had a good chance. Satriani’s “Satch Boogie” is one of those songs you have to jive to when hearing it. Check. Before that was a little diddy called “Surfing With The Alien” was shredded into the air flawlessly. At 69 years young, Satriani is just as good as he always has been. A bonified 11/10 artist. Only issue of the night is that the volume on his guitar was a bit low occasionally, during some songs seeming slightly too quiet. Didn’t leave a bruise, but was noticeable.
Was hoping but not sure if the 2022 born Ibanez Hydra would grace up with a performance, but Steve Vai’s three necked guitar was EPIC. Seeing him play it effortlessly? Wow. Inspired by Mad Max: Fury Road, not sure who else could strum it besides Vai. And guess what? I don’t want to see it. Only a guy like Steve could pull it off, looking equally as cool as expected with the fast fingers and primed brain to strum flawlessly.
An hour and a half is never enough with metal. When they played their last song, the formal and politely seated crowd couldn’t help themselves and all stood up to say adieu to SatchVai. A slick cover was their closer, “Born To Be Wild” echoed throughout the hall with the audience joining in. Walking out still vibrating from a once in a lifetime night into the crisp spring air, a bucket list moment fully realized in the best way, with a brand new pep in my step.
