Steve Vai and Joe Satriani have made their first full studio album together, but Vai still catches himself wanting approval from the man who taught him guitar.
SatchVai’s The Sea Of Emotion arrived on Friday, November 6th, we caught up with Vai ahead of its release, Vai recalled how much of his week used to revolve around getting ready for his next lesson with Satriani.
“And my whole goal all week was to go back to my lesson and impress my teacher with what I learned based on what he taught me.”
They’ve been close friends for decades, but asked whether he still wants to impress Satriani, Vai admits: “I can’t help it.”
“And then maybe in the background is jeez, I hope my teacher likes it.”
That history is on the album itself: the closing track opens with a reel to reel recording from one of Vai’s early lessons with Satriani. Elsewhere, Glenn Hughes lends his voice to ‘I Wanna Play My Guitar’, while the three-part title suite runs through the record’s final stretch.
Vai tells us the project grew from wanting new material for their onstage jams instead of relying on classic rock songs. With both guitarists juggling other commitments, they traded files to build the album, then toured before its release while waiting for the vinyl to be ready.
Steve Vai interview
Vai’s idea of success has changed along the way. Recognition and wealth once figured more heavily; now he puts greater value on being satisfied with the music he makes. Asked what goes into his creative “ultra zone”, he offers three things.
“My ultra zone is made up of the same thing as anybody’s is focus, passion, and joy.”
Vai would love to bring SatchVai to Australia, though he made no commitment to a tour. The costs would have to add up.
“You know, these days touring is in some places is virtually prohibitively expensive.”
“Yeah, especially Australia. Sorry about that, mate.”
His fondness for Australia extends to finishing tours in Perth and heading to Rottnest Island to see the quokkas, Vai also discusses finding an audience and learning to trust his own musical instincts.
The Sea Of Emotion is out now via earMUSIC.
The Sea Of Emotion Track List
- Mayhem
- Bronco Freight Train
- Dancing
- The Feeling I Know
- Zoot Suit Riot
- Old Sins Have Long Shadows
- I Wanna Play My Guitar
- The Sea Of Emotion Pt. 1
- The Sea Of Emotion Pt. 2
- The Sea Of Emotion Pt. 3 / Reflections On A Year And A Half
MORE IN Music
