I am not ashamed

[Bob Savage]

I've been breaking my back getting my garage ready for a woodshop, and was jamming various CD's today while working.

First off, Ed Degenaro just absolutely rules... there are many other reasons, but the reason that comes to mind is because some years back, he gave me his only copy of Alcatraz, Disturing the Peace.

Which brings me to the reason for my post.

I don't care whether you like Vai or not. How many players would have jumped into a gig that young Yngwie owned, unashamed? Yep, Vai would, and did.

This dude (Vai) can blow fans into his hair at every gig, "posing" all he wants. The bottom line is that he stepped in for a guy (Yngwie) that was setting a new standard for rock guitar, and couldn't have cared less.

Oh, and I also spent time listening to those first two Roth albums today, and think I'll do so again before I go to bed. Vai is something else...

Bring it on... it's time for me to continue hurting my back in the garage...

 

[GRK]

Guthrie is one of the rare solo artists that I like. Probably shouldn't compare apples and oranges but that's just my taste... Vai is one of them that I don't care for...

That said, I get your point.

 

[tehuk]

I learned shy boy a little while ago. Awesome song

 

[Digital Jams]

Isn't 8:00pm quiting time? Tie for wings and beers

Yeah, Vai stepped in for Yngwie AND EVH. I dont know of mant guys back then that could have pulled off.

 

[Bob Savage]

Guthrie is one of the rare solo artists that I like. Probably shouldn't compare apples and oranges but that's just my taste... Vai is one of them that I don't care for...

That said, I get your point.

Guthrie is a guitar god, but I think that anybody giving an objective listen to Erotic Cakes understands that without Vai, Erotic Cakes would not be what it is from an artistic standpoint. And, I'll bet Guthrie would agree.

 

[Bob Savage]

Isn't 8:00pm quiting time? Tie for wings and beers

Yeah, Vai stepped in for Yngwie AND EVH. I dont know of mant guys back then that could have pulled off.

Silly me, I didn't even mention Vai stepping in for EVH, at least not directly. But you know as I do, Scott, I'm preaching to the choir with you.

 

[Digital Jams]

Guthrie is one of the rare solo artists that I like. Probably shouldn't compare apples and oranges but that's just my taste... Vai is one of them that I don't care for...

That said, I get your point.

Guthrie is a guitar god, but I think that anybody giving an objective listen to Erotic Cakes understands that without Vai, Erotic Cakes would not be what it is from an artistic standpoint. And, I'll bet Guthrie would agree.

I was going to say that as well, not saying it is a bad thing but GG has been influenced by Vai in a very positive way.

Man I ate way too much saute'd chicken with penne tonight

 

[stratotone]

One of the things I admired most about Vai is that when he came into a situation, he didn't copy the guy he was replacing, unless it was to cover songs that his predecessor did. He had the chops to just do the Yngwie neoclassical thing in Alcatrazz and didn't - he went ahead and did his style in the band. Ditto for the DLR band - he could have just done all the EVH stuff, but he gave em the Vai treatment.

Even the one project that he was dropped in that I didn't think was very successful (Whitesnake... Vai is one of my favorites, but the Sykes Whitesnake album KILLED the Vai one imho) - he still did his own thing.

Guitar For the Practicing Musician had a few CDs come out a long time ago - the first one had a tune called Western Vacation with a guest soloist named "Reckless Fable'. Came out later that it was Vai, but just about anyone could have recognized him within three notes. Vai is a unique player and a monster talent for sure.

Pete

 

[Ayrton]

I got turned onto Vai at the age of 15 with Flex-Able, but at that age I was really into more punk/hardcore than anything. The following year Public Image Ltd. released Album, and I was blown away by the guitar, only to learn it was the very same Steve Vai. I went back and listened to Flex-Able again, but with a whole new approach.

I can't say I have enjoyed most of the later Vai work, but I always remember the impact those two records had on me.

 

[Shark Diver]

I just met Dave Weiner from Vai's band today at Tone Merchants. Just an awesome guy. My Vai moment for the day.

I have always liked guitarist better in a full band (vocals) context. I really liked Vai in DLR and White Snake. When I saw Vai with White Snake - I liked Vandenburg's solo better, but I went to see Vai. Not sure what that says, but even today I'd probably go again for Vai, and like Adrian more.

 

[van hellion]

Guthrie is one of the rare solo artists that I like. Probably shouldn't compare apples and oranges but that's just my taste... Vai is one of them that I don't care for...

That said, I get your point.

Guthrie is a guitar god, but I think that anybody giving an objective listen to Erotic Cakes understands that without Vai, Erotic Cakes would not be what it is from an artistic standpoint. And, I'll bet Guthrie would agree.

absoultely! the head to waves sounds like a mutated vai lick, you know the ones where he slips up the scale in fifths and octaves? cant think a specific example but i have heard him do it many times over the years, DLR era, solo stuff, G3 etc.

uncle skunk also has very big Vai feel to it.

A Wood

 

[turmoil]

I took a few lessons from Dave a couple of years ago and he is a great guy!

that said, i think Bob might be slightly inebriated...

 

[Sick Michael]

Vai is a fantastic player and to me, he comes across as being flawless (technically). I've never really seen a dodgy performance from him (more than I can say for Yngwie).
I think a lot of it comes down to whether you really dig his style. I would say I totally love about 50% of what he does, and 50% I either just dont get, or just leaves me cold. And Im not a huge fan of his tone either.

But yeah, the central point Bob Savage makes is true - his balls are large.

Screw Vai and all that jazz, I want to know about this garage work shop. I'd have a fridge in there, full of beer. Then I'd ensure theres a good Music selection. Plus you'll need a TV, then I'd get one of those middle eastern bong things....there'd be no work done in my workshop...

 

[EvilBatman]

Vai has been, and probably always will be one of my biggest inspirations.

His solo on "Big Trouble" is one of my favorite solos of all time.

 

[JTyson]

Vai is a fantastic player and to me, he comes across as being flawless (technically). I've never really seen a dodgy performance from him (more than I can say for Yngwie).
I think a lot of it comes down to whether you really dig his style. I would say I totally love about 50% of what he does, and 50% I either just dont get, or just leaves me cold. And Im not a huge fan of his tone either.

But yeah, the central point Bob Savage makes is true - his balls are large.

Screw Vai and all that jazz, I want to know about this garage work shop. I'd have a fridge in there, full of beer. Then I'd ensure theres a good Music selection. Plus you'll need a TV, then I'd get one of those middle eastern bong things....there'd be no work done in my workshop...

 

[Death by Uberschall]

You just have to remember there are two Steve Vai's, the showman that will attempt physical gymnastics on the fret board and the Steve Vai that plays something so cool and beautiful it gives you chills.

 

[fek]

Agreed. Vai is an incredible talent that also happens to be a showman. Sure, he pulls some cheesy moves but it is part of who he is and I like it.

 

[Bob Savage]

that said, i think Bob might be slightly inebriated...

Screw Vai and all that jazz, I want to know about this garage work shop. I'd have a fridge in there, full of beer. Then I'd ensure theres a good Music selection. Plus you'll need a TV, then I'd get one of those middle eastern bong things....there'd be no work done in my workshop...

With all of the power tools I'm setting up, I think having a fridge of beer in there would introduce more danger than I'm willing to bargain for. Now, shooting firearms off from your porch, that goes with alcohol like peanut butter goes with jelly... or Captain goes with Tenille.

 

[SFW]

I was never a big Alcatraz fan, but I agree that the first two Roth discs kill! And I'm one of the rare people who think that Vai's tone ruled on this discs as well.

 

[stratotone]

Bob - what are you going to be building in the woodshop? Sounds interesting - share!

One thing I forgot to mention about Vai from seeing him live several times - the man will run back and forth across the stage, jump around like a yahoo, mug for the camera, etc - and never miss a note. When I play gigs I pretty much stand in one spot and concentrate - Vai just flits around like a hummingbird on crack. It's pretty amazing.