Dreaming #11

Released in 1988, Dreaming #11 is a pivotal EP that served to maintain Satriani's momentum following the massive success of Surfing with the Alien. The centerpiece is the studio track 'The Crush of Love,' originally intended for a different project but eventually becoming one of his most enduring radio hits. This track is notable for its innovative use of the wah-wah pedal, which Satriani used to create a 'talking' guitar effect that became a hallmark of his style. The remainder of the EP consists of live recordings from the California Theater in San Diego. These tracks feature the powerhouse rhythm section of Stuart Hamm on bass and Jonathan Mover on drums. Hamm’s presence is particularly felt on the extended version of 'Memories,' which includes a bass-driven midsection that highlights the jazz-fusion leanings of the trio. While technically a 'mini-album,' it reached Gold status in the US, a rare feat for an instrumental EP, solidifying Satriani's status as the preeminent guitar hero of the late 1980s.