Search - Steve Vai :: Where the Wild Things Are

The Insanely Talented Steve Vai Thrives Live !

Brien Comerford | Glenview, Illinois United States | 09/29/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This sterling live Steve Vai CD is utterly amazing. Vai is literally a dynamic freak of nature with his large, muscular hands and fingers being in paramount control of his array of guitars. Vai is arguably the most innately talented guitarist in history. His fretboard prowess and use of effects enable him to create a galaxy of spellbinding tones and sounds ranging from bombastic to tearful. "Where The Wild Things Are" is replete with eclectic Steve Vai classics including the emotive "Tender Surrender", "Angel Food", "Treasure Island" and riveting versions of "Freak Show Excess", "Firewall" and "Building The Church". The astounding "Now We Run" is an instrumental marvel that has been nominated for a Grammy Award. In person, Steve Vai has a mystical aura. He's a beekeeper, a strict vegetarian and a very spiritual man. It's not surprising because the Creator bestowed him with an exorbitant amount of talent evidenced by his magical guitar virtuosity and sheer energy. Buy this live CD if you like guitar mastery. Vai's also joined by an array of brilliant musicians who wonderfuly enhance the optimal quality and grandeur of his exquisite riffs and songs."

Shall We Say, Uh.... Fusion is back!

J. Cooney | ellington, ct | 12/23/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having just watched Steve Vai's live in Minneapolis "Where The Wild things Are" DVD, exerpts from which comprise the CD now made available, I have to say that a new fusion-muse appears to have crept into his work. My previous impressions of Vai's work were always tainted by what I viewed as over-the-top guitar-gimmicry, offering little or nothing new of redeeming musical value, hopelessly confined to the same old boring, four-four rock pantheon. I have to say that, carefully studying his most recent release and work, I am duly impressed. I have always purchased his past work, hoping that he would change his evil ways and move away from his over-the-top Zappa-imitations - there was, truly, only ONE Frank Zappa. Here he blends his outstanding musicianship with all the familiar elements of that dreaded word FUSION, namely polyrhythms, -chording and -tonality. With duel-violinist accompaniment, an electric sitar player and a very accomplished drummer (despite the outlandish tatoos!), one could swear one was watching John McGlaughlin's original Mahavishnu Orchestra tearing it up and pushing the popular sonic envelope forty years ago! Hopefully this most pleasant change and metamorphosis will continue. If only Joe Satriani would follow a similar muse, of which he is totally, perhaps moreso than Vai, capable. Alas, I guess the ridiculous Pop band Chickenfoot, which he currently axes for, is paying the light bills all too well! Long live "The Bells of Lal, Parts 1 & 2", Joe!"