guitarist

Jerry Cantrell

Concert Reviews

February 1st, 2025 – Starland Ballroom, Sayreville NJ

Review & Photography by Estelle Massry

The parking lot was already full prior to doors opening at Starland Ballroom on a very cold winter night in NJ. Guitar legend, Jerry Cantrell has embarked on his 2025 solo “I want Blood” North American tour in support of his latest album by the same name. This was his second show on the tour so fans were in high anticipation on what was to come.

The night kicked off with a dynamic performance by American rock band Filter. Richard Patrick, former Nine Inch Nails guitarist, brought intense vocals as he performed hit single “Hey Man Nice Shot”. They sounded great but the stage was very dark so it took away from fully being able to engage with the audience. They ended on a brighter side with “Take a Picture,” as fans sang along.

Jerry Cantrell and his band took the stage shortly after. The venue was completely packed, nobody was going anywhere for the next 2 hours and 15 minutes as Cantrell and his band set off to perform a 17-song set list. Throughout the set, Cantrell masterfully wove together tracks from his solo projects and Alice in Chains classics including “Them Bones”, “Down in a Hole” and “Would?”.

Fans were in for a treat when Cantrell and backing vocalist Greg Puciato performed “Hate to Feel”, a classic that has not been performed live in more than three decades. The last time Alice In Chains themselves played it to a crowd was November 4, 1993 in Sydney, Australia.

The band accompanying Cantrell played a crucial role in bringing the songs to life. Zach Throne on guitar, Eliot Lorango on Bass and Roy Mayorga on drums provided a solid foundation, allowing Cantrell’s guitar and vocals to shine. The chemistry among the musicians was evident, contributing to the show’s dynamic energy.

With any rock show, new venue or the start of a tour, there can be obstacles and “hiccups in the road”. This one in particular has fans a bit irate for the beginning part of the show as there was obvious sound issues. After each song, fans shouted “Fix the mic” in hopes to get the problem fixed. It took some time for Cantrell and his crew to realize what was going on but problem was taken care of and fans were grateful that they could enjoy Cantrell’s vocals for the rest of the show.

The evening culminated with an encore featuring “Rooster,” leaving the crowd in a state of euphoria. The energy in the room was electric, a testament to Cantrell’s enduring impact on the rock scene.

For more info, please visit: http://www.jerrycantrell.com

Steve Vai

Concert Reviews

October 29, 2022 – Count Basie Center for the Arts Theater, Red Bank, NJ

Review by Chris Yates // Photography by Estelle Massry

Guitar God Steve Vai descended upon Red Bank NJ this past weekend in support of his new studio album and LP, “Inviolate” which was released earlier this year through: Favored Nations / Mascot Label Group.

Notably one of the best guitarists of all time, the virtuoso is also an accomplished and highly acclaimed musical composer and producer, fluent in the composition and arranging of orchestral music. Throughout his 40 years in the industry, Vai has sold over 15 million records, received three Grammy Awards, and recorded with music legends like Frank Zappa, David Lee Roth, Whitesnake and many more.  

I first saw Vai playing a double necked, red, heart shaped guitar with David Lee Roth at the Worcester Centrum in the late 80’s.  And while I don’t remember much of the late 80’s (for reasons I will not disclose), I do remember very well how floored I was by his technical ability and overall electrifying performance. So when time came around for me to see him again, but this time to review the show, I was ecstatic and could not wait to hear him shred.  He did not disappoint!

One can tell the influence Steve has on musicians, and any lover of guitar playing, by the people that packed in to see him. The crowded house, was filled with musicians and fans young and old. I saw a good handful of parents with their musically inclined kids lined up at the merch table, where Vai’s team should have also been handing out “Parent of the Year” awards for providing their kids the opportunity to see the guitar legend live.  

Steve came out to a blacked out stage with just the blue glow of his guitar frets visible as he approach center stage.  It was a cool scene as he ripped away at his instrument (which seemed a natural extension to his body), appropriately hooking every applauding fan in for the evening.  From that moment on I was glued to the performance. Every style for which Vai is known for was showcased to perfection. I found it hard to look anywhere else but at the fingers on his guitar as he demonstrated two-handed tapping, alternate picking, legato, hybrid picking, sweep picking, whammy bar acrobatics, and circular vibrato. It was amazing.  When I did glace away from his guitar it was to his facial expressions which illustrated how the music he creates flows through his body.

We were launched into an amazing evening of guitar rock!  Vai wore a fluorescent green shirt (his favorite color) and had multiple guitar swaps (as you would imagine), which he played to perfection including: “Avalancha”, “Little Pretty”, “Greenish Blues”, “Teeth Of The Hydra”& “Taurus Bulba”.

Vai’s performance was complimented by a talented group of musicians. Dave Weiner on guitar, Philip Bynoe on bass and drummer Jeremy Colson on drums. Colson was just as electrifying as he was when I saw him here in NJ at the Stone Pony while he was touring with Sebastian Bach.

There are about 25 shows remaining on his tour, concluding in LA on December 3rd.  Make sure to check his schedule and if he’s playing near you (or even if you have to travel to get there) don’t miss it!  

For more info please visit http://www.vai.com