The show was electric from the moment it started. Satch, donning mirrored shades, came out casually waving. That soon changed, however. As soon as he picked up his fire-red, lacquered Ibanez , his nonchalant demeanor switched off like a light. From the time his pick hit the strings, it was evident that the man came to play. And he brought along a few talented boys to play along (or keep up) with him. Satriani also brought something else I’ve never seen in the many concerts I’ve been to at Houston’s HOB- a giant video screen behind the guys that showed psychedelic images and moving art that only JS could think up.

The group of experienced and talented musicians all let their personalities shine through their music and stage presence. Galen Henson played rhythm guitar, and he was the laid back guy…. The one smiling the whole time he was playing. Jeff Campitelli was the “all business” drummer. He came out and worked the drums like it was child’s play. Mike Keneally owned the ivories. He started kind of reserved, but after a few songs it was evident that he was having a great time. Lastly, on bass was Allen Whitman. He was the Lonestar Beer T-shirt wearing, stage-working, wild long curly-haired rocker.

So, on stage, we had amazing guitarist backed by a killer musicians and a kickin’ light show. What was missing? Absolutely nothing! I was enjoying JS and his band so much that it was almost an hour into the show before I realized that not a single word had been sang.  The fact that there was no vocalist was an afterthought.

When JS broke into Satch Scratch, the crowd officially became his. There wasn’t a person in the crowd that that wasn’t moving their head, and there were lots of “Hell yeahs” and cheering throughout the song. He explained that “Dreamsong” was inspired by “a really messed up” dream. When he woke from the dream, he immediately ran down to his studio to record it. It was probably my favorite song of the night. The music practically told a story, which may sound silly to those who weren’t there. There was a definite beginning, middle, and end to the song story.

As I said earlier, the band was definitely having fun. JS and Mike (keyboard) got into a tooth playing match that really got the crowd going. Yes, they were playing their instruments with their teeth… and it was actually music and not just noise. Before long, the stage became more like someone’s home studio, and a great jam session ensued. JS and the rest of the band seemed to be having a genuinely good time. In the midst of it all, JS walked off stage, and the rest of the musicians were able to have a bit of “me time” and showcase their talent.

When he came back, it was back to jamming, and this time he sang a bit and played the harmonica. Everyone loved it. The crowd was ranting back what he was singing and everyone there seemed to be genuinely having a great time. Lots of fist pumping and head-banging ended the night. One of my personal favorite things? Allen, the bass player changed for the encore. He went from the Lonestar beer tee to a “Don’t mess With Texas” one, wrapping up the show while downing a cold Shiner Bock. Gotta love live music in Texas! It sure seemed like the Satch and his band did, as well as the paying customers. There’s no doubt that it was another great night of music at the House of Blues!