(Used) JOE SATRIANI cd collection Black Swans Professor Satchafunkilus Not of This Earth
Joe Satriani helped establish instrumental guitar music as a commercially successful branch of rock. His compositions are more than displays of technique: memorable melodies, carefully controlled tone and a strong sense of atmosphere remain at the centre of his work.
These four albums cover his experimental beginnings, a blues-based reinvention and two polished later releases.
Black Swans & Wormhole Wizards
Released in 2010, Black Swans & Wormhole Wizards balances Satriani’s melodic writing with darker and more atmospheric material.
“Light Years Away” provides an immediate rock groove, while “Premonition,” “Dream Song” and “Pyrrhic Victoria” demonstrate his fluid lead playing. “Littleworth Lane” is gentle and reflective, while the title track introduces unusual rhythms and Middle Eastern colours. “God Is Crying” closes the album with considerable emotional weight.
A varied later-period album that rewards repeated listening.
Professor Satchafunkilus and the Musterion of Rock (CD + DVD)
Released in 2008, this album combines hard-rock riffs, funk rhythms and cinematic instrumental passages.
“Musterion” establishes its mysterious atmosphere before “Overdriver” and “I Just Wanna Rock” introduce heavier, more direct hooks. “Revelation” was written in memory of fellow guitarist Steve Morse’s father, while “Andalusia” closes the record with acoustic textures and Spanish-influenced melodies.
The accompanying DVD makes this edition particularly attractive to collectors.
Not of This Earth
Satriani’s 1986 debut introduced many of the techniques and ideas that would define his career. Recorded with drum machines and modest equipment, it sounds more experimental and electronic than his later albums.
The title track combines an unusual rhythm with a floating melody, while “The Snake,” “Driving at Night” and “Hordes of Locusts” explore heavier territory. “Memories” and “Rubina” reveal the emotional phrasing that would soon reach a wider audience on Surfing with the Alien.
Raw and occasionally strange, but essential for understanding where his solo journey began.
Joe Satriani
Released in 1995 and produced by Glyn Johns, the self-titled album moves away from heavily layered production. Much of the music has a warm, live-in-the-studio character influenced by blues, jazz and classic rock.
“Cool #9” became a concert favourite, while “Down, Down, Down,” “Killer Bee Bop” and “Slow Down Blues” emphasise groove and spontaneous interaction. “Home” and “Moroccan Sunset” provide reflective moments, while “Look My Way” includes a rare lead vocal from Satriani.
An excellent choice for listeners who prefer feel, tone and blues-based improvisation over polished guitar pyrotechnics.