Live & Beyond Review

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(More customer reviews)This is clearly Eric Johnson's most accessible album. Although guitar fanatics such as myself will find plenty of inspiration, this record should have broader appeal than his prior studio recordings.
This CD comes on the heels of Eric's Venus Isle album (released in '96, I think) which was justifiably criticized for being too polished and somewhat sterile as a result of his reported obsession with achieving perfection in the studio. (I think that he DID achieve perfection with "Ah Via Musicom" however.) Recording a live record was the perfect way to avoid excessive tinkering and re-recording of the songs in the studio.
Although every song but one was recorded live in Austin, TX last January, it is all new material and it is excellent. This CD captures Eric's live sound very well and gives him the opportunity to show off what a great blues feel he has. In a couple of spots, he plays some extended solos that seem to be largely improvised. The singer from Storyville performs on two of the songs which added some vocal depth to the album.
Eric is absolutely one of the best guitar players out there -- he has incredible chops, the best guitar tone I have ever heard (on record and live), and a truly original style. All of these strengths are well represented in Alien Love Child: Live and Beyond. If you like guitar-oriented music, you can't go wrong with this album.

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Guitar God Eric Johnson combined with Alien Love Child (Chris Maresh, Bill Maddox and Malford Milligan) give you Live And Beyond, consisting of all new material, most of which was recorded live during a three night stand at Antone's in Austin, Texas. Standard jewel case. 2000 release.

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G3 Live in Concert Review

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(More customer reviews)This disc is a recording from the first G3 tour. The three axmen that are featured are Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson, and Steve Vai. Each member has three of their own songs and then all three are on stage for a trio of covers. Satch is featured first. He plays "Cool #9", "Summer Song" and "Flying in a Blue Dream". His playing is typical Satch. He does a little improv in the intro to summer song but other than that the songs are duplications of the studio versions. This isn't a bad thing and fans of Satch won't be dissapointed. Joe is known for his great melodies and his jaw dropping technique. Both are displayed here. His ability to improvise material to new heights isn't on display here. If you want that then buy "Time Machine". I still would get this because Joe is still Joe. Eric Johnson is next. On "Zap" he boogies and shows off his tone. Also the rest of his trio is given the opportunity to do their thing as they trade fours. "Manhatten" is Eric displaying all types of techniques. The song has a jazzy vibe and is quite different than "Zap" in terms of mood and style. "Camel's Night Out" is the closer of Johnson's set and he explodes during it. This song is a chance for Eric to display all of his tricks and he does. Eric Johnson fans should be loving his three song set as it shows off his versatility, virtuosity and unique tone. Vai is the last to go and go he does. Steve is the sorcerer. All kinds of maniacal guitar playing is on display during his set. "Answers" has Vai interweaving lines with Keneally. Then he lets the pyrotechnics loose. Two handed technique, blinding alternate and sweep picking,whammy bar madness, and the joy of playing with feedback are all used in his closing cadenza to this tune. "For the Love of God" is an incredible example of emotion. The main melody lines are moving and the solo invokes all kinds of emotion. This is one of Steve's best compositions. "The Attitude Song" is the closer and is Vai at his wildest. Fellow guitarist Mike Keneally adds to the mix of unison lines. The tremelo bar work is unreal. Vai is a madman and he doesn't have any of his "bizarre" overdubbing that is on some of his lesser studio discs. If you get the DVD you will see that Vai is a magician on stage and has a commanding presence. The three cover songs have all the men on stage and they seem to have a good time with another. The highlight is the trading of fours during "Redhouse". During all three covers each guitarist gets to solo and they all do so very well. "G3" is a great disc and it is a tribute to these three that they were able to put their egos aside and do a project like this. If you like guitar orientated rock or are familiar with any or all of these guys then buy it now.

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European Tour 2008 Review

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(More customer reviews)Its not but its the closest were going to get and its actually really good. I have seen Randy Hansen live twice, 1st time 1979 long beach arena, then 2003 in San Francisco. He is the real deal.

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Outstanding, killer new Hendrix Tribute disc captured LIVE on Randy Hansen's recent Euro-tour 2008 featuring the excellent Seatle Stratmaster paying serious musical homage to the father of heavy guitar (JIMI). European Tour 2008 is an amazing, heavy-duty set featuring many Hendrix tracks/jams not found on Hansen's previous tribute discs. Awesome, over-the-top, relentless, Hendrixian-Guitar Fury dominates this stand-out, live bluesy heavy guitar musical document. Randy Hansen is a true, legitimate, modern-day, white Hendrix who nails down the Man's monumental, timeless, classic riffage with power, precision and passion. Complete with tons of bad-ass, killer, extended, improvisational, Hendrix-inspired lead guitar action that make for a disc which will satisfy both hard-core Hendrix lovers and serious heavy guitar freaks worldwide. Tune in and wave your Hendrix Freak Flag High with Randy Hansen. For nearly three decades, world-renowned guitarist Randy Hansen has acquired himself quite a reputation as being one of the best Hendrix impersonators on the Third Stone from the Sun. Releasing countless discs through the years featuring both stellar Hendrix jams and his own authentic Hendrix-inspired riffage, the Man is a true Guitar Legend in every sense of the word. In a sea of Hendrix-inspired guitarists, Randy Hansen stands tall and is one of the few players officially recognized by the Hendrix family. Having toured and played with Uli Jon Roth, Jack Bruce, Paul Rodgers, Mitch Mitchell and Buddy Miles, among others, Hansen is a true living testament to the Father of Heavy Guitar (Jimi). Digging deep with passion, maturity and conviction, Randy Hansen creates landscapes of sound, masterful guitar work, strong riffage and remarkably authentic killer cosmic tones as he channels the Spirit of Jimi Hendrix through his Fender Strat. (((Long live the musical spirit of Jimi Hendrix))).

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G3 - Live in Concert (1996) Review

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(More customer reviews)Three extremely talented and unique guitarists come together for one of the best concerts I've ever seen! Viewing this made me feel like I was on the front row! And the most amazing thing (besides the music) is that sells for just 10 bucks! Absolutely the wisest 10 bucks I've ever spent! I give it 15 stars!
Some may think this is a contest to see who is the best but I don't look at it that way. SATRIANI, JOHNSON, AND VAI each bring something unique to the concert. G-3 LIVE IN CONCERT is a 3 song live playing of each artist and then they all jam together at the end in complete rapport and friendship. You can tell they all respect each other alot. The running time is 75 minutes of "glued to your seat" entertainment! NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKIN' 'BOUT!
Here are the songs in order: SATRIANI plays 1) Cool No9 2) Flying In A Blue Dream and 3) Summer Sky. The second is my favorite. JOHNSON plays second. His songs are 1) Intro Song 2) Manhattan and 3) SRV (Which is dedicated to the late, great Stevie Ray Vaughn.) The second is my favorite. VAI plays last. His songs are 1) Answers 2) For The Love Of God and 3) The Attitude Song. Again the second song is my favorite.
"THE JAM SONGS" (FEATURING ALL 3 G-3'S) are: 1) Going Down 2) My Guitar Wants To Kill Your Mama and 3) Red House (in honor of the late, great Jimi Hendrix.) The third song is my favorite.
I highly and whole-heartedly recommend this videotape--incredible sound, very entertaining, diverse, and fun to view. You will not be disappointed; trust me! BUY THIS NOW! DON'T MISS IT! There isn't a single boring moment or bad song; these guys ROCK! It will make you a fan of all three if you aren't already!

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Studio: Sony MusicRelease Date: 09/10/2002Run time: 75 minutes

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