Discovering the music of Satriani would eventually lead me onto the discovery of his student Steve Vai.
The first track I heard was ‘Liberty’ and once again I find my head being blown off by the sheer audacity of the playing. But I knew Vai had something different about him. A lot of which is probably to do with his time spent playing with Frank Zappa.
Humour plays a huge role in his tracks and live performances and seeing him in the Hammersmith in London was so much fun. The guy is a hell of a confident and audacious performer.
Vai takes the technicalities of the guitar to the extreme but he knows how to do harmony and melody really well as well. The guy can construct absolutely monstrous solos and make the guitar squeal. It’s his ballads that really stand out for me.
Vai is also open, articulate and has a wonderful outlook on his music and how to enjoy life. An inspiration through and through.
My top Steve Vai tracks:
The Riddle
For the love of God
Tender Surrender
Rescue me or Bury Me
The Blood and Tears
Windows to the Soul
Boston Rain Melody
Whispering a Prayer
Fire Garden Suite
Building the Church