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STEVE VAI Announces “Vai Academy 5.0”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 10, 2018
Posted in: Int. News. Tagged: , . Leave a comment

SteveVai

Guitar legend STEVE VAI has announced his “Vai Academy 5.0”, feat. special guests Andy Timmons, Devin Townsend, Larry Mitchell & Plini.

Vai Academy 5.0 is an event for players and music-lovers of all ages, levels, interests, and taste! Whether you are a master player, a beginner, or just an enthusiastic fan, our four day programs offer activities and workshops for you. Our environments are non-competitive and are strictly about immersing oneself in the joys of music and our lovely surroundings!

Read below the invitation from Steve Vai:

It’s that time again! I’m very excited to invite you all to join me at Vai Academy 5.0, taking place July 29 – August 2, 2019 at The Mansion at Glen Cove on Long Island in Glen Cove, NY not far from where I grew up in Carle Place. I was a teenager on Long Island in the 70’s and it was an amazing place to grow up. New York City wasn’t far, nor was The Hamptons. Living in California is nice, but I’m one of those guys that pines after the seasons so growing up on Long Island was pretty magical. Summertime is especially beautiful so I’m already looking forward to it.

Vai Academy 5.0 will include all of the things we usually offer – a myriad of classes with outstanding teachers, study and discussions on technique and theory, and of course, my own metaphysical meanderings that I believe are at the core of the transformation you are capable of with your instrument. But this year, the theme of the camp is “Sound Sculpting” and we will be diving deep into the quality of the tone that comes out of your amp, focusing heavily on signal path and the use of FX. Signal path is integral to the quality of your tone. The way the signal comes out of your guitar, and goes into various stomp boxes, and then into your amp, alters tremendously based on the FX you use and the order in which they are plugged in. There will be discussions on the most effective signal path, when to use a digital or analog FX, how the FX loop actually works, how various FX work and the terminologies of FX perimeters when programming. It’s a vast field that many guitarists don’t quite understand, even though it’s integral to their sound.

At my last camp, I personally taught more classes than ever before. I really enjoy speaking to the campers so that will continue at Vai Academy 5.0. We will also have a number of other extremely competent artists around to offer their wisdom and tips. The other teachers I’ve invited are all accomplished in their field, although that does not necessarily mean they need to be famous to be effective teachers. Of the utmost importance is that they are able to teach in a way that encourages and inspires the students to expand their own tools for the discovery and manifestation of their own uniquely creative visions. Having said that, we certainly do have some “famous” artists joining us.

One thing that I think makes Vai Academy so special is that I jam with each and every attendee. This might be my favorite aspect of the camp. Connecting with another person on a musical level is an intimate space I love embracing. We musicians are always learning something on some level, and I believe I learn something every time I jam with a student, no matter what level they are at. I can make music with someone even if they show up with a dime and a rubber band.

This is our fifth Vai Academy, and I’m so appreciative of how it has grown and evolved over the past five years. At the end of every camp we send out a questionnaire to those that attended, with very specific questions regarding what they liked, didn’t like, what they would like to see more of, etc. We really listen to what they tell us so hopefully this next camp will be our best yet. There’s a diverse group of people that attend, all at different levels of proficiency, with different understandings of music and the music business. We try to keep things at a level that is helpful for all, and the way we go about doing that is continuing to evolve at every camp.

I know I’m personally looking forward to Vai Academy 5.0. Hope to see you all there!

Steve Vai

Visit www.vaiacademy.com for more information.

VaiAccademy5

 

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JASON BECKER Releases New Video ‘Valley of Fire’ From Upcoming Album “Triumphant Hearts”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on October 10, 2018
Posted in: Int. News. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment
JasonBecker-by-RossPelton

Photo by Ross Pelton

The new album “Triumphant Hearts” from JASON BECKER will be released on December 7th, via Mascot Records/Mascot Label Group. The album features Marty Friedman, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Neal Schon, Steve Morse, Paul Gilbert, Joe Bonamassa, Uli Jon Roth, Richie Kotzen, Gus G., Jake Shimabukuro, and many more.

Watch the lyric video for the stunning ‘Valley of Fire’ ft. The Magnificent 13 here:

The Magnificent 13 are: Steve Vai, Joe Bonamassa, Paul Gilbert, Neal Schon, Marty Friedman, Michael Lee Firkins, Mattias IA Eklundh, Greg Howe, Jeff Loomis, Richie Kotzen, Gus G, Steve Hunter and Ben Woods.

Pre-Order Live Here: http://smarturl.it/JasonBecker

Mascot Records are extremely excited and honored to present the new album ‘Triumphant Hearts’ from Jason Becker, which will be released on 7th December 2018.

Jason Becker’s story is one of brilliance, talent, determination, adversity, and, ultimately, triumph. A child prodigy on guitar, Jason rose to prominence as a teenager when he was one half of the technical guitar duo Cacophony, with his great friend Marty Friedman. In 1989, at only 19 years old and after wowing audiences all over the world, the young virtuoso became the guitarist for David Lee Roth, following in the huge footsteps of Eddie Van Halen and Steve Vai. He wrote and recorded on his 3rd solo album ‘A Little Ain’t Enough’ and was poised for superstardom when a nagging pain in his leg was diagnosed as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). A fatal condition with a life expectancy of maybe five years. Maybe.

That was 29 years ago. He lost the ability to play guitar, walk, talk, and breathe on his own. But never lost his will to live or his desire to create music. Communicating through a series of eye movements with a system developed by his father, Jason spells out words as well as musical notes and chords. He imparts his musical vision to his team who then can input the notes into a computer, edit the parts to his exacting standards, and then generate charts for session musicians. His inspiring music and life story have been the subject of countless news articles, magazine cover stories, and an award-winning documentary, Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet.

The album’s 14 tracks showcase Jason’s gift for melody and his deep knowledge of classical composition and orchestral arrangement. Many of the guitar parts are performed by a who’s who of 6-string gods including Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Neal Schon, Steve Morse, Paul Gilbert, Joe Bonamassa, and many others. And, in what will absolutely delight his fans, Jason’s amazing guitar playing—recorded in the ’80s and ’90s—features throughout.

The first song to be released from the album is the beautifully mesmerizing 9 minute and 5 second instrumental ‘Valley of Fire’ that features The Magnificent 13 – Steve Vai, Joe Bonamassa, Paul Gilbert, Neal Schon, Marty Friedman, Michael Lee Firkins, Mattias IA Eklundh, Greg Howe, Jeff Loomis, Richie Kotzen, Gus G, Steve Hunter and Ben Woods. A phenomenal cast to feature on a single song.

The album opens with the title track, featuring Jason’s old bandmate Marty Friedman and an astounding violin performance. “I wrote ‘Triumphant Heart’ and it made me feel triumphant,” says Becker. “When Marty found out I was making this album, he told me he would play anything I needed. I sent him this, and his wife, Hiyori Okuda, who is a cellist, also offered to play on it. The great violinist, Glauco Bertagnin, recorded my violin parts in Italy. That fast solo section I wrote is way too hard; I don’t know how Glauco pulled it off. He put so much soul in the whole song.”

‘Hold on to Love’ is the first vocal song on the record, although it didn’t start out that way. “It was going to be an instrumental,” explains Jason, “but after I wrote the chorus with lyrics, I knew I had to tell my story, to explain how I can continue living without feeling hate. I hadn’t written many lyrics before.”

In addition to its beautiful, gospel-tinged choir, the heartfelt song features Bay Area singer Codany Holiday on lead vocals.

‘Fantasy Weaver’ displays the 4-string magic of world-renown ukulele master Jake Shimabukuro and harp arpeggios that were written back in his Cacophony days. ‘Once Upon a Melody’ not only features two Jason Becker guitar solos from his Cacophony era, but also audio of him as a three-year-old. The full-circle nature of having little boy Jason, guitar virtuoso Jason, and modern-day composer Jason all on the same song is a breathtaking accomplishment while ‘We Are One,’ features soulful Flipsyde vocalist Steve Knight, and more Jason Becker guitar delights.

Uli Jon Roth appears on ‘Magic Woman,’ along with ex-Megadeth guitarist Chris Broderick who counts both Uli and Jason as big influences. Fans of Jason’s work with David Lee Roth will be thrilled by the inclusion of two previously unreleased outtakes from the ‘A Little Ain’t Enough’ sessions, the hard rocking ‘Taking Me Back’ and the blues-infused ‘Tell Me No Lies.’ There are also performances by Joe Satriani, Guthrie Govan, Steve Morse, Trevor Rabin, and many others.

“Some people feel sorry for me,” he concedes, “and I understand that. I really feel lucky though. I don’t miss playing guitar anymore. I’m sure that’s out of necessity, but I am grateful for so much more. I am surrounded by loving people, and I can still make music.”

JasonBecker-cover

Tracklisting:
Triumphant Heart (feat. Marty Friedman, Glauco Bertagnin, Hiyori Okuda)
Hold On To Love (feat. Codany Holiday)
Fantasy Weaver (feat. Jake Shimabukuro)
Once Upon A Melody
We Are One (feat. Steve Knight)
Magic Woman (feat. Uli Jon Roth & Chris Broderick)
Blowin’ in the Wind
River of Longing (feat. Joe Satriani, Aleks Sever, Guthrie Govan, Steve Morse)
Valley of Fire (feat. The Magificent 13)
River of Longing (feat. Trevor Rabin)
Taking Me Back
Tell Me No Lies
Hold On To Love (feat. Codany Holiday) [Chuck Zwicky Remix]
You Do It

Available formats:
2LP
CD
Digital
MFiT Digital

More information at http://jasonbecker.com – https://www.facebook.com/jasonbeckerofficial

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

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 15, 2018
Posted in: Int. News. Tagged: , , , . Leave a comment
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

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
Posted in: Int. News. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

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.