Virtuoso guitarist and visionary composer Steve Vai is set to release a new solo album of original material, on September 11th (in the UK) called ‘The Story Of Light’. The title comes out on Favored Nations Entertainment, the label Vai founded in 1999. Its sprawling and expressive 12 song set continues a conceptual and cosmic narrative arc begun on the artist’s acclaimed 2005 album Real Illusions: Reflections, Vai’s last studio album.
Although The Story of Light is largely instrumental, the album does feature guest vocalists, including singer songwriter Aimee Mann—dueting with Vai on “No More Amsterdam,” which she also cowrote—and Beverly McClellan, a season one finalist on The Voice (USA). McClellan appears on “John the Revelator,” a track inspired by a vintage recording of blues singer Blind Willie Johnson, whose acid soaked vocals are in the mix as well. Other highlights include the title track which opens the album, “Gravity!Storm,” “The Moon and I,” and “Velorum.”
Throughout, three time GRAMMY winner Vai’s lead guitar is as lyrically resonant as it is technically masterful, his licks and solos bending sounds and in listeners’ minds in equal measure. The Story of Light follows the journey of a man driven mad by grief, intertwining tragedy, revelation, enlightenment, and redemption.
Following up the 2009 live album Where The Wild Things Are, The Story of Light, is Vai’s! 16th solo effort. In support of its release, Vai will begin a tour of North America on August 15th in Fort Lauderdale Florida, accompanied by his band—who are also featured on the new album: Dave Weiner (guitar), Jeremy Colson (drums), Philip Bynoe(bass),and Deborah Hensen (harp, vocals, keyboards). European dates are expected later in 2012.
Steve will be playing a regional UK tour this December.
December 2012
Sat 1st Portsmouth, Guildhall
Sun 2nd London, HMV Hammersmith Apollo
Mon 3rd Wolverhampton, Civic Hall
Wed 5th Newcastle, City Hall
Thu 6th Ipswitch, Regent
Fri 7th Manchester, O2 Apollo
