Joe Satriani is one of the world's best and most well-known guitarists. Early in his career, Satriani worked as a guitar instructor, and among his students were now famous guitarists Steve Vai, Larry LaLonde, Kirk Hammett, Andy Timmons, Charlie Hunter and Alex Skolnick. He himself is influenced by blues-rock guitar icons such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Ritchie Blackmore and Jeff Beck. Satriani worked with a range of musicians from several musical genres, including Mick Jagger, Deep Purple, John Petrucci, Eric Johnson, Yngwie Malmsteen, Brian May, Patrick Rondat, Paul Gilbert, Adrian Legg, and Robert Fripp. He is currently the lead guitarist for the supergroup Chickenfoot.

Surfing With The Alien is Satriani's second album, released in 1987 and meant his breakthrough to a larger audience. It was the first instrumental rock record to enter the charts in a very long time. Although the album contains fast and complex songs as well as slower, melodic songs Satriani's unique style is always easily recognizable.