Steven Siro Vai (born June 6, 1960 in Carle Place, New York) is an American guitarist, composer, and record producer, notable for having received a Grammy Award (along with nine nominations) and being cited as an influence by many guitarists from the 1980s and onwards.

Early life

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When growing up, the young Vai became interested in rock giants such as Jimi Hendrix, Alice Cooper and Led Zeppelin which led him to take up learning the guitar. Prior to attending Berklee College of Music, Steve frequently jammed with his teacher and fellow guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani and played in numerous local bands. He has acknowledged the influence of many guitarists, including Jeff Beck and fusion virtuoso Allan Holdsworth.

Work with Frank Zappa

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It was also at this time that he became fascinated by the music of Frank Zappa. Steve mailed transcriptions of Zappa's guitar solos to him, and after meeting Vai for the first time he was so impressed with the abilities of the young musician, he hired him to do work transcribing his seemingly endless array of experimental symphonic rock. In these formative stages of his career, Vai's talent was showcased on such songs as "Moggio" and "Stevie's Spanking".

More on [ Steve Vai ]

Steve Vai

STEVE VAI TO RELEASE 'SOUND THEORIES VOL 1 & 2' THIS SUMMER
Mon, 30 Apr 2007 20:31:24 -0000
DOUBLE-ALBUM CONCERT SET CAPTURES THE GUITAR LEGEND’S COLLABORATION WITH EUROPE’S ACCLAIMED METROPOLE ORCHESTRADOUBLE-DISC PACKAGE IN STORES JUNE 26; COMPANION DVD TO BE RELEASED AUG 21SOUND THEORIES VOL 1 & 2, a double-live CD capturing legendary guitarist Steve Vai’s electrifying collaboration with the Netherlands Metropole Orchestra will arrive in stores June 26th. The two-disc set spotlights rare material culled from five European performances, a studio session and a soundcheck rehearsal recording, all of which took place between mid-2004 and 2005. Volume 1 features Vai playing guitar with the Orchestra, which has earned worldwide acclaim backing artists ranging from Tony Bennett and Natalie Cole to Nancy Wilson and the Yellowjackets. Together they bring new life to both existing and never-before-heard Steve Vai songs, including, “For the Love of God,” “Liberty,” “The Murder” and “Attitude Song,” among others.Volume 2 features the Orchestra performing compositions penned by Vai, including “Shadows and Sparks” and “Bledsoe Bluvd.”Says Vai, “I wanted to be a composer ever since I was a young boy. Though the guitar fell into my lap and my fingers were glued to the instrument, I studied composition and musical notation long before I even started playing the guitar. Through high school, college and beyond, I kept up my studies but the prospect of getting your music performed by an orchestra when you’re only considered to be an over-the-top electric rock guitar shredder seemed virtually impossible. To be able to hear your music performed is the greatest gift a composer could hope for. This was a dream project for me.” The full track listing for both discs is as follows:Disc OneSound Theories Vol 1: “The Aching Hunger”1. Kill the Guy with the Ball 2. The God Eaters 3. The Murder Prologue 4. The Murder 5. Gentle Ways 6. Answers 7. I’m Becoming 8. Salamanders In The Sun 9. Liberty 10. The Attitude Song 11. For The Love Of GodDisc TwoSound Theories Vol 2: “Shadows and Sparks”1. Shadows and.. 2. Sparks 3. Frangelica Pt 1 4. Frangelica Pt. 2 5. Helios and Vesta 6. Bledsoe Bluvd.A yet-to-be-titled companion DVD featuring highlights from the performances will be released on August 21st.
LIVE IN TOKYO - SATRIANI, VAI & PETRUCCI
Thu, 08 Dec 2005 23:31:24 -0000
DVD AND DOUBLE-DISC CD SET IN STORES NOW ORDER THE CD | ORDER THE DVD DOWNLOAD THE ALBUM: iTunes | Napster | Rhapsody | Real | Wal-Mart
CHECK OUT STREAMING VIDEO!
Thu, 08 Dec 2005 23:26:44 -0000
Click here to launch the Satriani.com promo page that includes streams of "Up In Flames" and the G3 jam of Jimi Hendrix's "Foxy Lady"!
Transferring G3 - LIVE IN TOKYO to your iPod
Thu, 08 Dec 2005 23:26:21 -0000
Do you have questions about how to get music from the LIVE IN TOKYO CD to your iPod? If so, click here for more information.
ABOUT LIVE IN TOKYO
Thu, 08 Dec 2005 23:26:02 -0000
Live in Tokyo is a DVD and double-disc CD featuring guitar legends Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and Dream Theater's John Petrucci. These electrifying live performances were recorded on May 8th at the Tokyo Forum, when critically acclaimed guitarist Satriani brought his popular G3 tour to Japan for a series of sold-out dates. Fans attending the packed-house shows were treated to individual sets by each six-stringer, followed by an evening-ending all-star jam session. The G3 tour began back in 1996 with a lineup that featured Satriani, Vai and Eric Johnson. An action-packed DVD with performance highlights was released and has since been certified platinum. In 1997, Satriani and Vai again reunited and added Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Robert Fripp to the bill. In May 1998, the tour headed to Europe where Satriani was joined by Uli Jon Roth and former Scorpions guitarist Michael Schenker. The 2001 G3 tour featured the team of Satriani and Vai again, along with Petrucci. In fall 2003 Satriani and Vai were joined by Swedish player Yngwie Malmsteen for a successful 5-week run. A live CD, entitled G3 Live: Rockin' in the Free World and a nearly platinum DVD entitled G3 Live In Denver were released on February 24, 2004. The track listing for Live In Tokyo is as follows: John Petrucci Glasgow Kiss Damage Control Steve Vai The Audience Is Listening Building The Church K'm-Pee-Du-Wee Joe Satriani Up In Flames Searching War The G3 Jam Foxey Lady La Grange Smoke On The Water
REAL ILLUSIONS: REFLECTIONS IN STORES NOW
Thu, 08 Dec 2005 23:31:39 -0000
Steve Vai's new album, Real Illusions: Reflections, featuring 11 new tracks, is in stores now. Steve Check out Vai.com for an extensive track by track journey through the record by Steve in Vai.com's new Inside Real Illusions feature. ORDER NOW!

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