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Artist: Steve Vai |
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Surely by now everyone will have heard of Steve Vai? Be it from when he was in Frank Zappa's touring band in 1980, his magical influence on David Lee Roth's 'Eat 'em and Smile', or just being the guitar legend in his own right, his name is revered throughout rock history. Here on 'Where The Other Wild Things Are', the second CD to accompany his 2009 live DVD 'Where The Wild Things Are' recorded ion Minneapolis, we are taught a lesson or two on how something quite extraordinary can be done on a six string seemingly without any effort at all. Backed up by a band put together by the man himself including two violinists, String Theories prove they are no push overs here and give as good as they get. In fact, on 'The Crying Machine', Vai sounds like a demon, making his guitar literally talk in parts its so complex, then the violinists calming tones take over and match anything Vai throws at them, its all quite mesmerizing on both sides. The mind blowing 'The Audience Is Listening', taken from his 1990 album 'Passion And Warfare' is an explosive as it is unreal to hear. Jumping from a slow then frantic guitar pace in an instant has to be heard to be truly appreciated or even believed. Three other tracks from that album get an airing here, 'Liberty' that sounds as patriotic and sentimental as Vai can get, 'Answers' where again the violins give as good as anything Vai does, tit for tat all the way that must have been exhilarating for both, and the solemn sounding 'For The Love Of God' that drags out every ounce of emotion that is possible. You can see why D.L.R. wanted Vai on board back in 1986, as 'Juice' (taken from the 1995 'Alien Love Secrets' E.P.) has the guitar hooks in grooves that made THAT album such a monster. Powerful yet still so easy flowing its not hard to realise this man does it all for fun! The violinists get their chance to shine on their own with 'Apples In Paradise', where there's every possibility some listeners will loose concentration or interest, though on the DVD it will be better appreciated. Still, you can't take anything away from the duo, they play brilliantly. It's nice to hear the odd moment of band interaction on a live album once in a while, so on 'Beastly Rap', Vai and his drummer Jeremy partake in some light hearted mickey taking on both parts, Vai warning that a certain Britney Spears is looking for a new drummer! Eventually sense prevails and 'Earthquake Sky' with its broken down car intro follow, becoming an African drum experience without so much as a whimper from the guitar. It just shows no matter how big the star of the show is, he's willing to let the band do their own thing alone. Nice one Steve. It takes a while to realise that being a live album, you don't hear a single mistake or dud note from Vai, even as he races through his frets as if there's no tomorrow, the sign of a virtuoso on top of his game. 'Where The Other Wild Things Are' is a masterclass on playing guitar from one of, if not THE best guitarists in the world today, so after listening to this, dry your eyes, pick up your six string and dream. Just look what it can do for you. Review by: Bob |
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| Tracklisting:
1. The Crying Machine |
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