Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * * *

When gods get together the resulting thunder and storms can be so colossal that those who see and take in the wonder from the seats upon the eternal stage cannot but help be in awe, and when those giants and gods are in harmony, then the resulting dynamic is one of collaborative eruption, a release of energy so spectacular it rivals a volcano in terms of how people view the event.

The reunion of G3’s Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson, and Steve Vai on stage for the first time in decades was one that those who adore the spirit and the completion of such events and who see them for the majesty that they are; and whilst other magnificent musicians have paved their way on stage alongside the mainstay and genius of Joe Satriani, it is with a thrill in the blood that the original threesome who toured together back in 1996, and for the first time in almost a quarter of a century, were back at the forefront of the stage again and giving the audience exactly what they needed, and which was thankfully captured for prosperity in the absolute pleasure of G3 Reunion Live.

This stirring and thrill examining set on the sold-out American tour is in itself iconic, not only as a physical reminder of what is laid bare before the audience, but also a sheer bliss moment in history as the first recorded release by the supergroup band in a decade.

For the long-term fan of the three musicians this recording, as well as the deluxe edition that sits tantalisingly in view, the sound is sheer absolute indulgence of the spirit of rock and of music, and as the album opens up with Steve Vai’s set which includes the tracks Gravitas, Tender Surrender, For The Love Of God, and the sublime Zeus In Chains, and which then follows through Eric Johnson’s and then Joe Satriani’s own sets, which includes Land Of A 1,000 Dances, Trail Of Tears, Freeway Jam, the ever impressive Surfing With The Alien, Sahara, Big Bad Moon, and Snatch Boogie, before finishing with a dynamic absorption of all three’s talents in Crossroads, Spanish Castle Magic, and a colossal rendition of Steppenwolf’s Born To Be Wild, what transpires is time spent with majesty, time in the presence of gods.

A reunion caught live for eternity is emotionally transfixing, and with G3 in full flow there is so much to rejoice in for every fan and music lover alike.

G3 Reunion Live is released by earMusic on Friday 31st January.
Ian D. Hall