Guitar Legend Joe Satriani Set for New York Area Gigs, Talks New York, Chickenfoot and More

by | Mar 24, 2016 | Culture, Entertainment

Joe Satriani photo credit - Larry Dimarzio_04_014 jpg

When it comes to a discussion about the greatest rock guitarists of the past 30 years, Joe Satriani is one of the players likely to be mentioned. Beyond his 15 Grammy nominations and the distinction of being the best-selling instrumental rock guitarist of all-time, Joe has been featured on recordings by artists as diverse as Crowded House, Alice Cooper, Spinal Tap, Stanley Clarke, and the Steve Miller Band. The New York native is also known for creating the recurring G3 tour — which launched in 1995 — beyond his work as one-fourth of the all-star band Chickenfoot. He also had tenures as a touring guitarist for Deep Purple and Mick Jagger, had a song sampled by Nicki Minaj in 2010.

Perhaps as impressive as Joe’s career accolades is the list of guitarists that he taught. While trying to make ends meet, Joe’s guitar students included future members of Metallica, Primus, Counting Crows, and Third Eye Blind. Steve Vai, a fellow Long Islander and later a sideman for Frank Zappa, David Lee Roth and Whitesnake, was also one of those young guitarists. Things turned around for Satch in the mid-1980s after joining The Greg Kihn Band.

As part of the Surfing To Shockwave tour, Joe has three New York area appearances coming up: Mar. 30 at Port Chester’s Capitol Theater, Apr. 1 at Long Island’s Tilles Center and Apr. 4 at Red Bank’s Count Basie Theatre. The shows will feature material from Joe’s three decades as a solo artist, rarely-performed songs included. Proceeds from the tour will go towards the music-minded non-profit Little Kids Rock.

Joe kindly answered some questions for Downtown in advance of his return to New York. Beyond some interesting insights, he also provided an excellent photo of himself as a teenager, as seen below. For more on Joe Satriani, click on over here or follow him on Twitter.

What do you wish more people knew about Joe Satriani?

Joe Satriani: Nigel Tufnel of Spinal Tap once said of me, “He’s not a savage twit, at all.” That will do for now…

Do you have an accomplishment that you’re most proud of?

J: Somehow, I survived quite a few decades of life, and still get invited to play my music for people around the world. That still amazes me. I am forever grateful for, and indebted to my fans.

As a Long Island native, where was the first gig you ever played in New York?

J: When I was around 16, I was in a funk band called City Funktion — see pic below — and we played in Queens and the city. After that, in another band, I think it was a gig at Brandy’s 2 at 81st and York. Debbie Harry’s band shared the bill with us. They were called Blondie & The Bonzai Babies back then!

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Touring aside, how often do you get back to New York? Do you still have family there?

J: Yes! Once a New Yorker, always a New Yorker. Returning always brings a sense of calm to my body. I still find all parts of New York very inspiring, probably because of all the great memories I have growing up and coming of age all over the state.

You’re very involved with Little Kids Rock with these upcoming shows providing proceeds to that organization. How did you first get involved with those folks?

J: They reached out to me many years ago and I was instantly impressed with how well run and motivated Little Kids Rock was. I knew I wanted to get involved and stay involved in getting more young people introduced to making music a part of their lives.

Many of your guitar students turned out to be successful career musicians. Did you have any idea that any of your students were so dynamic at the time?

J: I was so lucky to have such talented and motivated students. And, yes, I think I could always tell they were destined for greatness. We all continually root for each other’s success, and even gig together around the world!

When it comes to learning guitar, is there a particular methodology or technique that you recommend to starters? Did you start on piano or another instrument first?

J: I started on drums then moved to guitar when Jimi Hendrix died. By then, I benefitted from having experience in the art of practicing with regularity, and learning how to focus on the different aspects of learning an instrument. Beginners should learn the basic chords and scales, memorize where the notes are, but focus on learning the music they love to listen to. It has to be fun and enjoyable in my book.

JS_SS_PROJECTION_PUBLICITY - photo credit Chapman BaehlerWhere were you when you got the news that your music was being sampled for a Nicki Minaj song?

J: Nicki and her producer contacted me first and sent me a rough mix of the song. They very nicely asked for my permission in advance, I said yes, and it all went as it should.

Is there a cover or reworking of your music by another artist that you’re most flattered by?

J: Many years ago there was a German band called Three Little Krouts that wrote lyrics to my song “Flying In A Blue Dream.” I was truly surprised how well it worked. They were a great band and did the song justice.

After this tour has wrapped, what’s ahead for you? Is there any chance of more music coming from Chickenfoot?

J: Chickenfoot has a gig or two coming up in May, and we have a new song ready to be mixed. My fingers are crossed, hoping for more Chickenfoot chaos!

You’re generally regarded as an “instrumental artist” in your solo career, but you sang backing vocals on a Crowded House album. Is there any chance of hearing you sing on a solo release in the future?

J: I’ve sung on over 20 tracks in my career so far, but singing for Crowded House was the only time I was paid for it, and most likely the last!

When you’re not busy with your career, how do you like to spend your free time?

J: Feet on the ground, head in the clouds dreaming of new music…

Finally, Joe, any last words for the kids?

J: Enjoy music any way you want, and don’t forget to share the music you make with the rest of us.

-by Darren Paltrowitz

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