THE INFINITE STEVE VAI - AN ANTOLOGY

In the liner notes it reads "Vai honed his chops at the legendary Berklee College of Music, where at the age of 18 he transcribed the notorious piece of music by Frank Zappa known as "The Black Page". He then sent Zappa a tape of a solo guitar performance of the piece.The move earned him a gig as lead guitarist in Zappa's band. Over the next five years Vai toured and recorded with his idol before striking it out on his own in 1984." Mike Keneally who plays a lot with Vai, (and who played with Zappa) is featured on keyboards on many of the songs on the second disc. I really like this compilation and if you like any of Vai's songs and don't have any of his albums, then I highly recommend this two disc set.

Some of the highlights on disc one are "Liberty" with the uplifting guitar solos."The Attitude Song" is the most well known Vai song to me. It was the theme music to a rock news radio show I used to listen to. A very uptempo and complex song. "Salamanders In The Sun" is a jazzy song with choral sitar, synths and flute. "The Animal" is a heavy, powerful tune with Stu Hamm on bass. Amazing guitar solos from Vai. "For The Love Of God" is a beautiful song with tasteful guitar and synths. I love the ending. "Bangkok" is a nice change of pace as it has an Eastern flavour that works really well. Great tune ! "Ya-Yo Gakk" has a really good beat with Steve's toddler son Julian singing the words and Vai responding with his guitar. This is if anything cute and funny. "Blue Powder" is an emotional song with some amazing bass later from Hamm. "Bad Horsie" is one of my favourites. A heavy duty, grunge like tune. "Tender Surrender" is mellow to begin with before Vai lights it up. I was reminded at times of Stevie Ray Vaugn on this one. "All About Eve" has Vai on vocals and it's a great song. Some catchy guitar melodies on "Dyin' Day" and "The Blood & Tears" is different with female Indian vocals and words. It works !

Disc two opens with "Feathers" and as the title would suggest this one is fragile and beautiful with light drums, synths and guitar. Some good bass on "Frank" gives it a heavier feel.The chorus is great and the song is beautiful. "Boston Rain Melody" is another laid back tune with intricate guitar solos as it ends with rain and thunder. "Kittens Got Claws" is actually a WHITESNAKE song when Vai played with them for an album. It's a straight ahead rocker. "Giant Balls Of Gold" is about Poland and is a heavy song with tasteful guitar melodies throughout. "Whispering A Prayer" is about Ireland. A gentle song that slowly builds. Some good back ground synths. "Jibboom" has some scorching and filthy guitar solos. "Windows To The Soul"is a gorgeous song with uplifting, soaring guitar. Nice. "Essence" is a cool song with sounds from a Roland VG88 and GR33 ."Rescue Me Or Bury Me" sounds like Jimmy Page playing to open and Devin Townsend is on vocals and Terry Bozio on drums. Some breathtaking guitar on this one. The final song "Burnin' Down the Mountain" features guitar and percussion and it sounds fantastic !

4 solid stars !