Your Online Guitarist Guide

Slash speaks about his favourite guitar riff

2010-08-14T12:24:00.000-07:00

Slash speaks exclusively to MusicRadar about his favourite riffs, what makes a killer riff and which of his own riffs he likes the best.

METALLICA Guitarist Interviewed On 'The Metal File'; Audio Available

2009-10-10T21:32:00.000-07:00

Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett was interviewed last night (Saturday, September 19) for this week's "The Metal File" podcast from Montreal's CHOM-FM. You can stream the show online at this location.

METALLICA drummer Lars Ulrich has disputed reports that the band is assembling a tour that would feature the "Big Four" of the 1980s underground thrash metal scene — itself, SLAYER, MEGADETH and ANTHRAX. In an interview with Nudge at Dayton, Ohio radio station 103.9 The X, Ulrich said, "I think it would be a super-fun thing to do. It's something that I would definitely support. It's something that I would love to encourage. It's something I love to be very proactive in putting together. But right now . . . it's not something that's like hush-hush being worked on behind the scenes or anything like that. I read some of those Internet sites myself once in a while, and it's not something that's going down, but it's something that I would be totally for at some point if it could happen. And we would love to be a part of that at any level possible."

Ulrich added that he believes the idea originated at a London party last March, where "a bunch of us were sitting around way later than we should have been sitting around (having) a bunch of very heavily red wine-induced conversations . . . And the idea of doing that at some point came up in that conversation."

Ulrich's comments, however, directly contradict those of METALLICA bassist Robert Trujillo, who told Metromix that work was moving forward on just such a tour, although he cautioned, "It's not a sealed deal. We're working on it."

METALLICA kicked off its latest North American trek on Monday (September 14) in Nashville.

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com

Slash dreams of Velvot Revolver

2009-07-26T02:26:00.000-07:00

According to a posting on Velvet Revolver guitarist Slash's Twitter account, the remaining members of the band took part in a meeting earlier today (Wednesday, July 15) and it "went great." He adds, "[We] still haven't found a singer, but the dream is alive and well."

A spokesperson for Sanctuary Artist Management, which represents Velvet Revolver, shot down Internet rumors in March 2009 that VR had picked Gord Prior, a singer with a Canadian-based band called BLU BONES, as its new lead singer.
According to management, Prior was sent tapes of two new Velvet Revolver instrumental tracks and asked to write words and melodies and to then sing over the music.

"But he's just one of numerous singers that tapes went out to," the spokesperson told MusicRadar.com. "Gord submitted his demos just like everybody else. He wasn't even asked to come in and do a formal audition. I don't know why these videos [on YouTube] get out there, but that's just the nature of the Internet."

There's been little news out of the Velvet Revolver camp lately regarding a new singer for the band, although auditions have reportedly been ongoing. Bassist Duff McKagan told The Pulse of Radio in February that the group has been a little frustrated with the submissions they've gotten and even wondered if they would ever find the right guy. But McKagan also said that things had taken a positive turn. "In [the first couple of months of 2009], we got three guys in that were all really good — like, far and above, more fitting than the rest," he said. "So I can say this much: we're headed in a very positive direction, and you might be hearing something soon."

Velvet Revolver has been searching for a new vocalist since dismissing Scott Weiland in April 2008.

Although several names have been rumored online, the only singer known to have auditioned with the band is ex-SPACEHOG frontman Royston Langdon.

Velvet Revolver also parted ways with RCA Records late last year and has not announced a new deal yet.

Duff McKagan's side band, LOADED, issued its third album in April, while McKagan continues his career as a columnist at SeattleWeekly.com and a financial columnist at Playboy.com.

Velvet Revolver guitarist Slash is working on a solo album, while drummer Matt Sorum recently launched a clothing line and store.

Video interview: Joe Satriani talks Vox, Chickenfoot

2009-07-26T02:21:00.000-07:00

Big Bad Wah Pedal from Joe Satriani

2009-07-26T02:19:00.000-07:00

VOX recently sat down with Chickenfoot guitarist Joe Satriani and talked in depth about the making of the "Big Bad Wah" dual-mode wah pedal. Watch the chat below.

The "Big Bad Wah" dual-mode wah pedal is the third effect pedal created in collaboration between Satriani and VOX. With two wah modes and some unique features, it delivers a wide range of wah sounds.

"Big Bad Wah" is one in a series of pedals designed by VOX and Satriani. Joe contributed numerous ideas that were unheard of in existing wah pedals, endowing the "Big Bad Wah" with an unparalleled range of sounds from vintage to modern, as well as those that are totally original. The heart of any wah pedal is the "inductor." The "Big Bad Wah" allows you to select between a vintage U.K.-style inductor, and the more modern USA style. Designed to Joe Satriani's custom specs is the design of the pedal pot itself, delivering a smooth, musical tone throughout the entire sweep of the pedal.

Big Bad Wah features a dual-mode design. Wah One faithfully replicates the classic VOX wah sound that conquered the world.

Web Blabbermouth

London Masterclass to have Steve Vai

2009-04-14T10:20:00.000-07:00

Steve Vai is confirmed to appear at the London International Music Show. The show (LIMS) takes place on 11-14 June at ExCel, East London.

Vai will bring his Alien Guitar Secrets masterclass to the show. This is a 3-hour experience in which Vai will discuss music theory, the music business, and playing techniques on how to discover and unlock personal musical identity.

Also confirmed for The London Guitar Show (part of LIMS) are country virtuoso Albert Lee, veteran Focus guitarist Jan Akkerman, Swans In Flight, plus bassist Marco Mendoza (Thin Lizzy/Whitesnake) and TM Stevens (James Brown,The Pretenders).

LIMS/The London Guitar Show will also host the final of the Guitar Idol contest. Go to the Guitar Idol website for the latest news.

As exclusively revealed earlier on MusicRadar, Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain will also appear.
Meet your favourite magazines

In association with the Institute for Contemporary Music Performance, MusicRadar's sister magazines will be there. You will have the opportunity to meet editors MickTaylor (Guitarist), Neville Marten and Jason Sidwell ( Guitar Techniques) and Stephen Lawson ( Total Guitar).

For more information about the show and to buy tickets see http://www.londoninternationalmusicshow.com/

http://www.musicradar.com/static/contributors

Coldplay Announce Spring/Summer 2009 Tour Dates

2009-03-29T10:04:00.000-07:00

Former Van Halen members Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith and guitarist Joe Satriani have formed the supergroup Chickenfoot. Their self-titled debut will be released exclusively through Best Buy on Sunday, June 7th.
Read more...

Now The Killers 'admit' to copying Steve Vai

2009-03-06T10:08:00.000-08:00

An unlikely 'supergroup' was formed on Wednesday night when Coldplay, Bono, Brandon Flowers and Take That's Gary Barlow took to the stage at London's Shepherd's Bush Empire.

The gig was a post-Brit Awards event to benefit the War Child charity. During Coldplay's set, Chris Martin said to the crowd: "We've just got back from Japan, lost all the Brits, it's been a shit day frankly, but it's going to get better, please welcome Mr Gary Barlow!"

Coldplay then proceeded to serve as Barlow's backing band as he sang Back For Good.

"We stole this song from Steve Vai"

Just as fans were recovering from that knockout blow, on came Bono and Brandon Flowers to join Coldplay and Barlow for a one-night-only rendition of The Killers' All These Things I've Done.

Before starting the song, Flowers said: "We stole this song from Steve Vai, but don't tell anybody".

Could he have been making a not-so-subtle reference to Coldplay's ongoing dispute with Vai's former teacher Joe Satriani? Almost certainly and, in doing so, he also made it pretty clear which horse he's backing.

http://www.musicradar.com/

National Anthem - Jimi Hendrix -Woodstock 1969

2009-03-06T09:47:00.000-08:00

One of the most controversial Jimi Hendrix playing of U.S national anthem and sounds from his guitar that mimicked planes, bombs, and screams which is no doubt to the raging war in Vietnam. Hendrix unleashed one of the most incendiary performances ever caught on tape. Later, on The Dick Cavett Show, Hendrix defended his interpretation as “beautiful.”

Jason Becker - Paganinis Fifth Caprice

2009-03-06T09:32:00.000-08:00

Queen, More Hendrix Planned for Guitar Hero World Tour

2009-03-06T09:27:00.000-08:00

Guitar Hero World Tour may be trailing Rock Band for pure downloadable song quantity, but with upcoming releases from Queen and Jimi Hendrix, Activision's game is closing the quality gap.

The game's second set of downloadable tunes from Jimi Hendrix is scheduled for release on March 19. Included in this release are the Hendrix classics "Freedom," "Angel," and a live version of "Foxy Lady."

Come March 26, songs from Queen will become available including "We Are The Champions," "Fat Bottomed Girls," and "C-lebrity." I'm still scratching my head, trying to figure out how anyone compiles a pack of Queen songs and skips "Bohemian Rhapsody."

Both packs will set gamers back $5.50 regardless of the platform you use to play GH World Tour.

http://www.wired.com/

Jimi Hendrix's Brother Has Got His Own World To Look Through

2009-03-06T09:25:00.000-08:00

Being Jimi Hendrix's baby brother is a rough gig. And Leon Hendrix doesn't make it any easier on himself.

He's lost battles over his brother's estate, he's been a drug addict and crook, he's scratching out a living playing his brother's songs before small, bored audiences, but he keeps on trying to make music.

As the author of one Hendrix autobiography puts it, "If you were Van Gogh's brother, would you paint sunflowers?"

Leon says yes, and keeps painting sunflowers and heading up to that red house over yonder.

http://www.houstonpress.com/

The Hallowed Head of Hendrix

2009-03-06T09:22:00.000-08:00

Passing through the construction wasteland that was once (and hopefully will soon be again) referred to as Sather Gate, my friend turned to me and said,

"Did you hear Jimi Hendrix is gone?"

Wikipedia will tell the common Web-explorer that Jimi Hendrix died on September 18, 1970, so it's been almost a good four decades since his passing. Excuse my morbidity, but yeah, I realize the dude is gone.

But then I recalled the imprint of Jimi's face. Legend has it that some time around 1970, a poster advertising one of Hendrix's concerts was left in the rain on the side of the Sather Gate Bridge, which resulted in a permanent stain of the guitar hero's face. It was emblematic of Berkeley's counter-culture reputation, a go-to for all CalSo counselors and campus tour guides and, above all else, bragging rights to shove in the faces of all friends who boast about lame things about their schools (definitely stronger than the feeble "William Hung went to my school" gem that has failed me every time).

But last week the seemingly endless Sather Gate restoration oversaw the removal of the rock relic. Needless to say, many students are less than pleased. We must remember, however, that this is more than a mere bragging right that we have lost. It is an iconic reminder of our university's past.

Think about how many posters you see plastered to every visible surface in Sproul Plaza. It could've been anyone's face stained onto that bridge. On our journey to Wheeler, we could've seen the imprint of some obscure cassinet player or a failed comedian. Any poster and any image could have left its mark there for decades to come. It, then, seems a bit predestined that it would be the face of a musician who embodies a time when Berkeley was at its best.

Hendrix's career peak (which, in true rock-star form, was ended abruptly by his possibly-overdose, possibly-suicide death) occurred in the 1960s. We all know the hippie image of the sixties. What is far more important was the decade's youth involvement in political activism. Forgive my unbearable cheesiness, but it's inspirational to think about how powerful college campuses were at the time. And it goes without saying but UC Berkeley was at the forefront of this youth revolution.

And that's exactly why Hendrix and Berkeley were and still are so easily connected. He wasn't afraid to be musically irreverent-he was a certified ball-buster both in studio and onstage. His famous reinterpretation of "The Star Spangled Banner" left the obliging patriotism at the door-his guitar, intentionally off-key, screamed and bended the notes. What was once our much-revered national anthem became a bittersweet song of his own. And played onstage, directly followed by "Purple Haze," the quintessential drug song? It was a big "fuck you!" to the land of the free and the home of the brave. That's so Jimi Hendrix, and it's so Berkeley.

The documentary "Jimi Plays Berkeley" chronicled one of Hendrix's most memorable performances. In it, film-rolls of Berkeley students rioting against the Kent State shootings in Ohio perfectly accompany the music. Images of smoke-bombs on Bowditch Street and violent marches on the steps of Sproul Hall are all set to Jimi's music. His performance at Berkeley so greatly transcended the typical stoned-rockstar antics. Of course, he was a badass with cigarette dangling from his mouth from start to finish. He even announced the names of his "most-talented" groupies and put his guitar in between his legs as if it were his two-foot member. But, he recognized that he was the ambassador for activism in turbulent times and Berkeley students, above everyone, would understand.

That Sather Gate relic was a constant reminder of Berkeley and its students' affinity for political activism-a reminder that Sproul isn't just a place to hand out flyers, that People's Park isn't just a place to avoid on a late night walk or that the Free Speech Movement Cafe isn't just a place to buy a sandwich. In the words of the rock-god himself, "I dedicate this song to all the soldiers fighting here in Berkeley. You know which soldiers I am talking about."

http://www.dailycal.org/

Buddy Holly, Beatles, Hendrix at Philip Weiss, March 1

2009-02-06T05:04:00.000-08:00

Memorabilia from some of the greatest acts in rock 'n' roll history (the Beatles, Buddy Holly, Jimi Hendrix and more) will be sold Sunday, March 1st, by Philip Weiss Auctions in Oceanside, New York.

(Oceanside, N.Y.) –Memorabilia from some of the greatest acts in rock ‘n’ roll history – the Beatles, Buddy Holly, the Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendrix and others – will be sold at an auction slated for Sunday, Mar. 1, by Philip Weiss Auctions. The Buddy Holly items are timely, as the 50th anniversary of the singer's death in a tragic plane crash in 1959 (known as “the day the music died”) is February 9th.

A 1957 Buddy Holly & the Crickets record album, titled Chirpin’ Crickets and signed by all four members of the group (including Holly), is expected to bring $20,000-$30,000. The album (Brunswick Records, BL54038) includes the hits That’ll Be the Day, Oh Boy, Not Fade Away and Maybe Baby. An error on the jacket (“Bullock,” Texas should read Lubbock, Texas) only adds to the album’s desirability.

A pair of Buddy Holly business cards should each fetch $1,000-$2,000. The first, from around 1954, says “Buddy and Bob, Western and Bop, Buddy Holley (sic), Larry Welborn, Bob Montgomery.” The other, from around 1956, lists Holly as a member of “The Rhythm Playboys” (with Montgomery and Don Guess). Both cards had been given by Maria Elena Santiago – Holly's wife – to the consignor.

Beatles fans will be salivating over the only known proof cover of the infamous “butcher” cover of the Yesterday and Today album, signed by all four members of the group (est. $30,000-$50,000). The 'butcher' album is a coveted rarity among Beatles collectors anyway, but a proof cover, signed by all the Beatles, must be considered a Holy Grail item of the genre. The final hammer price is anyone's guess.

Another 'butcher' cover of the Yesterday and Today album – unsigned but unopened and still in the original shrink wrap – will also come up for bid. Other Beatles-related items include another album signed by all four members of the group; a copy of John Lennon's book In His Own Write, signed by the slain Beatle; and limited-edition signed Beatles books. Additional items were being added at press time.

Another lot sure to attract intense bidder interest is an iconic 1968 poster for guitar legend Jimi Hendrix, in near mint condition (est. $10,000-$15,000). The Bill Graham Fillmore/Winterland Concert poster, for show dates Feb. 1-4, 1968, advertises appearances by Jimi Hendrix, John Mayall & the Blues Breakers and Albert King. Included are original unused tickets for all four nights and a concert postcard.

A poster promoting show dates for The Grateful Dead (est. $1,000-$2,000) will also be sold. The poster reads, “Doug Smith and Stan Fox Proudly Present Three Evenings With the Grateful Dead, Sept. 26-28, 1972, Stanley Theater, Jersey City, New Jersey.” Ticket outlets are listed in boxes and the words “Sold Out” have been handwritten in red marker. The 20” x 27” poster is in overall excellent condition.

An original oil on canvas painting by Stanley Mouse (born 1940), the American artist best known for his psychedelic art designs for 1960s rock concert posters, will cross the block (est. $2,000-$4,000). The framed painting, measuring 12' x 16” (18” x 22” framed), is titled Piano Lady and signed “S. Mouse” lower right, with the artist's trademark 'mouse' mark. The work is in overall mint condition.

Items not related to rock 'n' roll will also be sold. These include a single-owner collection of Black Americana, featuring thousands of postcards, trade cards, stereo views and sheet music; an important LOOK Magazine photo archive; Kennedy family photos by Richard Avedon; a handwritten letter from Albert Einstein to his wife; and Igor Stravinsky's musical notations from The Rites of Spring.

The day before (Friday, Feb. 28, beginning at 10 a.m.), two huge single-owner lifetime train collections will be featured. Top lots will include a large quantity of post-war Lionel pieces (most in the original boxes); a Blue Comet set; Lionel “State Cars”; a nice assortment of train sets (some of them never opened); many accessories; and more. The March 1 rock 'n' roll auction will also start at 10 a.m.

Two weeks later (on Saturday, March 14, also with a 10 a.m. start time), Philip Weiss Auctions has planned a “Special Super Hero Weekend.” The firm is pleased to offer The Dane Nash Collection of Superman and other superhero collectibles. Also sold will be toys; puzzles; books; dolls; figurines; a large comic character watch collection; comic books; comic art; some fabulous animation art; and more.

The Dane Nash items – particularly those relating to Superman – are certain to command center stage. Highlights include a costume worn by Kirk Alyn from the 1940s Superman movie serials; two George Reeves Superman costumes (one for black and white filming, one for the color episodes) from the popular 1950s television series; and Reeves' Clark Kent shirt, tie and cuff link set from the program.

Christopher Reeve will be represented, with a costume and other props from the Superman 1-3 feature films. And, from the first Superman movie: Marlon Brando's black judge's costume. Also to be sold will be Dean Cain's Superman costume and Teri Hatcher's Lois Lane costume from the hit TV series Lois & Clark; a costume from Helen Slater's Supergirl movie; and other Superman-related items.

All the Superman costumes were originally purchased from Jim Hambrick, the noted Superman expert and historian. Also to be offered will be costumes and props from the Batman movies and television show, to include the original “Robin” costume worn by actor Burt Ward in the 1966 TV show Batman; evil clown costumes; and “The Penguin” rocket and head piece from the film Batman Returns.

Philip Weiss Auctions is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, estate or collection, you may call them directly, at (516) 594-0731, or you can e-mail them at phil@prwauctions.com. To learn more about the company and its calendar of upcoming auctions, to include the Feb.-March sales, and to view color lot images, you may log on to www.prwauctions.com.

http://www.prwauctions.com/

Yngwie Explains The Fury

2009-02-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

A recording was leaked on the internet a couple of years ago of guitar virtuoso Yngwie Malmsteen screaming at a passenger during a flight to Tokyo after said passenger had dumped a pitcher of water on him. (You can listen to it here.)

Among the many quotable threats from that recording is the now infamous "You've unleashed the fucking fury." Until now, nobody has really asked him about the incident, possibly out of fear of unleashing the fucking fury once again.

CHARTattack: You said that you don't really buy records or listen to anything new. How are you able to keep in tune with what's going on in music today?
Yngwie Malmsteen: Even if I was into what's going on, I wouldn't try to modify my sound to whatever is in. That's just something that I've never done.

I came out in the '80s, but before the '80s I did my sound — what you guys call neo-classical, I guess. So I've always done it my way, and sometimes you get less appreciated for that and sometimes you get more appreciated because people will say, "This cat really means what he's doing and he sticks to his guns and he doesn't give a shit about the fashion."

I've always felt that I have a very honest vision of what I produce and create and get behind. This is my legacy, this is what I do and hopefully people will like it and some people may not like it, but I have to do what I feel is within myself.

You're a very versatile guitar player, though. Wouldn't you want to showcase your musical depth?
I have, you know. I've played some jazz, some flamenco, some country. But even though that's fun every now and again, that's not what I do or what I want to do.

I really like and really enjoy the style that I do. I have no intentions to say, "Hey, look. I can do this, too." I play many other instruments, too. I play the drums, bass and keyboard, but I like what I do, so I'm going to stick with that.

I know you did some singing on the new record, but you've always had someone else do the singing on your albums. Have you ever considered handling the vocal duties?
When I was in Sweden and I was a kid, I was the singer because we could never find a singer. I like it, but I enjoy writing songs and having them sung in the operatic way. My voice is bluesier. The stuff I write has that more operatic feel, and I'll leave that up to someone like Ripper [Tim Owens] to really do well.

Having said that, there's always a possibility to do different things. I might do a record differently. You know, I never say never. Especially now with our own label, there's no limit. We can do whatever we want, whenever we want.

There was an incident at an airport a while back. You know, the whole "You've unleashed the fury" incident. I don't think I've ever heard you talk about it before. Do you want to explain the incident?
There are so many things about that that are so bizarre. First of all, the incident itself happened in 1987.

Really?
Yeah, 1987. Me and the band, [former Rainbow vocalist] Joel Lynn Turner and [drummer] Anders Johansson, we were in a first class flight in Tokyo.

This was back in the day when I was drinking, but I don't do any of that shit anymore. We were all getting shit-faced and getting very rude and Jens [Johansson], our keyboard player, would go to the bathroom and get female napkins and slap Bloody Mary mix on them and throw them into people's food and we would start laughing and doing shots of Cognac... just being really nasty.

It was a 16-hour flight and we fell asleep, and all of a sudden me and Joe wake up and this lady takes a pitcher of ice water and pours it on my head and says "Cool off, boys," and I freak out.

But the really crazy thing is someone is fucking recording this in 1987, and then in 2003 or 2004, they put it on the internet. So when I heard that, I was kind of mad. I was like, "What is this? I don't know what to say. What is this crazy world we live in?" So that's what happened.

Well, it's cool that you have a sense of humour about it now. After all, you did title one of your records Unleash The Fury.
If you don't have a sense of humour, you have no business doing what I'm doing. I take everything with a fucking grain of salt. I mean, I'm a serious artist. I'm a serious musician. But I also have humour involved in it. I mean, the things that you got to go through doing this shit, you have to. It is what it is.

http://www.chartattack.com/

YNGWIE MALMSTEEN Awarded $820K In Damages From Former Accountant - Feb. 2, 2009

2009-02-06T04:59:00.000-08:00

According to the New York Post, legendary Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen has been awarded $820,000 in damages after he was allegedly defrauded by his former accountant and manager.

The guitarist was forced to sell off most of his prized instruments at below-market prices after getting ripped off to the tune of more than $5 million, court papers claim.

Former manager James Lewis faces a pending motion for $2.4 million in damages and interest.

In his Manhattan federal court suit, Malmsteen said the alleged embezzlement was enabled by accountant Michael Mitnick, whom rapper Lil' Kim blamed for her tax troubles during her 2005 perjury trial.

Yngwie claimed that Mitnick conned him into a 1994 deal in which his income was funneled into a bank account controlled by Lewis and Mitnick.

In June 2008, Malmsteen was photographed (see below) by TMZ.com in front of a New York courthouse where he attended a hearing in connection with the above-mentioned case.

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/archive.aspx

YNGWIE MALMSTEEN To Team Up With DEEP PURPLE For Japanese

2009-02-06T04:57:00.000-08:00

Legendary Swedish guitarist YNGWIE MALMSTEEN will team up with DEEP PURPLE for the following Japanese dates:

April 08 - Tokyo, JPN @ International Forum
April 09 - Zepp, JPN @ Nagoya
April 10 - Hiroshima, JPN @ Koseinenkin Kaikan
April 12 - Kanazawa, JPN @ Kanko Kaikan
April 13 - Osaka, JPN @ Koseinenkin Kaikan
April 15 - Tokyo, JPN @ International Forum

Yngwie Malmsteen was inducted into Hollywood's RockWalk on October 13, 2008 in front of the Guitar Center at 7425 Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, California.

Hollywood's RockWalk is the only sidewalk gallery dedicated to honoring those artists who have made a significant impact and lasting contribution to the growth and evolution of rock 'n' roll, blues and R&B. Yngwie Malmsteen's handprints will reside alongside the handprints, signatures, and faces of other equally accomplished musicians and innovators such as Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Bonnie Raitt, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Brian Wilson, Stevie Wonder, John Lee Hooker and EARTH WIND & FIRE, among numerous others.

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/archive.aspx

YNGWIE MALMSTEEN: New Audio Interview Available - Jan. 23, 2009

2009-02-06T04:51:00.000-08:00

The Reverend Donnie Black of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada's campus and community station 101.9 FM CFUV recently conducted an interview with legendary Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen. The 26-minute piece features two songs from Yngwie's latest "Perpetual Flame" CD — "Death Dealer" and "Red Devil" — as well as Malmsteen's version of AEROSMITH's "Dream On" with Ronnie James Dio on vocals.

You can download the program in three parts at www.rocknrollbreakfast.com.

Video footage of Yngwie Malmsteen shredding the axe at the Marshall booth at the 2009 winter NAMM (National Association Of Music Merchants) show, which was held January 15-18, 2009 in Anaheim, California, can be viewed below.

"Perpetual Flame", the new album from Malmsteen, sold around 2,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Released on October 14, 2008, the CD is the first-ever Yngwie effort to be issued via Rising Force Records (distributed via Koch) and it marks the debut of Malmsteen's new singer, ex-JUDAS PRIEST/ICED EARTH frontman Tim "Ripper" Owens.

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/archive.aspx

STEVE VAI, NICKO MCBRAIN To Perform At LONDON GUITAR SHOW - Feb. 3, 2009

2009-02-06T04:49:00.000-08:00

The organizers of the London Guitar Show (which part of the London International Music Show 09) have announced that Steve Vai will be bringing his Alien Guitar Secrets master class to this year's event, which will be held June 11-14, 2009 at ExCel in London, England. This will be Steve Vai's only U.K. master class. There will also be a special concert with Nicko McBrain (IRON MAIDEN), Phil Hilborne and guests, with Steve Vai joining Phil and Nicko on stage for a couple of tracks of "jamming therapy."

Tickets are now on sale at this location.

STEVE VAI Introduces Second Generation Of CARVIN LEGACY Amps At NAMM; Video Available - Jan. 19, 2009

2009-02-06T04:45:00.000-08:00

Video footage of legendary guitarist Steve Vai introducing the second generation of Carvin Legacy amps — a special amps series created especially for Vai and according to his specs — at the 2009 winter NAMM (National Association Of Music Merchants) show (which was held January 15-18, 2009 in Anaheim, California) can be viewed below.

The Carvin Steve Vai Legacy II series comprises four pieces: a combo amplifier, a guitar head amp, and two 4x12 cabinets.

According to Softpedia, the Carvin Steve Vai Legacy II brings the legendary Carvin handcrafted details, with vintage and refined looks. The MKII Legacy amps have gotten a third channel, for a boosted clean tone that will dramatically expand you tonal expressions' palette, while letting you roam free from smooth and cheesy clean timbres down to a rocking grit and up to the high-gain searing lead sounds.

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/archive.aspx

The obligatory Grammy blog

2009-02-06T04:38:00.000-08:00

It’s that wonderful time of year when those in the entertainment industry pat each other (and themselves) on the back with lavish awards ceremonies and parties. Yes, it’s time for the award shows, and the 2009 Grammy Awards are next up. The ceremony airs on CBS this Sunday at 8 p.m.

As you’ve probably picked up on my sarcasm, let me explain. The Grammys (and the Oscars and the rest of them) have never done anything for me. Namely, watching celebrities and entertainment business insiders (and yes, some very talented artists, too) congratulate themselves with expensive shows and goody bags and statuettes and the lot, isn’t really a good way to honor artists for their work, in my opinion. And especially given the state of the economy right now, these shows seem all the more useless.

But the Grammys are big news in the music world, and I’m forced to admit that they do get it right on occasion. The “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?” soundtrack, which won Album of the Year and four other awards in 2002, immediately comes to mind as a prime example of the best truly being recognized as the best by the Grammys.

So here’s my obligatory Grammy Award blog. The most obvious thing to do would be to offer my picks for the winners. (For those who care, I’m going with Robert Plant and Alison Krauss’s "Please Read the Letter" and "Raising Sand" for Record and Album of the Year, respectively.)

But the really exciting part of all this is the performers who share the stage. This year’s ceremony will feature performances from Coldplay, Paul McCartney with Dave Grohl of The Foo Fighters, the aforementioned Plant and Krauss, Katy Perry, The Jonas Brothers, Kanye West and Radiohead, to name just a few. U2 is even playing, and they’re not up for a single award.

Those are some huge names, all in one place in one night. I’m definitely excited to see McCartney and Grohl, two of my favorites from completely different eras, perform something — anything — together.

I’m also looking forward to Coldplay, but for a completely different reason. Last year, guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani accused the band of plagiarizing his instrumental "If I Could Fly," using the main melody as the chorus for "Viva La Vida." The two tracks are remarkably similar (listen to a comparison on YouTube here).

Satriani has apparently decided to pursue the matter in court, and his lawyer is planning to serve the lawsuit to the band immediately after their Grammy performance. Drama is always great at these awards shows, isn’t it? Read an article about the suit here.

There is one other prediction I’d like to make, in the Best New Artist category. The Jonas Brothers probably have this one in the bag already, but I’m going to have to go with Lady Antebellum.

These three young musicians have been taking the country world by storm with their male-female vocal harmonies and tight instrumental arrangements. The group’s members also composed the majority of their self-titled debut themselves. You can check out a story the Gazette ran last August on the trio here.

By Brian McElhiney

Metallica: 'Who Would Think A Band Like Us Would Be Accepted Like That'

2009-02-06T04:36:00.000-08:00

As a music journalist you get the chance to interview all kinds of interesting musicians. It’s without question, one of the perks of the jobs. That said I wasn’t prepared for what my friend at Warner Bros Records proposed a few weeks back. He asked me if I would be interested in interviewing Kirk Hammett. I thought about it for a millisecond; if that. Being a 34 year old guy who grew up on a steady diet of Metallica records, it was a chance to talk shop with one of my guitar heroes.

Many wrote Metallica off in the early 2000’s when they released the universally maligned St. Anger but 2008’s Death Magnetic was a complete return to form. The lead-off single, "The Day That Never Comes" had all of the familiar traits that made the band legends in the first place. The epic arrangement, James Hetfield’s unmistakable snarl, the shifting tempos, and Hammet’s speed-metal injected solos silenced the naysayers in one swift move. Death Magnetic is the sound of a band coming full circle. The collection ranks up there with the rest of the group’s most coveted releases.

I spoke with Hammett last weekend before he hit the stage at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, PA. Since this was done for Ultimate-Guitar, I chose to focus the conversation on his career playing. We talked about his early influences, his musical position in the band, and which newer bands he’s been listening to lately. So with much honor, I present the Ultimate-Guitar interview with Metallica’s Kirk Hammett.

UG: First off, congrats on being voted into the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame! Metallica and Black Sabbath have to be the heaviest bands to ever get in there.

Kirk Hammett: (laughter) Thanks man! Yeah, we just got the official word from them so we’re still wrapping our heads around the idea. Who would have ever thought a band like us would be accepted like that? It’s an honor either way.

Due to the nature of the site that this interview will be going to, I wanted to ask you more about guitar than anything else.

That sounds good to me. I love talking guitar.

Thinking back, which guitarists had the most impact on you when you first started playing? I know you have mentioned your love for UFO.

Yeah man, I really loved those UFO records! Michael Schenker had a big impression on me when I first started playing guitar. I was also struck by Jimi Hendrix at a young age. If I remember it correctly, I caught a documentary about Jimi when I was a kid and I was hooked. Something about his style just moved me. He’s a guy I still listen to all the time. Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top was huge. Oh man, I still remember when Van Halen’s debut album hit stores. That was life changing!

We all know Eddie Van Halen as this guitar god or whatever but I guess for some of our younger readers they might not really be aware how radical his playing was for the time.

When you first heard Eddie’s performances you knew things had changed. There was nothing like it dude. All of a sudden you knew you had to step your game up. A few other guitarists that I worshipped back then were Robin Trower and Pat Travers. Your readers should check them out if they haven’t already. These guys are the ones that helped shape the way I play.

Were you one of those players who would sit in their room and run through scales for hours on end or did learn more from playing along to records?

Without question, I would say the latter. I would throw an album on and learn the solo little by little till I nailed it.

This was obviously before the internet and tablatures being so readily available so it must have been a great way to train your ears.

I think it was. I would figure out what key the song was in and then just solo over the whole damn thing (laughter)! It made me comfortable enough to play along with the tempos and everything else. But I definitely would break the solo parts down and learn them. That was the way I really got started.

You played in Exodus before you joined Metallica. Was there a big stylistic/technique shift for you when you first entered the picture? Metallica were still playing more in the Motörhead school of things and not as technical as you guys went on to be but I wondered if there was some level of adjustment on your part.

Oh yeah, for sure. I realized I had to step up my rhythm playing right away. Even then Metallica was trying to get tighter and play more accurately. James was already a monster rhythm player at that point. I had to work hard to keep up with him in that sense. It was the summer of 1983 that I recall James just getting so fucking good at the rhythm stuff. I got better around 1984 and started going in a modal direction. But yeah, James always had a real knack for the rhythmic kind of stuff.

Anyone who has seen A Year And A Half In The Life of Metallica and Classic Albums: The Black Album knows how hard producer Bob Rock worked you when you were tracking your solos. I’ve always wondered what it was like working with Flemming Rasmussen.

It was night and day man. Flemming was more concerned with tuning and pitch. He was a perfectionist about that. Precision was also something he would focus on more than any other producer I’ve had a chance to record with yet. We would play parts over and over until it got to a point he was happy with in terms of the precision.

How about your solos?

What I would do on those albums was double track my solos note for fucking note! It was really difficult at times. All I wanted to get back then was a fuller sound so that is the way we went about reaching that. It’s not till I started doing the self-titled album with Bob that I stopped doing that. Bob was more into a greasier, looser guitar tone and playing style. It was perfect for me because at the time I was listening to a lot of blues. I learned a lot from those sessions.

Since the band broke in the mid 80’s, how much time do you find yourself playing on your own time when you’re not on tour or in the studio?

I’m not sure if a lot of people know but I took guitar lessons from Joe Satriani in the early 80’s. That was really helpful. But most of the stuff I’ve picked up over the years has been by learning from listening to other players. In the 90’s I did take lessons again. That time it was with a great jazz player from the Bay Area named Scott Foster. This guy is insanely good! He would sit there and transcribe John Coltrane which is crazy.

I’m sure between your family and all of the band commitments it has to be hard to find time to set aside for lessons.

That’s so true. If I could just find some time down the line I would love to take classical lessons but that won’t be for awhile the way things are going. With little kids running around the house it seems like I won’t be getting the chance any time soon.

Do your kids take lessons?

No, way too young for now but I will try and get them into it down the line. My newest was just born over the summer. My other son is still too young but we’ll see what happens.

I know our time here is short so I wanted to get this one of the way. Are they’re any younger players and/or bands that have caught your attention? A lot of people must assume since you guys are so big that you probably don’t check out newer groups.

Right. But yeah, I do actually look for stuff to listen to all the time. Let me think here…

It doesn’t have to necessarily have to be metal or anything.

In terms of newer, younger bands I love Trivium. They have great playing going on. Lamb of God are really good too. We’re on tour with them and they kick ass. Robb Flynn from Machine Head is great. I love the way he plays guitar and writes too. We’ve toured with them too so that was fun. A friend of mine recently played me a band from the Bay Area I hadn’t heard of before that I love at the moment. Damn, I can’t think of their name!

Let’s see here…

Perish or something like that?

Oh! You mean All Shall Perish?

All Shall Perish…yes! They blew me away dude! They have so much technique going on and it’s so well done. These groups have so much ability these days. It’s exciting to hear.

Finally, since this is for Ultimate-Guitar and many of our readers come here to check out guitar tablatures I wanted to see if you have ever looked at one of Metallica’s and spotted glaring mistakes.

I’ve checked a few out in the past but not too many so I don’t really remember how accurate they really were. You never know with those things. It depends on who the person transcribing them is. But no, I really haven’t looked at too many Metallica ones.

I guess you don’t really need to. (laughter)

(Laughter) Yes, exactly. I think it’s great that a site like Ultimate-Guitar exists though. But yeah, I know the songs at this point (laughter). I just wish I had the tabs for other bands so available when I was a kid. That would have definitely been helpful at times.

Thanks for talking with us today! I know you don’t really do too much online press so it means a lot to our community.

Hey man, it was my pleasure! Thanks for taking time out to chat guitars with me.

Interview by Carlos Ramirez
Ultimate-Guitar.Com © 2009

Slash started boozing at 12

2009-02-06T01:48:00.000-08:00

Hellraising rocker Slash started his downward spiral into alcoholism when he was just 12 years old, after discovering a secret stash of his father's extra-strength booze.

The British-born former Guns N' Roses star can pinpoint the moment he began his long love affair with alcohol, at a party his father threw, that he and childhood pal-turned-bandmate Steven Adler sneaked into.

Slash - real name Saul Hudson - tells Blender magazine, "I was 12 or 13 - my dad and a bunch of his friends had a party and made this insane punch. Steven and myself got into the punch. And I learned that the cure to a hangover was to keep drinking. That's probably what kickstarted the years and years of binge drinking. It turned into a 24/7 party from that day on."

WENN.com

The Vinh – one-handed guitarist

2009-02-06T01:34:00.000-08:00

VietNamNet Bridge – The guitarist with only one hand has been moving listeners not because of his disability but his talent. No one would believe the sound from his guitar comes from the instrument of a disabled guitarist.

Having returned from a charity tour of France and Germany, Nguyen The Vinh is now participating in the concert tour of singer Anh Tuyet and ATB band.

Three years ago, The Vinh appeared on the stage for the first time in a Trinh Cong Son music show at Hoi Ngo night club in HCM City. At that time, he came to music as an amateur and music was a friend which helped him avoid loneliness. These days, music is a source of great happiness for the disabled guitarist.

“I only do what I can do. My soul is the soul of an artist. You will surely realise it, because thanks to it, I can come to music and play guitar. I know that I have a certain restriction of skills,” The Vinh said.

“I couldn’t be a real artist. But when I express my feelings in music, I can tell others about my experience so I’m an artist for myself,” he added.

When he was 8 years old, The Vinh fell off a cow he was tending. His right arm broke and gangrene set in. The arm had to be amputated.

He saw a guitar for the first time when he was 12. Three years later, he could play with his left hand.

“Whenever I liked, I played guitar. Sometimes I played guitar the whole day and night. But sometimes I didn’t touch my guitar for a month,” The Vinh said.

He practiced playing guitar everyday when he was invited to perform on stage. He studied musical theory himself. The Vinh plans to write a curriculum (with video clips) for one-handed guitarists like him. Besides guitar, he can also play the harmonica very well.

Growing up in the southern province of Binh Thuan, The Vinh went to HCM City to study advertisement painting as an occupation. But he entered the Economic University. He holds a mathematics, physics and chemistry class for high-school students in Binh Thuan.

Zappa family loses court battle in Germany

2009-02-05T23:42:00.000-08:00

By Wolfgang Spahr

DUSSELDORF, Germany (Billboard) - Gail Zappa, widow of U.S. rock legend Frank Zappa, has failed in her bid to stop a German music festival from using her husband's name and image.

Zappa and her family trust had launched a lawsuit against the German Frank Zappa fan club over its annual Zappanale festival, demanding the removal of a bronze sculpture of Zappa at the festival site in Bad Doberan and damages of $325,000 if the festival continues to use the Zappanale name.

But the higher court in Dusseldorf ruled January 21 that festival organizers may continue to use Zappa's name and his image on the festival logo and related merchandise such as T-shirts and baseball caps. It ruled that Gail Zappa's rights were not violated and that she could not prove she uses the Zappa brand in Germany herself. The court found that she has had knowledge of the festival since it began in 1990. Frank Zappa died in 1993.

Several thousand Zappa fans had demanded the withdrawal of the lawsuit, which was launched in April 2008.

Thomas Dippel, festival speaker and head of the German Zappa fan club, welcomed the ruling.

"We have always been certain that we have the older rights," he said. "We have also patented the name of the festival with the German patent office. Gail Zappa only applied for the patent of her own rights in 2002."

The Zappanale festival, which features various bands performing composer/guitarist Zappa's music, had 6,800 visitors in 2008. The 2009 edition is scheduled for August 12-16.

Reuters/Billboard

At just 17 years of age, Joe Robinson has se-ured a reputation as one of the world ’s finest young guitarists.

2009-01-05T00:38:00.000-08:00

At just 17 years of age, Joe Robinson has se-ured a reputation as one of the world ’s finest young guitarists.

His unique acoustic guitar style has caught the attention of Les Paul, Steve Vai, Brad Paisley, Tommy Emmanuel and many others. From winning the hit television series "Australia ’s Got Talent ’ to recording in Nashville with "Producer of the year", Frank Rogers, few doubt that this humble young man is destined for greatness.

Joe started playing piano at the age of six, only because he was told his fingers were too small to play the guitar. After four grueling years of classical piano, Joe quit Harringan ’s Irish Pub, Harrington Sunday, January 4 and began to play the guitar (aged 10). He outgrew his guitar teacher in less than 12 months, and he started to teach himself from the internet.

From lots and lots of jamming, Joe developed incredibly mature listening and improvisation skills.

It also gave him versatility, playing jazz, country, rock, and blues.

At the age of 12, Joe caught the attention of legendary Australian guitarist, Phil Emmanuel. Phil was astounded by Joe ’s playing and said "Toe is the best player for his age that I have ever seen. I predict that by the time Joe is 21, he will undoubtedly be Australia ’s best guitarist." By the time he was 13, Joe had toured with Phil Emmanuel, Texas Rose, and had one several band contests, with his band, the Kaotic Penguins. That year he also won a section in the National Songwriting Competition.

Joe recorded an album with Sunball records when he was 14, and had an album launch at Sydney ’s premier live music venue, the Basement In late 2007 he embarked on a self funded (with his own pocket money) trip to the USA. Joe got a chance to play for the president of Aristo Media, Jeff Walker. Things began to snowball, and by the end of the week, Joe had met with Sony, Universal, BMI, Ascap, Ten Ten, Universal South, Universal Publishing, and many others.

After returning to Australia, Joe auditioned for the "Australia ’s Got Talent" TV series. Joe became a favorite right from the start.

After another round of record breaking votes, Joe was crowed the winner, taking home $250,000.

A few days after winning the show, Joe flew back to Nashville to record his next album with Grammy award winning "producer of the year", Frank Rogers.

The rest is quickly becoming history. Joe is a fine example of the great clich, "follow your dreams", but it takes a lot of hard work and guts to take the risks required to achieve so much, so soon and at such a young age.

His charismatic personality is homegrown, young and fresh.

He has an exciting vision and enthusiasm for the future of his music. Best of all, he just has that "je ne sais quoi," that something special!

Manning River Times

Three-hour celebration would've blown Hendrix's mind

2008-11-07T22:44:00.000-08:00

No guitars were harmed during the Experience Hendrix concert Thursday night at the Paramount. Of course, borrowing from Seattle-born Jimi Hendrix's bag of tricks, one was picked behind the head. And another was played, this time with inimitable style by influential bluesman Buddy Guy, with overalls and a drumstick.
In celebration of rock's most influential guitarist, whose meteoric career ended with his death in 1970, instruments were caressed, coaxed and cajoled to maximum, this-one-goes-to-11 effect. It was a star-studded night of electric-guitar heroics and, save a brief appearance by Seattle's Kim Virant singing "Little Wing," a total testosterone fest.

The three-hour blowout featured some of the best guitarists of the past half-century, from Chicago blues legends Guy, 72, and Hubert Sumlin, 76, to young phenoms Jonny Lang (he was truly phenomenal here), Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Eric Gales. Playfully, lefty Gales, who wielded his guitar upside down in the familiar manner, opened with the behind-the-head maneuver and by repeating the classic mishearing of the "Purple Haze" lyric, " 'Scuse me while I kiss this guy."

The local representatives alone indicated the breadth of Hendrix's influence. It comes as no surprise that Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready is a fan, or that his trio Shadow '86 is a tribute. Here, McCready, bassist Rick Friel and drummer Chris Friel brought the raucous crowd to its feet (OK, it was cheating a bit) with a full-band version of Hendrix's Woodstock-classic reworking of "The Star Spangled Banner."

More intriguing was the effect on '80s-concept-metal rockers Queensryche, with singer Geoff Tate declaring that hearing Jimi's rendition of Bob Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower" made him want to rock. And while the contrast between Tate's slick vocals and Hendrix's nonchalant-sounding ones was jarring, Scott Rockenfield very impressively doubled up on Jimi Hendrix Experience veteran Mitch Mitchell's drum parts.

Once one of rock's most explosive percussionists, the frail-looking Mitchell was reduced to the role of nostalgic reminder. That wasn't the case with bassist Billy Cox, the longtime Hendrix sideman who shepherded Thursday's ever-changing lineup for a good portion of the evening.

Cox took to the microphone for "Stone Free," playing off of Mato Nanji of the Native American band Indigenous, and later sang on "Red House" as Lang, Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford, Robby Krieger of The Doors and the still-vital Guy dueled behind him.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com
Mikel Toombs can be reached at mikeltoombs@gmail.com.

Guitar hero Les Paul ready for Rock Hall tribute

2008-11-07T22:40:00.000-08:00

CLEVELAND (AP) — When Les Paul's grandchildren are jamming on the video game "Guitar Hero," it's not lost on him that he made it all possible.

Paul, known as the "Father of the Electric Guitar," will be honored at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's annual American Music Masters series, a weeklong event that starts Monday.

Paul is a rock 'n' roll da Vinci, part artist, part inventor, and at age 93 still performs weekly at the Iridium Jazz Club in New York City.

"It's therapy," Paul said Thursday.

Paul recalled that the first time he heard a guitar on his mother's radio he knew he had to have one. By age 13, he was performing semiprofessionally as a country-music guitarist.

He built a solid-body electric guitar in 1941 — an invention born from his frustration that audiences were unable to hear him play.

Paul remembers the moment when inspiration hit. He was playing at a barbecue stand somewhere between his hometown of Waukesha, Wis., and Milwaukee when a man told him his guitar wasn't loud enough.

It took Paul 10 years to sell the Gibson guitar company on the concept.

"They thought it was a crazy idea to make a guitar come through an amplifier," he said.

In 1952, Gibson introduced the Les Paul model, which became the instrument of choice for musicians such as Duane Allman and Jimmy Page.

"We now could be king because you could turn the level up and you could be heard and you could play things that you could never have played acoustically," Paul said.

Paul's other innovations include recording techniques like close miking, echo delay, overdubbing and multitracking. He also made his mark as a jazz-pop musician, recording hits like "How High the Moon" with his second wife, singer Mary Ford.

Paul was inducted into the early influence category of the Rock Hall in 1988.

He said he still tinkers with new ideas and is busy designing four new amplifiers and two new guitars for Gibson, including a model that beginners can afford but still fall in love with.

"Most of the people that I know that have a guitar love that guitar like they do their wife," he said.

Paul will perform at a tribute concert Nov. 15 that caps the American Music Masters series. He will be joined by a legion of guitar virtuosos, including Slash, Duane Eddy, Billy Gibbons and the Ventures.

"I'm very grateful to the generation that came after me and picked up the instrument and carried on with it," Paul said. "If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be where I am."

http://www.lespaulonline.com

Moore lends a hot hand

2008-10-15T05:38:00.000-07:00

It was easier than you might think for Otis Taylor to get legends Charlie Musselwhite and Gary Moore to play on his new album.

Blues-harp player Musselwhite is an old friend who was happy to lend a hand. Moore, an in-demand British blues-guitar legend since his days with Thin Lizzy, read about Taylor's trance blues "and that kind of intrigued me," the guitarist said from his home in Brighton, England, where he caught a Taylor show a couple of years back.

"The music was kind of hypnotic and really drew you in. I'd never seen anyone do that sort of thing," said Moore, who hung out afterward to talk.

"I'm so dumb," Taylor said. "I'd stopped music for 19 years. He came over and said: 'I'm Gary Moore. I play blues guitar.' I didn't know who he was."

As Moore was leaving, someone noticed him and yelled, "Oh my God, it's Gary Moore!" Taylor said. "Then the owner comes out: 'Gary Moore? It's Gary Moore!' "

Taylor later asked him to play on his album.

"I said, 'Yeah, that'd be great.' So then he asked me to arrange everything for him - find a studio, find an engineer, show up and do everything for him. Suddenly I became his tour manager," Moore recalled with a laugh.

Something in Your Back Pocket needed "a wild sound," Moore said. Using a whammy bar and some effects, "it's almost the Hendrix sort of approach, with the guitar in the background," he said. "It's got a bit of a psychedelic vibe."

Taylor will open a dozen dates for Moore in Europe in May and June, playing 3,000- seat halls, much larger than he usually plays. "I'll play in front of 25,000 or 30,000 people in two weeks, easy. That's real good exposure for me," Taylor said.

"He's a very well-educated man, a man you can learn a lot from," Moore said. "Since I met Otis, he's taught me a few things. So if there's anything I can do to get him across to more people, I feel I should do it.

"It's just really nice to meet someone like that. He's helped me improve my new record just by the way we talked about it. I've dug deeper into the blues and it has helped me as a musician. It's not often you meet people like that. Quite a rare thing, really."

Otis on disc

Find them at amazon.com:

• Blue Eyed Monster (1997)

• When Negroes Walked the Earth (2000)

• White African (2001)

• Respect the Dead (2002)

• Truth Is Not Fiction (2003)

• Double V (2004)

• Below the Fold (2005)

• Definition of a Circle (2007)

http://www.rockymountainnews.com

Joe Satriani: 'New Band Sounds Like Early Zeppelin'

2008-10-15T05:35:00.000-07:00

Joe Satriani is jazzed about Chickenfoot, his new supergroup consisting of Sammy Hagar, former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith and himself.

"We are truly over-the-top excited about this," the guitarist extraordinaire says. "It's a very energetic kind of rock music that reminds you of early Zeppelin."

But he's adamant about one thing: that silly name. In his view, nobody should get too used to calling the band Chickenfoot. "We just had to call it something for the time being," he says. "It's definitely not going to be Chickenfoot. I guarantee it."

Having just wrapped the first leg of a world tour (which saw one-time Satriani bassist Stu Hamm filling in for Brad Russell, who had to bail due to scheduling conflicts) Satch and Chickenfoot are hitting the studio this week to begin recording an album that will be out early next year.

Already there's been considerable buzz about the project, much of it brought on by some controversial comments from Sammy Hagar, in which he asserted, among other things, that the band "could rival Led Zeppelin."

Despite admitting to a certain Zeppelin rush to the music, Satriani categorically denies that Hagar made such statements. "I can't imagine Sam saying anything like that," he says. "I think it was just twisted."

Recently, Joe Satriani sat down for his second interview with MusicRadar this year। In addition to the new band, he was eager to discuss his new "Black Dog" guitar, Ibanez's faithful recreation of the axe he played in the late '80s and early '90s. "There's so much going on with me right now," he says. "So much to do, so much to talk about. I'm just trying to keep it all together right now."

www.musicradar.com

Satriani, Hagar, Anthony, Smith hit the studio

2008-10-15T05:18:00.000-07:00

CLEVELAND (Billboard) - After playing together live for the first time in February during a solo Sammy Hagar concert in Las Vegas, a new group featuring the ex-Van Halen vocalist, bassist Michael Anthony, guitarist Joe Satriani and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith is making an album.

"We were very excited about that show," Satriani told Billboard.com. "We had never played together before, and when we walked off stage, we looked at each other like, 'Wow, there's a connection here. We should do something about it.' So last week we were together for five days and we recorded nine tracks.

"As soon as Sammy and myself finish touring our separate solo tours we'll reconvene in Northern California and finish the record," he continued. "We hope to mix the album in January, have it ready for April, and then we'll follow it up with a tour."

The group reportedly was going to call itself Chickenfoot, but Satriani said this was only a Hagar working title that a new band name can be expected closer to the release of the album.

"The style is high-energy, kick-ass rock 'n' roll," said Satriani, who is about to begin a stateside tour in support of his latest solo album, "Professor Satchafunkilus and the Musterion of Rock." "We all bring to the table some unusual influences, and then we also share a lot of roots. And I think that's where a true color of a band comes out, just how we react to each other. So, it's definitely rock music. We haven't brought each other together to do a techno record."

He added, "We'll draw from funk, blues and experimental. We know what we want to get out of it. We want passages in songs that develop and we want everyone's personality to be able to come out. So, it's going to be expansive but it's going to be rough."

If the band's three-song performance, which included Led Zeppelin's "Rock and Roll" and Traffic's "Dear Mr. Fantasy," during the Hagar show encore is any indication, it appears that Smith is the glue that holds the unit together.

"The material is really slamming, and anybody who has ever been around Chad knows that he is a very huge personality, a very high-energy guy, and his drumming in person is explosive," Satriani said। "This band really gives him carte blanche to go crazy। I think it's the best of what you'd expect, that's the best way to put it. No one is acting out of character."

By John Benson
Reuters/Billboard

Rock Stars to Send DNA Into Space

2008-09-06T14:23:00.000-07:00

Operation Immortality(TM), the project to create a digital time capsule of the human race, has joined forces with Planet Make-Over, an entertainment driven social network designed to demonstrably reverse the effects of Global Warming. This alliance aims to unite and mobilize the worldwide gaming community with Planet Make-Over's mission by sending the digitized DNA of rock stars Eric Johnson, Patrice Pike and Planet Make-Over's Musical Director, Stephen Bruton into space with video gaming luminary Richard Garriott as he travels to the International Space Station (ISS) on Oct. 12, 2008.
Johnson, Pike and Bruton, avid supporters of Planet Make-Over, will be adding their digitized DNA as well as their influences, instruments of choice, and examples of their work, to the "Immortality Drive," a storage device which Garriott will store on the ISS as part of Operation Immortality. The Immortality Drive is currently in the process of being loaded with information from people all over the world at the OperationImmortality.com website.
Visitors to the website can submit their suggestions for humanity's greatest achievements, leave their immortalized message for future generations, and may even have their DNA selected to join the rock stars on an out of this world trip to possibly become the future of mankind.
Garriott is a game developer at NCsoft and creator of the Ultima series of games and the recently released Tabula Rasa(R). The goal of Operation Immortality is to have a space-borne record of human DNA and a record of humanity's achievements in the event a global calamity dooms the human species, like what happens in the Tabula Rasa video game.
Planet Make-Over and Operation Immortality have a shared goal of the preservation of the human species, and both believe that the power of online social networking is crucial to uniting the world towards taking action; Garriott has millions of loyal online gaming fans demonstrating the proof of this power. Garriott's visit to space is an attractive platform for Johnson, Pike and Bruton to bring attention to Planet Make-Over's strategy to reverse the effects of global warming through music, fun, and social networking.
"The Concept of Operation Immortality is much more than a theme to an online game. The Earth's population needs to quickly adjust our behavior regarding global warming or else fiction quickly becomes our new reality. When we learned that Richard Garriott will be conducting environmental research while in space, the stars all aligned to support him," said Gary Fortin, creator and executive producer of Planet Make-Over. "Planet Make-Over is about saving the planet. The message is serious but the process can, and should be fun."
"I know first hand the power that music has to unite people, and I know that Global Warming poses a serious and pending threat to humanity," said Eric Johnson. "The first step is to come together and collectively change our daily habits or Operation Immortality becomes way too real; this is the serious part. The fun part is involving musicians, their DNA, schematics of Fender guitars, and a record of Planet Make-Over's strategy as part of Operation Immortality to set an historical benchmark of the moment the planet took action to reverse this threat to humanity."
"I am very excited to have rock greats such as Johnson, Pike and Bruton bringing their message to save the Earth from environmental catastrophe," said Garriott. "My current gaming project, Tabula Rasa, starts with the Earth being devastated by hostile aliens, however, regardless of how humanity faces its doom, Planet Make-Over and Operation Immortality are working for the same result...humanity's survival."

Copyright Business Wire 2008

Ibanez recreates Joe Satriani's 'Black Dog' guitar

2008-09-06T14:16:00.000-07:00

After much speculation and a sneak preview at Summer NAMM 2008, Ibanez has confirmed details of its JS 'Black Dog' Tribute, a faithful recreation of Joe Satriani's iconic late 1980s/early 1990s six-string.

The first thing to catch your eye will surely be that finish, which Ibanez has entrusted just one artist to painstakingly recreate for the 100 pieces that will be available worldwide.

You'd be forgiven for thinking that Satriani's original guitar had been the victim of an assault by a magic marker-toting five year old. However, Ibanez describes the predominantly silver and purple graphics as "the drawings that Joe would apply to the original Black Dog body as the spirit moved him".

We're not entirely sure that isn't supposed to be 'spirits'. Or maybe the fumes from those marker pens had an influence.

Joking aside, Ibanez took photographs of the original Black Dog and used the shots to create a kind of 'graphic map' that a Japanese artist used to faithfully render Satriani's original drawings.

Like Joe's actual Black Dog, the recreation features the original pot locations and output jack style – different to the current Satriani signature model – as well as DiMarzio PAF Pro and Fred pickups and the original Ibanez Edge tremolo system.

The list price of the JS Black Dog Tribute is $7999, which includes exclusive case candy including an autographed copy of the Surfing With The Alien Legacy CD, a deluxe hardshell case, an exclusive Planet Waves Joe Satriani strap and Satriani Planet Waves signature picks.

www.musicadar.com

METALLICA: New KIRK HAMMETT Limited Edition Half Stack From RANDALL Announced - Mar. 10, 2008

2008-03-11T03:08:00.000-07:00

Randall Amplifiers, paving the way for rockers worldwide, today announced the Kirk Hammett Limited Edition Half Stack. The highly collectable half stack features solid maple cabinetry, chrome hardware and custom paint job. The limited run of Kirk Hammett gear is the perfect centerpiece for any accomplished recording studio or rehearsal space.

The exclusive Kirk Hammett stack includes a 4 x 12" cabinet, 100W power-tube head and signature MTS modules to enable musicians everywhere to attain Kirk's legendary tones. The custom gear arrives painted in a black-burst color scheme complete with polyurethane finish. The end result is a visually stunning half stack that fully captures the defining sounds of METALLICA's legendary guitarist.

"The Kirk Hammett Limited Edition Half Stack is a seminal event in the history of Randall Amplifiers," said David Karon, Artist Relations Manager at Randall Amplifiers. "By working tirelessly with Kirk for over a full year, we have produced the ultimate head and cab for musicians worldwide. Every detail of the half stack bears his unique touch, right down to his handwriting on the preamps. The unparallel attention to every nuance of this dream rig solidifies Randall Amplifiers as an unrivaled leader in both custom designs and flawless tones."

The Limited Edition Half Stack complements the full line of Kirk Hammett Signature Series products, which includes MTS modules, all-tube heads, as well as power tubes, all to enable musicians everywhere to attain his flawless sound. Kirk worked intimately with Randall to ensure that all aspects of the products, from the look and feel of the heads and amps to the distinct tones of each MTS module, were up to the standards of rock's legendary guitarist.

Additional Limited Edition Kirk Hammett Half Stack Features:

Pre-loaded with KH1, KH2, and KH3 MTS modules:

* KH1 - Classic clean tone
* KH2 - Signature rhythm tone
* KH3 - Legendary high-gain rhythm

Easily replace power tubes with user-friendly power-tube bias MIDI In/Thru for easy switching between pre-amp modules Master volume, presence, and density controls Parallel loop with front panel mix control Series loop

The Kirk Hammett Limited Edition Half Stack retails for $9,999.90 and is available at exclusive Randall dealers. To locate a participating Randall dealer, go to this location.

http://www.randallamplifiers.com/khltd

Joe Satriani and Vox Team Up On Signature Pedals

2008-03-11T03:07:00.000-07:00

At Winter NAMM 2008, VOX Amplification announced that it has teamed up with guitar legend Joe Satriani for a long-term research and development partnership. Satriani and VOX are working together on a line of signature effects pedals designed to deliver Satriani's trademark tone plus a wide range of new sounds for guitarists of all playing styles and ability levels. Additionally, the designs feature groundbreaking solutions and improvements upon issues Satriani identified as being common in today's pedals. Among Satriani's criteria for these pedals is that they can seamlessly replace the gear he uses every night on stage. As a result of these high standards, every guitar player will have access to a new level of performance and tone quality.

At the press conference, VOX Product Manager Mike Bradley remarked, "The VOX & Joe Satriani line will be very familiar, groundbreaking and liberating to guitar players who've been looking for the 'holy grail' in their tone quest."

At the onset of the project, Satriani commented, "For decades, I wished that some day I would be able to contribute to the design of my own pedal line," says Satriani. "I would team up with an iconic, legendary company, like VOX, known worldwide for their unique musical innovations that became industry standards. I would make cool looking, multi-functioning pedals that would encompass all the types of sounds I like to hear. And, I would design nontraditional, but always functional, pedals to capture complex effects in unusual combinations. That day has finally come."

The VOX & Joe Satriani line will be fully unveiled in Summer 2008. Work on the project is well underway and is nearing completion. This project has received extensive commitment from VOX that, along the way, has included as many as five engineers hailing from three different countries.

Satriani used prototypes of the first two pedals due for release in the line - a distortion and a wah - during tracking for his upcoming Sony/Epic release due out in spring of 2008.

Bradley further explains, "Our collaboration with Joe will raise the bar on guitar effects and the expectation of performance, response and tone quality available to the general public. Joe's decades of recording experience, thousands of live performances, and limitless imagination all shaped his vision for this effects line. These pedals are not just an emulation of Joe's tone. They are Joe's tone, plus a whole lot more."

Press Release
Source: Clyne Media

Jimi Hendrix

2008-03-09T11:01:00.000-07:00

James Marshal Hendrix was born in Seattle, Washington, on November 27, 1942; an American of African, European, Cherokee Indian and Mexican descent. An unsettled home environment made Jimi spend much of his early years staying with his grandmother, a full-blooded Cherokee Indian, in Canada.

His mother died when Jimi was 15 about the same time as Jimi began to take a serious interest in music and playing the guitar. When he was 12 he got his first electric guitar - the instrument which shaped the next 16 years of his life.

At the age of 16, Jimi was thrown out of school -apparently for holding the hand of a white girl in class - and he played rock'n'roll in teenage bands before voluntarily joining the army at 17.

After 14 months as a paratrooper, learning a lot about falling and flying, he suffered an injury and was discharged. He decided to enter the music field.

The following four years were hard work touring the States playing back-up guitar for various R&B bands including Little Richard, Ike and Tina Turner, Wilson Pickett, the Isley Brothers and the late King Curtis among others. The conditions were not suited to his radical temperament and eventually he was drawn to New York 's Greenwich Village where he recorded with the Isley Brothers, Curtis Knight and various other artists.

Then in late 1965 he formed his first band - Jimmy James and the Blue Flames. They worked the Village clubs where he was seen by other musicians who immediately recognized his talent, and word of this young virtuoso reached ex-Animals bassist Chas Chandler. Chas was so impressed after hearing him play he offered to become his manager and persuaded Jimi to accompany him back to England.

England at this stage - late 1966 - was musically ruled by bands such as The Who, The Beatles and Cream with Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck standing alone as the three leading exponents of the electric guitar.

The Jimi Hendrix Experience was formed with Noel Redding on bass and Mitch Mitchell behind the drums and suddenly there was this black guy on the scene doing things with his guitar that were just not possible. Respect from his peers and adoration from the crowds was instantaneous. They toured Europe, breaking attendance records at one club after another, and then signed a recording contract.

A series of singles that all gained top 10 rank, followed. 'Hey Joe', 'Purple Haze' and 'The Wind Cries Mary ' made Jimi a star in England, setting the stage for his Monterey appearance.

http://www.hotshotdigital.com/

YNGWIE MALMSTEEN To Perform At Germany's MUSIKMESSE Fair - Feb. 20, 2008

2008-02-25T09:33:00.000-08:00

Legendary Swedish guitarist YNGWIE MALMSTEEN will attend the Musikmesse Frankfurt 2008 fair in Germany, which runs from Thursday, March 13 to Saturday, March 15.

Yngwie will take part in clinics and autographs at the Fender Booth in Hall 4 / Booth E08, and he will also play a concert on Friday night with the entire YNGWIE MALMSTEEN'S RISING FORCE band at the Agora Stage.

Yngwie's clinics are open for the general public as well as VIP musicians. You will need to buy a ticket to get into the Musikmesse, but once you're in, all clinics at the Fender booth are free.

YNGWIE MALMSTEEN has scheduled the following festival appearances:

June 27 - Graspop Metal Meeting - Dessel, Belgium
June 28 - Bang Your Head!!! Festival - Balingen, Germany
June 29 - Gods Of Metal Festival - Milan, Italy
July 19 - Rockperry Festival, Vaasa, Finland

Fan-filmed video footage of YNGWIE MALMSTEEN's December 6, 2007 concert in São Paulo, Brazil can be viewed below.

Photos from MALMSTEEN's recent South American tour have been posted on the guitarist's official web site.

Malmsteen's "Fire & Ice" album (1992) was reissued in June 2007 through Noble Rot, the new label launched by Collectors' Choice. A press release reads: "By the time he released 'Fire & Ice' in 1992, Yngwie Malmsteen was established as one of heavy metal's reigning guitar gods, and was considered by many to be the most technically accomplished axemen in hard rock. The self-produced 'Fire & Ice' combines the baroque classicism of his early work with more commercially oriented material, resulting in a memorable showcase for the Swedish shred king's lightning fretwork."

Yngwie Malmsteen is working hard on a new rock album. The CD, which is once again expected to feature drummer Patrick Johansson and vocalist Doogie White (ex-RAINBOW), is tentatively due later in the year.

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com

Yngwie Malmsteen

2008-02-25T09:29:00.002-08:00

Yngwie Johann Malmsteen (IPA pronunciation /'??ve?/) (born Lars Johan Yngve Lannerbäck on June 30, 1963 in Stockholm, Sweden) is a Swedish guitarist, composer and bandleader. Widely recognised for his guitar skills, Malmsteen achieved widespread acclaim in the 1980s for his technical proficiency and his use of the shred guitar technique, and neo-classical metal genre.

Malmsteen was born on June 30, 1963 into a musically talented family in Stockholm, Sweden. Malmsteen was the youngest child in the family. On September 18, 1970, at age seven, he saw a television news broadcast reporting on the death of Jimi Hendrix which caused him to become obsessed with the guitar. The news segment showed only a clip of Jimi Hendrix burning his guitar, but no actual songs. To quote his official website, "The day Jimi Hendrix died, the guitar-playing Malmsteen was born".

At the age of 10 he took his mother's maiden name Malmsteen as his surname, and Anglicised his given name Yngve to "Yngwie".

Malmsteen was a teenager when he first encountered the music of the 19th century violin virtuoso Niccolò Paganini, whom he cites as his biggest classical music influence. Through his emulation of Paganini concerto pieces on guitar, Malmsteen developed a prodigious technical fluency. Malmsteen also cites Jimi Hendrix, Brian May of Queen, Steve Hackett of Genesis, Uli Jon Roth, and Ritchie Blackmore of Deep Purple as influences. His nickname at the time in Stockholm was 'Ritchie Blackmore'.

www.amazines.com

Eric Johnson

2008-02-25T09:29:00.001-08:00

Eric Johnson (born August 17, 1954) is a guitarist and recording artist from Austin, Texas. Best known for his success in the instrumental rock format, Johnson regularly incorporates jazz, fusion, New Age, and country and western elements into his recordings.

Widely recognized for his guitar skills, Johnson's stylistic diversity and technical proficiency have drawn praise from Carlos Santana, Allan Holdsworth, Larry Carlton, Steve Morse, Billy Gibbons, Johnny Winter, Jeff Baxter, Prince, B.B. King, Joe Satriani and the late Stevie Ray Vaughan. His critically-acclaimed, platinum selling 1990 recording Ah Via Musicom produced the single "Cliffs of Dover", for which Johnson won the 1991 Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance [2].

Johnson's talent developed at an early age. Born into a musically inclined family, he and his three sisters studied piano, his brother started his own band in his teens; his father (an Austin physician) was a singing enthusiast. At age 11, Johnson took up the guitar and progressed rapidly through the music of his influences Cream, Jimi Hendrix, Wes Montgomery, and Django Reinhardt, among others. His first professional experience came as a member of the psychedelic rock band Mariani at just 15 years of age. In 1968, Johnson recorded a demo tape with the group which saw extremely limited release; years later the recording would become a prized collector's item.

After graduating from Holy Cross High School, Johnson briefly attended the University of Texas at Austin and traveled with his family to Africa. He eventually returned to Austin, and in 1974 joined the local fusion group Electromagnets. The group toured and recorded regionally, but failed to attract attention from major record labels and disbanded in 1977. However, the strength of Johnson's playing attracted a small cult following to the group's early recordings, and decades later their two albums were given wide release on compact disc.

www.amazines.com

Gary Moore

2008-02-25T09:26:00.000-08:00

Gary Moore (born Robert William Gary Moore, 4 April 1952, Belfast, Northern Ireland) is an Irish guitarist. In a career dating back to the 1960s he has played with bands/artists including Thin Lizzy, Colosseum II, Greg Lake and blues-rock band Skid Row as well as having a successful solo career. Among many cameo appearances over the years, he performed the lead guitar solo on "She's My Baby" from the album, Traveling Wilburys Vol. 3.

Moore started performing at a young age, having picked up a battered acoustic guitar at the age of eight, and got his first quality guitar at the age of fourteen, learning to play the right-handed instrument in the standard way despite being left handed. His career has lasted over thirty years.

In 1969 he joined the group Skid Row with Noel Bridgeman and Brendan "Brush" Shiels. The music was eclectic, covering a wide range including jazz, rock and blues. It was with this group that he earned himself a reputation in the music business, and his association with Philip Lynott began.

In 1973 he released his first solo album Grinding Stone billed as the Gary Moore Band. In 1978 his solo career started again with help from Phil Lynott. The combination of Moore's blues based guitar, and Lynott's voice, produced "Parisienne Walkways", which reached the Top Ten in the UK Singles Chart in April 1979; and the Thin Lizzy number 2 hit album, Black Rose A Rock Legend.

www.amazines.com

Joe Satriani

2008-02-25T08:26:00.000-08:00

Joe "Satch" Satriani (born on July 15, 1956, in Westbury, New York, USA) is an American guitarist and former guitar instructor. His self-released debut album, Not of This Earth in 1986 opened the way to a world of instrumental rock music in a pop-dominated world at that time.[1]

Influenced heavily by Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck,[2] Joe Satriani often incorporates a warm sound of guitar with a dominant blues and rock tone. Since 1990, he has used his own signature guitar, the Ibanez JS Series, which is widely sold in stores.[3] Joe Satriani also has a signature series amplifier, the Peavey JSX.

In 1988, Joe Satriani was recruited by Rolling Stones' Mick Jagger as lead guitarist for Jagger's first solo tour.[4] Later, in 1994, Satriani was also asked to be a lead guitarist for Deep Purple which he ultimately turned down.[2] Satriani has also worked with a wide range of guitarists from many styles, including Steve Vai, John Petrucci, Eric Johnson, Yngwie Malmsteen, Paul Gilbert, and Robert Fripp through the annual G3 Jam Concerts.[1]

Joe Satriani was inspired to play guitar at age 14 after learning of the death of Jimi Hendrix. Satriani reportedly heard the news during a football training session where he immediately confronted his coach and announced that he was quitting to become a guitarist.

Steva Vai

2008-02-25T08:19:00.000-08:00

Steven "Steve" Siro Vai (born June 6, 1960 in Carle Place, New York) is a Grammy Award winning guitarist, composer, vocalist, and record producer. In 1974, Steve took guitar lessons from guitarist Joe Satriani, and played in numerous local bands. He has acknowledged the influence of many guitarists including Jeff Beck and fusion guitarist Allan Holdsworth. Vai then attended the Berklee College of Music. Vai mailed Frank Zappa a transcription of Zappa's The Black Page, an instrumental song written for drums, along with a tape with some of Vai's guitar playing. Zappa was so impressed with the abilities of the young musician that he hired him in 1979 to do work transcribing several of his guitar solos, including many of those appearing on the Joe's Garage album and the Shut Up 'n' Play Yer Guitar series. These transcriptions were published in 1982 in The Frank Zappa Guitar Book. Subsequent to being hired as a transcriber, Vai did overdubs on many of the guitar parts for Zappa's album You Are What You Is. Thereafter he became a full-fledged band member, going on his first tour with Zappa in the Autumn of 1980. One of those early shows with Vai on guitar, recorded in Buffalo was released in 2007. While touring with Zappa's band, Vai would sometimes ask audience members to bring musical scores and see if he could sight-read them on the spot. Zappa referred to Steve as his "little Italian virtuoso" and was listed in liner notes as "stunt guitar" or "impossible guitar parts." He would later be a featured artist on the 1993 recording, Zappa's Universe. In 2006 he returned to Zappa Music, as special guest on Dweezil Zappa's Zappa Plays Zappa tour. After leaving Zappa in 1982 he moved to California where he recorded his first album Flex-Able and performed in a couple of bands. In 1985 he replaced Yngwie Malmsteen as lead guitarist in Graham Bonnet's Alcatrazz with whom he recorded the album Disturbing the Peace. Later in 1985 he joined former Van Halen front man David Lee Roth's group to record the albums Eat 'Em and Smile and Skyscraper. This significantly increased Vai's visibility to general rock audiences, since Roth was in a highly public battle with the Van Halen members and Vai was favorably compared by many commentators to Eddie Van Halen.

http://www.amazines.com