Speaking Of. . .

Frank Zappa, Captain, here is an oldie of Zappa "torturing" Ronald Reagan. Stop with the vitriol!



But this post isn't about Frank Zappa. I understand he made an important contribution to rock music, what it was I don't know, but few people know that a young guitarist mailed him some of his own music in the late 70's, which was neatly and perfectly transcribed note for note. This young man was eventually invited by Zappa to come work with him transcribing music and soon impressing everyone with his raw abilities. At the ripe old age of 19, the young man was out on tour with Zappa and recording overdubs and lead material in the studio. Zappa referred to him as his "young Italian virtuoso". In reality, and at that time, the young man was a prodigy not a virtuoso. Today however, he ranks among the most technically accomplished guitarists in modern rock and roll and will most certainly be remembered by history as a ground-breaking and awe-inspiring musician.

His name: Steve Vai

Below you will find one of the most incredible displays of guitar playing that I have ever seen. The technical skill, speed, tempo, and touch of his playing is impeccable and frankly, bloody ZOMFG awesome. I read somewhere a long time ago that before Vai recorded this song, he did not play his instrument for several weeks and also fasted for many days a part of his religion (whatever that is) before going to the studio for recording. According to the lore, he play the song in one take and was more or less carried away from the studio weakened and with bloody fingers. I don't know if any of that is true, but the song is powerful and whatever happened during recording, it came from that special place deep inside of a person that can create something beautiful and wonderful and pure.



I'm no great fan of Steve Vai, I only appreciate his music somewhat, but I really think that this song is particularly special from a technical standpoint and besides it has taken me 20 years to forgive him for starring in Crossroads with Ralph Macchio.