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"With "Vai/Gash", Steve Vai pays tribute to his old friend who died too soon, but also to the golden age of US hard rock."
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4/5
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Here is a project that Steve Vai left in the boxes for over 30 years. In the late 80's, Steve and John "Gash" Sombrotto became friends because of their common passion for motorcycles. In 1991, they recorded 8 tracks together that were full of open spaces and Harley Davidson rides across the United States. Steve put the tapes aside to concentrate on the composition of "Sex And Religion", with the firm intention of returning to it later. But fate decided otherwise. John died in 1998 in a bike accident and Steve, devastated, abandoned the project. It is thus 32 years after its recording that "Vai/Gash" is finally released, and this astonishing album is as much a moving tribute to an old friend as the testimony of a bygone era, that of the golden age of US hard rock.
For those who knew the great years of the Steve Vai / David Lee Roth duo, "Vai/Gash" will certainly be a gift from heaven. Tracks like 'In The Wind', 'Busted' or 'She Saved My Life Tonight' could have been on 'Eat'Em And Smile' and 'Skyscraper'. Besides, the resemblance between Gash's singing and Diamond Dave's is sometimes disturbing. Listening to his vocal prowess, on 'Danger Zone' for example, Steve's tribute to his old friend takes on even more meaning and also proves to be the rehabilitation of a true talent who disappeared way too early.
With an uncommon restraint, Steve Vai constantly puts forward Gash's performance, offering him absolutely enjoyable riffs and being particularly discreet technically. Each title contains very short soli, perfectly adapted to the eighties atmosphere of the compositions and (do we really have to say it?) of a frightening efficiency, in particular on the excellent 'Let's Jam', whose pre-chorus reminds curiously that of 'Can't Stand Losing You' of The Police in a quite other style.
Efficient and impeccably composed, "Vai/Gash" is a rejuvenating treatment of only half an hour, but it is enough to put you in a good mood for a whole day. This album is the testimony of a whole era, the one of the golden age of the American hard rock inherited from Van Halen of course, but also the one of carefree. A carefree attitude broken by a stupid accident, one day of September 1998. - Official website
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TRACK LISTING:
 01. In The Wind
02. Busted
03. Let's Jam
04. Woman Fever
05. She Saved My Life Tonight
06. Danger Zone
07. New Generation
08. Flowers Of Fire
LINEUP:
Johnny "gash" Sombretto: Chant
Steve Vai: Chant / Guitares
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(0) MIND(S) FROM OUR READERS
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(0) COMMENT(S)
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READERS
4/5 (1 view(s))
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STAFF:
3.8/5 (4 view(s))
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IN RELATION WITH STEVE VAI
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OTHER REVIEWS
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OTHER(S) REVIEWS ABOUT STEVE VAI
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