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Steve Vai
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.
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.
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".
Later in 1985 Vai joined former Van Halen front man David Lee Roth's newly assembled group, (which also featured acclaimed bassist Billy Sheehan and drummer Gregg Bissonette,) to record the multi-platinum albums Eat'em And Smile and Skyscraper. These albums, along with their accompanying videos and arena tours significantly enhanced Vai's reputation and popularity. At the time, Roth engaged in a war of words with the members of Van Halen.
In 1990 Steve Vai released his critically acclaimed solo album "Passion and Warfare." This cemented his place at the forefront of 'Virtuoso' guitar music.
Steve Vai : Real Illusions: Reflections
Electric Guitar / Rock
Real Illusions: Reflections is the first album of new material since Steve Vai's 1999 studio release The Ultra Zone. The album was released on February 22, 2005. It is the first piece of a three part concept album about a town visited by the godsent Pamposh and his construction of the Church, Under It All.
Steve Vai : Passion and Warfare
Electric Guitar / Rock
Passion and Warfare is a 1990 instrumental album from guitarist Steve Vai. It has been described by some critics as one of the greatest hard rock guitar albums of all time. It has been certified 2 times Platinum.It was written based on a series of dream sequences that Vai had when he was younger.
Steve Vai : Fire Garden
Electric Guitar / Rock
Fire Garden is divided into two "phases". Phase 1, consisting of everything from "There's a Fire in the House" to "Fire Garden Suite", is all instrumental (with the exception of Devin Townsend's backwards vocals on "Whookam" and some more vocals toward the end of "Fire Garden Suite"). The remainder of the album, Phase 2, features Vai on vocals on every song except "Warm Regards", which is an instrumental.
G3 Live : Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, Joe Satriani : DVD
Concert DVD
Three of the greatest rock instrumental guitarist of the past decade finally get together and performed one of the finest guitar shows ever. The video captures the three virtuoso players with individual sets and together at the grand finale.
G3 Live : Steve Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen, Joe Satriani : DVD
Concert DVD
If musical notes were gold nuggets, then King Midas would look like a pauper next to Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and Yngwie Malmsteen. Performing both individually and together in this 112-minute concert, the three die-hard rock guitarists prove their virtuosity beyond a doubt.
G3 Tokyo: Steve Vai, John Petrucci, Joe Satriani : DVD
Concert DVD
G3 returns in fine form with "G3 Live in Tokyo". Joe Satriani teams up with Steve Vai and find a third guitarist (John Petrucci) worthy of sharing the stage with them. Each member performs his own set and then all 3 jam on stage together.