G3: Rockin' in the Free World is a double live album by the G3 project that was recorded at The Uptown Theater in Kansas City, Missouri, United States, on October 21, 2003. The album featured the touring lineup of the project leader Joe Satriani, frequent member Steve Vai and guest guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen. A DVD of the same tour, but with a different track list, was released as G3: Live in Denver.
Contents
Critical reception
In his review for AllMusic, Adrian Zupp described ‘‘G3 Live: Rockin’ in the Free World’’ as an entertaining showcase of the technical abilities of Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and Yngwie Malmsteen, although he noted that their performances sometimes lacked stylistic variety and musical subtlety. He praised Satriani’s set, highlighting the contrast between the energetic “The Extremist” and the more melodic “Always with Me, Always with You”, as well as Vai’s stylistic range. Zupp observed that Malmsteen’s performances demonstrated his renowned speed, but criticised the trio’s interpretations of Jimi Hendrix’s “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” and “Little Wing”, finding them unfavourable in comparison with the originals. He singled out the closing rendition of Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World” as a highlight, praising its passion and concluding that the album would appeal particularly to fans of technically accomplished guitar playing.
Track listing
Disc 1
All songs written by Joe Satriani.
"The Extremist" - 3:53
"Crystal Planet" - 4:41
"Always with Me, Always with You" - 4:16
"Midnight" - 3:05
"The Mystical Potato Head Groove Thing" - 5:31
All songs written by Steve Vai.
"You're Here" - 3:33
"Reaping" - 7:05
"Whispering a Prayer" - 9:27
All songs written by Yngwie Malmsteen except where noted.
"Blitzkrieg" - 2:50
"Trilogy Suite Op.5, the First Movement" - 8:07
"Red House" (Jimi Hendrix) - 4:25
"Fugue (Concerto Suite for Electric Guitar and Orchestra in E Flat Minor Op.1)" - 3:37
"Finale" - 2:54
Disc 2
"Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" (Jimi Hendrix) - 10:46
"Little Wing" (Jimi Hendrix) - 6:08
"Rockin' in the Free World" (Neil Young) - 12:29
Personnel
Joe Satriani
Joe Satriani - lead guitar, vocals, keyboard
Galen Henson - rhythm guitar
Matt Bissonette - bass guitar
Jeff Campitelli - drums
Steve Vai
Steve Vai - lead guitar, vocals
Dave Weiner - rhythm guitar
Billy Sheehan - bass guitar
Tony MacAlpine - keyboards, lead guitar
Jeremy Colson - drums
Yngwie Malmsteen
Yngwie Malmsteen - lead guitar, vocals
Mick Cervino - bass guitar
Joakim Svalberg - keyboards
Patrick Johansson - drums