Steve Vai

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STEVE VAI Feat. On JEFF BERLIN’s 30th Anniversary Edition 12-inch Vinyl “Joe Frazier – Round 3”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 15, 2018
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JeffBerlin-Photo-byArnie Goodman

Photo by Arnie Goodman

Legendary bassist Jeff Berlin releasing on May 11th a 30th Anniversary Edition 12-inch vinyl of his signature song “Joe Frazier”. The EP “Joe Frazier – Round 3” includes a newly remastered version of the original song from his critically acclaimed 1987 album “Pump It!” and a completely re-imagined version, composed and performed by Jeff, Steve Vai (lead guitar), David Sancious (keys), Keith Carlock (drums) and Tom Hemby (rhythm guitar). This limited-edition EP is available as signed audiophile vinyl, signed CD, or digital release, with collector’s editions including an autographed chart of the new arrangement. Digital “mix minus” tracks of the single are offered so you can play along with these iconic musicians.

Says Jeff, “’Joe Frazier’ is a song that has remained with me throughout my career. No matter where I am in the world, people ask to hear this song. 2017 marks the 30th anniversary of the rendition that I recorded on my second solo record, ‘Pump It!’ While chatting about the tune with producer John McCracken, we thought to come up with a new version, calling it ‘Joe Frazier – Round 3.’ For me, this new song is almost entirely different from the previous two renditions and, quite honestly, I think that this is one of the best tunes I ever wrote.”

Musicians:
Bass and Keyboards: Jeff Berlin
Guitar Solo: Steve Vai
Additional Keyboards: David Sancious
Drums: Keith Carlock
Rhythm Guitars: Tom Hemby
Shakers: Gabriela Sinagra

Says Jeff, “Steve Vai’s guitar solo was searing. He showed why he is one of the greatest of the great guitarists in the world. David Sancious’ keyboards put color and style into JF. The man is a legend and helped to put the ‘orchestra’ into ‘Joe Frazier.’ Keith Carlock’s drumming is like a train clicking down the tracks. He instantly grabbed the quarter note and never let it go for over seven minutes of musical percolating. Tom Hemby is one of Nashville’s top studio guitarists. But on ‘Joe Frazier,’ he sounded like the guitarist for James Brown and AC/DC.”

Credits
“Joe Frazier – Round 3”
Written and Arranged by Jeff Berlin
© 2018 Sejavi Music BMI

Produced by: John McCracken for Headstrong Media Group
Engineered and Mixed by: John McCracken @ Studio 225 Brentwood, TN
Drums Recorded at: Velvet Cinema Studio, Franklin, TN
Mastered by: Randy Merrill @ Sterling Sound, NYC

Jeff’s Equipment:
Markbass “Jeff Berlin” and “Players School” bass cabinets
Cort Rithimic bass
Babicz Bass Bridge
DR Bass Strings
Steinberg-Cubase

JeffBerlin-cover

Five options, all accessible for purchase at: https://www.jeffberlinmusicgro up.com/jbmerch/

I. The Collector’s Package
1. Signed 180g audiophile 12” vinyl EP with a newly remastered version of the original (“Joe Frazier – Round 2”) and a completely re-imagined version (“Joe Frazier – Round 3”) written and performed by Jeff and an all-star group: Steve Vai (guitar), Keith Carlock (drums), David Sancious (keys), and Tom Hemby (rhythm guitar)
2. Signed CD of both songs, and
3. A signed and dated print of the full score for “Joe Frazier – Round 3”
All of Jeff’s signatures will be original!
Available July 2018 (pre-order bonus!!: digital bundle sent to you FREE on May 11, 2018)
$39.95 + shipping and handling. International shipping available

II. “Joe Frazier” 30th-Anniversary Edition CD
This signed, special-edition CD will include a newly remastered version of “Joe Frazier – Round 2” and the all new “Joe Frazier – Round 3”
$14.95 + shipping and handling. International shipping available

III. “Joe Frazier” 30th-Anniversary Digital Bundle
This packed special-edition digital bundle will include:
1. the newly remastered “Joe Frazier – Round 2”
2. the brand new “Joe Frazier – Round 3”
3. an extra bonus track: the original “Joe Frazier – Round 2” demo
4. a digital download of the full “Joe Frazier – Round 3” score
$7.99

IV. “Joe Frazier – Round 3” “Music Minus One” Alternate Mix Bundle
This interactive “Music Minus One” digital bundle will include alternate mixes of “Joe Frazier – Round 3” that allow you to play along with Jeff Berlin, Steve Vai, Keith Carlock, David Sancious, and Tom Hemby. This bundle includes the full digital score and 4 alternate mixes:
1) Minus drums
2) Minus bass
3) Minus guitars
4) Minus bass solos and guitar solos
$14.99

Each of these “Music Minus” mixes is available for individual purchase ($4.99) and will also include the full digital score along with the alternate mix.

Orders at: jeffberlinmusicgroup.com

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Steve Vai: “Only Eddie Van Halen and Jimi Hendrix created a paradigm shift in rock”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 8, 2018
Posted in: Int. News. Tagged: , , , . Leave a comment

Rock_Candy_Mag_Feb_18

Issue #6 of the UK based Rock Candy Magazine features an exclusive candid interview with legendary rock guitarist Steve Vai. Vai may be an acknowledged guitar genius himself, but the man who has received so many plaudits himself is convinced that it was only Eddie Van Halen and Jimi Hendrix who fundamentally changed the shape of rock music.

Exclusive Issue #6 Steve Vai article preview:

Speaking exclusively about his deep appreciation of Edward Van Halen in the new issue of Rock Candy magazine, Vai told editor Howard Johnson, “There are so many guitar heroes I love, and maybe even prefer over Edward in a sense. But the two guitar players who really created a paradigm shift in my opinion were Jimi Hendrix and Edward Van Halen. Everybody else has contributed wonderfully to the art form. But when you look at scope of their individual contributions and how they became pivotal turning points for guitar playing, those two guys were the most effective.”

In a wide-ranging interview all about the Van Halen legend that forms part of Rock Candy mag’s 14 page VH feature in the current issue, Vai recalls hearing Edward’s playing for the first time when he was a student at Berklee College of Music in Boston in the late ‘70s.

“’You Really Got Me’ came on the radio, with the ‘Eruption’ solo tagged on at the start,” he explained. “We were just all completely stunned.”

In a long and illustrious career, Steve Vai has produced some of the most loved guitar music ever recorded, while also bringing his outstanding combination of flash and technique to some of rock’s greatest acts, including Whitesnake and, of course, David Lee Roth. Between 1985 and 1989 Vai performed a number of Edward’s songs alongside the former Van Halen frontman during the height of Roth’s solo career.

“Playing Van Halen songs is such a hoot,” he told Rock Candy. “Especially when you’ve got David Lee Roth singing them! ‘Panama’ is just great. ‘Unchained’ and ‘Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love’ too. We’d play a whole lot of Van Halen tunes and they were always wonderful. The parts were constructed perfectly, because Edward has real completeness as a guitar player.”

Read the whole of this revealing article, and many more fascinating features, in Issue 6 of Rock Candy Mag, available in shops worldwide and direct from us online only at the following link: https://www.rockcandymag.com/

STEVE VAI Teams Up With Mascot For Favored Nations Records

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 29, 2017
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Mascot Label Group is proud to announce a new and exciting alliance with guitar legend Steve Vai’s Favored Nations Records label.

This strategic partnership is a reflection of the synergy created by the respect that Vai’s Favored Nations has garnered as the record industry’s leading boutique guitar oriented recording label, and the strength offered by Mascot Label Group as one of the bigger, still growing and dependable independent purveyors of recorded music in the world.

Ed van Zijl, Mascot Label Group, “This is another great step for Mascot Label Group. We are always looking to move forward and collaborate with the best musicians and minds in the business, so we are very excited to be working with the prestigious Favored Nations Entertainment and with the great Steve Vai. Our future together will be very exciting.”

Steve Vai will continue to spearhead his label’s artists and repertoire department, but Favored Nations Entertainment will now benefit from the advantages of Mascot’s well established business structure, which will provide strong marketing, publicity, and distribution on a worldwide basis.

Steve Vai, “We are absolutely thrilled that Favored Nations will be partnering with the Mascot label in Mascot overseeing all FN day to day biz. Ed van Zijl and Mascot have a powerful infrastructure including marketing, accounting, distribution and artist development and have always been a tremendously artist friendly camp. This partnership will also be freeing up more of my time to focus on the A&R function I enjoy most in owning a label.

“And I’m happy to report my first signing under this new deal, “The Mutual Admiration Society” presented by Sterling Ball, John Ferraro and Jim Cox. This record is a dream treat for the lovers of melodic beautiful sounding guitar. Along with the special guest artists who have contributed to this record, Sterling Ball’s unique technique and tone on the guitar is a surprise highlight.”

In addition to all future Favored Nations products, Mascot Label Group will also manage the re-release of the label’s back catalogue.

Founded in 1999, Favored Nations provides a platform for artists of the highest caliber to deliver exciting, energetic, and emotional performances in a market that was virtually invented by founder Steve Vai. Favored Nations artists have included Johnny A., Larry Carlton, Peppino D’Agostino, Marty Friedman, Johnny Hiland, Allan Holdsworth, Eric Johnson, Stanley Jordan, Steve Lukather, Novecento, John Petrucci, Eric Sardinas, Neal Schon, Dave Weiner, The Yardbirds, and Dweezil Zappa, among others.

Favored Nations’ inaugural release with Mascot will be the debut by Sterling Ball’s new band, Mutual Admiration Society, which sees Ball teaming with drummer John Ferraro and keyboardist Jim Cox. Produced by the band, the record was mixed by Rich Mouser and engineered by Bill “The Sonic Doctor” Evans (Flying Colors, Galactic Cowboys, Neal Morse), whose ground-breaking mix technology, Harmonic Phrase Analysis, allows mixes to be created with unequalled transparency and detail. Special guests on the album include Steve Morse, Steve Lukather, Steve Vai, Albert Lee, John Petrucci, and session legend Jay Graydon.

Sterling Ball , “When John Ferraro, Jim Cox and I set out the make this record, it was a passion project to celebrate our love for music and guitar. It’s since grown to an incredible project featuring some of the greatest guitarists in the world, and more importantly life-long friends. It’s beyond an honor to be the first release by Steve Vai on Favored Nations, whom I consider to have one of the most discerning voices in guitar related music today”.

Mascot Label Group is a 100% independent record company specialized in guitar oriented music with a focus on rock, metal and (blues) guitar. The company has offices in New York, London, Paris, Milan, Cologne, Stockholm and Rotterdam (headquarters).

Artists on the MLG roster and in the catalogue: Joe Bonamassa, Volbeat, Beth Hart, Black Stone Cherry, Ayreon, Robert Cray, Shaman’s Harvest, Eric Johnson, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Quinn Sullivan, Eric Gales, 10 Years, Little Hurricane, Gov’t Mule, Black Country Communion, Masters of Reality, Johnny Lang, Robben Ford, Walter Trout, Black Label Society, Sadus, Agent Steel, Eleven Pictures, Bootsy Collins, Monster Truck, The Rides, Warren Haynes, Flying Colors, Steve Lukather, etc.

MLG owned labels: Mascot Records – Provogue – Music Theories Recordings -Cool Green Recordings

STEVE VAI’s Christmas Greetings, Three New Ibanez Guitars To Debut At Winter NAMM in January 2015

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 25, 2014
Posted in: Int. News. Tagged: , , , . Leave a comment

steve-vai-xmas2014

Guitar legend STEVE VAI has issued his Christmas greetings, as follows:

Hey folks,
Wishing you a Happy Holiday season filled with good cheer, inspired creative manifestations, harmony (of the richest vibrations) and death defying whammy bar spectaculars extraordinaire! The most vitally important thing in all of our lives is knowing the peace that is within us. We find it by giving it.Peace love and good happiness stuff.
Steve

Check out this video of Steve’s version of “Christmas Time is Here” under the original Charlie Brown Christmas episode.

Exclusive announcement:
3 New Ibanez guitars to debut at Winter NAMM – January 2015!

All the way back in 1986, just before Christmas, Ibanez received Steve Vai’s guitar specifications to create his “dream guitar”. After several months of prototyping and getting the samples to and from Japan, the JEM guitar (and the RG series) launched at the NAMM Industry Trade Show in June 1987. Fast forward an incredible 28 years later and the JEM is still one of the most successful signature guitars ever created. And guess what? It’s before Christmas again and at Winter NAMM 2015, 3 beautiful new Ibanez guitars will debut! Here is the very first look of the official pictures for the guitars and their descriptions below:

IbanezJem77PBFPIbanez Jem 77 PBFP 
A Premium version of Steve’s classic Blue Floral Pattern Jem
Official specs:

Wizard 5pc Maple/Walnut Neck with KTS TITANIUM rods
American Basswood Body
Maple Fretboard with Tree of Life Inlay
Jumbo Frets with Premium fret edge treatment
DiMarzio Gravity Storm/Evolution/Gravity Storm Pickups
Edge-Zero II Tremolo bridge
Cosmo Black Hardware

IbanezUV71PWHIbanez UV71PWH
The second of the Ibanez Premium Universe series, featuring white cosmetic attributes.
Official specs:

Wizard 7 5pc Maple/Walnut neck with KTS TITANIUM rods
American Basswood Body
Rosewood fretboard with Disappearing Pyramid inlay
Jumbo Frets with Premium fret edge treatment
DiMarzio Blaze pickups
Edge-Zero II-7 Tremolo bridge
Cosmo Black Hardware

IbanezJemJrIbanez Jem Jr.

Lastly, the Jem Jr. is now the most affordable Ibanez Jem and is going to be available worldwide. Note that the Jem Jr. is not a “Jr” sized guitar, it’s the same scale length as the other Jem models. Official specs:
Official specs:

Wizard III Maple neck
Mahogany body
Rosewood Fretboard
Jumbo Frets
Quantum pickups
Srd. DL tremolo bridge
Cosmo Black Hardware

These three guitars embody the spirit of guitar playing inspired from the beyond. The design lines, curvatures and signature features; such as monkey grip handle and Vai-designed/chosen pickups, inspire musicians to access new heights in their playing. To view these guitars, visit the Ibanez booth at NAMM and their website, http://www.ibanez.com shortly thereafter.

STEVE VAI & ANDREA MARTONGELLI Groove Guitar Jam In Italy, Video Available

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 12, 2014
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SteveVai-AndyMartongelli

May 2 Mr STEVE VAI had a jamming session with ANDREA MARTONGELLI (Arthemis) in Spinea (Venice – Italy), in a special occation, celebrating Andrea’s Birthday.

Andrea states: “Improvising a guitar jam with such a great Guitar God that is Steve Vai was so inspiring…and I feel blessed and so lucky I had the chance to do it” ….Music is MAGIC! Never stop dreaming….sometimes dreams come true!” Andy \m/

The video was filmed with Zoom Q4 HD Handy Video Audio Recorder and is powered by Zoom Corporation / ZOOM Sound Laboratory / Zoom Italia.

More information at:
http://www.vai.com
http://www.andreamartongelli.com – http://www.arthemismusic.com – http://www.modernmusicinstitute.com

STEVE VAI First Ever Rock Artist To Perform On Chinese TV; Spring Festival Global Gala To Air February 1st

Posted by aliblackdiamond on January 31, 2014
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Source: Bravewords.com

Guitar legend STEVE VAI has posted a message and photo gallery following his recent TV performances in Shanghai and Beijing for The Spring Festival Global Gala. The broadcast aired on January 26th and will be repeated on February 1st at 7:35 p.m. China Standard Time.

Vai: “About six months ago my dear friend Greg Bissonette hooked me up with a very famous Chinese pop artist who was interested in having me play on one of his tracks. His name is Chyi Chin. In China, he has been a very popular artist for many years. I get offers like this occasionally, and I’m not opposed to participating if I like the song and feel that I can properly contribute. I listened to Chyi’s track, and I liked it. It’s a beautiful orchestral track. His voice is kind and sweet and they let me do whatever I wanted so I layered about 15 guitars on it. I very much like the way the final mix came out.

This year I was brought to China by Mavis Ma, a wonderful promoter there, and we performed in Shanghai and Beijing and the gigs were great. I had not been in China since 2005. I was told that I was the first American rock artist to play in Communist China back then. THE ROLLING STONES went there in 2004, but hey, they are not Yankee Doodles. We posted photos and videos of our stint there while on tour in 2013.

BTV is a huge TV network in Beijing, China. Once a year they put on this gigantic Spring Festival Global Gala where performance artists from various countries around the world come together to perform. I guess we made a good impression on the music community there because not only was I invited to perform with Chyi Chin on the track that I recorded with him but they requested that I perform ‘For The Love Of God’ and ‘Answers’ with their 40-piece orchestra. This show is broadcast to over 2 billion viewers around the world…eh, a drop in the bucket.

I thought it would be great to do this and was honored they asked. The American artist they invited last year was Yanni. Hmmm, I guess they were interested in quite the contrast this year. You have to understand how strict China is when it comes to who they invite to perform. I was told by Mavis that they have never – like NEVER – in the history of China, had a rock artist perform on a TV, and I was told this was a first.

Pia and I got the chance to spend close to a week in Beijing. It’s an extraordinary city. Huge!!! We took a lot of time to go out and check things out.

There was four days planned for this project. The first was rehearsal, the second was a stage rehearsal and run-through (this is where they filmed and recorded for the show), the third was a complete run-through with all the perfumers which took about three hours and there was an audience. The last day was a full performance with the filming and taping of the audience.

It all went fantastic and will be aired in February. Stay tuned.”

Check out Vai‘s photo gallery here.