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Steve Vai - Visual Sound Theories - Live DVD
One more Steve Vai drills into our heads just how accomplished a musician he his. His orchestration of many of his popular pieces is highly impressive, the fact they sound the same as the record is a testament to his level of skill.
Interestingly unlike most performers who will overdub where mistakes are made Vai shows us a more 'human' performance with the occasional open string slipping out when the fumbles his sustainer switches during one piece, unlike other artists such as Yngwie who have performed/written with an orchestra Vai's music really fits in well with the classical vogue.
It is refreshing to watch a performer who plays with such a group of other musicians and does not write them into the background, perfectionist as ever Vai makes sure each instrument has an important voice, heck there is even a triangle in there!
One of the great highlights is 'the attitude song' from the 'Flexible' album, on its own its good but with an orchestra its huge dude! The only downside is a controversial reworking of 'for the love of god' which kinda backfires as it starts with a woodwind version of the melody which is really lilting and gentle almost easy listening music, then when Vai comes in its too much distortion and volume from the guitar and the orchestra seems to dissapear and the end goes on too long and you begin to loose where you are in the song.
But at least he licks the strings! Oh yes and one small question Mr Vai (your royal lordship) why is it whenever you play 'answers' you always play the 'other' guitar part the one no one remembers???
Go out, buy this, sit back watch a genius at work then try not to be too dissapointed in your own playing ability!Read full review...
Vai and Orchestra, an amazing combination.
I already had this on CD and so when I saw it on eBay for only £3.99 plus postage I jumped at the chance. This is a very well filmed and edited DVD with all the relevant instruments or sections of the orchestra highlighted at the right time. There is also plenty of focus on Vai's hands just so you can be further amazed at the notes and sounds coming out.
The orchestra used is a highly proficient modern ensemble (unlike the orchestra on DT's Score), there are no split notes in the brass or tuning discrepancies in the strings and they are able to keep up with the very difficult arrangements and the demands of the score.
There is a selection of extras including an interview with Vai, a short Behind the Scenes type documentary and a commentary track with Vai and one of the people who helped with the orchestations and his tech. This is a fun and entertaining bonus.
This is both demanding and uplifting music and it rewards with every listen.
Highly recommended.Read full review...
steve vai- exactly what it says
wasnt expecting much from this as had bought the cd before and thought it was just ok, but this dvd brings it too life! you actualy get to see vai show some emotion when he plays along with his incredible technique.
great orchestra too.i payed aroung £7.50 for the dvd and is worth every penny!Read full review...