G3
Live in Denver

What an emotion! 

This exclamation alone would be enough to describe almost 2 hours of DVD. If the G3 with Johnson had that intimate attitude in the pieces, in the jam, in every little solo, this Live in Denver represents the apex of the spectacle that can be given with a guitar. And it would be even more pointless to waste words of praise for Satch, Vai, or the Swede Malmsteen because their music, their styles blend in an exhilarating way. Specifically: Satriani moves, Vai excites, Malmsteen is adrenaline-fueled.

The jam is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen done by three guitarists simultaneously. Satriani immediately starts with the irresistible "Satch Boogie" and the immortal "The Extremist". But then he gives us almost 10 minutes of pure calm with the sinuous "Starry Night" and "Midnight" (what chills that piece gives!). And for those who have had enough, Satch gifts us with the hilarious "The Mystical Potato Head Groove Thing". Satriani does his best, is in excellent shape, and plays excellently. But if you think surpassing him is impossible, well... then Steve Vai will leave you speechless. Watching him casually enter the stage, smile at us amiably, and then wield that three-neck monster... The Alien gives us a long improvisation, a prelude to "I Know You're Here" in which he also demonstrates an extraordinary versatility with a somewhat hoarse but truly melodic voice. It continues with "Juice" and "I'm the Hell Outta Here". What a spectacle to see those four good guys on stage chasing each other with harmonics and notes, or playing each other's instruments... Sheehan, McAlpine, Weiner are the most suitable foundation for Vai's genius.

And then what about the Swedish Master? Even if his songs are almost all similar, he thrills, jumps, makes a racket, and is unstoppable. "Evil Eye", "Baroque And Roll" and the solo with the classical guitar are moments of high school. And he finishes with the classic "Far Beyond the Sun". Perhaps Malmsteen should also teach many how to be on stage, and then I have never seen anyone break a guitar as he did. You might think it was out of place, but I assure you it was a real joy to see someone like him who, even in an apparently serious atmosphere, stood out a lot.

The jam... wow... Satriani could sing better, but "Rockin' In a Free World" is great, and that's nothing compared to the splendid, wonderful rendition of "Little Wing". It closes with the good "Voodoo Child" sung poorly, but amusingly, by Malmsteen. I could end by saying to buy it, download it, watch it where and how you want, but if you are a guitarist and love this instrument, a better celebration of our little six-string friend currently does not exist. Forget the G3 with Johnson or the mediocre Live in Tokyo with Petrucci. This is on another level.