Steve Vai Comes Full Circle with “Modern Primitive”
The mind games people play with themselves can really do a number on the creative process. Feelings of self-doubt can slither in like a snake, slow and smooth, then strike when you least expect it. How do we overcome that urge to step off into the dark wings of the stage and let someone else shine? It takes courage and an inner artistic voice beating so hard in your heart that you have no choice but to take that leap of faith…without even really thinking about it. Well one artist took that heartbeat and pushed his self-consciousness to the back and let his fingers fly… and his name is STEVE VAI!
Starting out learning from the musical genius of FRANK ZAPPA, a young guitarist honed his chops. He watched the explosive and open vision that his mentor oozed with a creative force so genuine that it would be a constant in his journey right to the present day. Describing the voices in one’s head that can say there is nothing unique about ourselves…Vai pushed on to venture out on his own and create one of the most revered guitar albums of all time, “Passion and Warfare”. It seems that Vai had discovered a spark deep within himself that eventually became an inferno which caught the guitar world by surprise.
Well 25 Years later, Steve Vai has obviously shed his contentment with being the guy on the side of the stage with the guitar. After a career playing with the likes of Frank Zappa, David Lee Roth, Whitesnake, Devin Townsend and many other musical notables; he is revisiting his past and currently is out on a world tour in support of his quarter century old offering (previously never done for Passion and Warfare). Also, Vai’s new album (released June, 2016) the “Modern Primitive / Passion and Warfare 25th Anniversary Edition” takes a look into his more mature mind’s inner eye along with going full circle from his classic tracks, to some unreleased songs he performed with the band The Classified. Truly this artist is still evolving, but now takes that nervousness of his youth and harnesses it into the drive of a masterful curiosity.
I had the chance to discuss Zappa, self-doubt, new releases, Berklee College of Music, and his upcoming Boston show at the Wilbur Theatre on November 6th, with the Grammy Award winning Vai. I strongly suggest you go buy his new release, get to a show, take a listen to our chat and remember… you are your own worst critic.