Uncle G’s FUN Music Reviews: Steve Vai – Stillness In Motion_Vai Live In L.A. (2015)

Date Published: 10 April 2015 – Classic Rock Radio (UK)

Uncle G’s FUN Music Reviews
Spotlight: Steve Vai – Stillness In Motion – Vai Live In L.A. (2015 Sony Legacy)

By Gary “Uncle G” Brown
American Correspondent for Classic Rock Radio (UK)
GaryBrown@garyunclegbrownarchives.com

This past Tuesday (the 7th) I was lucky enough to get in on its first day of being released, the new and highly anticipated live double CD (also on DVD), by guitarist Steve Vai. The brilliant musician is mostly known in the classic rock world for either working with the legendary Frank Zappa (deceased), or one of classic rock’s coolest vocalists. In my eyes, the one and only frontman of Van Halen, Mr. David Lee Roth. Steve made two studio albums with Dave as part of the David Lee Roth Band; Eat ‘Em and Smile (1986), and Skyscraper (1988). Both releases were highly popular. On tour, these guys were super tight playing a set list of Van Halen/DLR songs. Yankee Rose smoked!

Now in the year 2015, and with an outstanding catalog of music behind him, comes what I believe to be an excellent representation of what kind of musician Steve Vai turned out to be. Dude knew his shit back in the late 1970s when Frank Zappa took notice. Not a teen anymore, but a man in his early 50s, Mr. Vai can still make people take notice, if not more so. Evident from the opening notes of what would be the 49th show from a tour that lasted over two years, with a total of 253 engagements. Now officially released for mass consumption. When playing, remember to buckle up, for it’s quite a ride.

In support of Steve’s 2012 studio release, The Story Of Light, the tour started in August 2012 and finished in September 2014. After listening to the whole show that was taped on October 12, 2012, in Los Angeles, California, my first thought was how I wished I could have been lucky enough to attend. The next best thing would be the DVD for me. Icing on the cake, especially after enjoying the 2-disc CD so much.

“Uncle G” RATES…Steve Vai – Stillness In Motion – Vai Live In L.A. (2015)

Expect the hard rock moments, and the beautiful ones as well. The whole band’s polished. Listening to both CDs back-to-back, especially for the already established fanbase is very much a treat. Was a given that the tour had to be properly archived in such a fashion. And you can’t say I didn’t tell you, yes a lot of this is instrumental. It makes for awesome background party music, whether a party of two or a crowd. Overall, this live release is highly entertaining! The twenty-two tracks demonstrate what happens when one devotes himself to something their entire life and then finds other musicians with the same passion, that can help present the finest rock n’ roll show possible. Mission accomplished! For those in his fanbase, just one variation, for every show by Steve Vai is a unique experience. Here’s one for the books. Produced by Steve Vai. A very cool addition to my personal CD collection, for sure. As I’m sure it will be in yours. Or DVD … let us NOT forget.

Using the one to five-star rating system, whereas one star pretty much means the recording sucks through a long straw, to five stars meaning it’s worth spending your hard-earned cash on, “Uncle G” rates Steve Vai – Stillness In Motion_Vai Live In L.A. – 5 stars! Not a blemish anywhere. Steve Vai ROCKS!

Bonus – From the Gary “Uncle G” Brown Classic Rock Autograph Collection…

End of Story

Maintenance – Independent Website Alert – Help Keep The Lights On

Uncle G’s Tip Jar

Can you help out an old altar boy? Boy Scout? Freelance Writer? Whatever you can donate big or small. Every dollar helps.

Coming Soon: Gary “Uncle G” Brown Archives Merchandise; Tee Shirt(s) – Keychain(s)

Thank you for visiting. You ROCK! Don’t forget to bookmark the Gary “Uncle G” Brown Archives, and keep coming back.

Oh…one last thing. The Gary “Uncle G” Brown Archives doesn’t advertise. Way too expensive! This costs nothing but your time. Sharing links and positive word of mouth about the website…means the world to the author. Please do, if possible. “Uncle G” would be very grateful.