THE ULTRA ZONE is a 1999 album from guitarist Steve Vai. This is his fifth full-length album, as ALIEN LOVE SECRETS is an EP. THE ULTRA ZONE is structurally similar to Vai's previous album, FIRE GARDEN, in that the first half of the album consists mainly of instrumentals, and the second half mainly of vocal songs; however, unlike FIRE GARDEN, THE ULTRA ZONE is not formally divided into two "phases". THE ULTRA ZONE is notable for its tributes to two legendary guitarists: Frank Zappa (on the track "Frank"), and Stevie Ray Vaughan (on the track "Jibboom").
Also notable is the fact that this was Vai's last studio album of original material until 2005's REAL ILLUSIONS: REFLECTIONS. In the years in between, he released several compilations of his material, as well as a live album. This album includes the participations of Koshi Inaba and Tak Matsumoto from the Japanese band B'z on "Asian Sky".
This album contains two tributes to two other stellar guitarists. One of those is "Jiboom," which pays homage to Stevie Ray Vaughan, while "Frank" remembers Frank Zappa. Vai saw his career begin as a teenage stunt guitarist for Frank Zappa. Later, Mike Keneally performed the same role in a band backing Zappa. For this album, Keneally toured in Vai's band, but plays keyboards on the album. It is an amazing exhibition of six-string talent.
"Windows To The Soul" was nominated for the 2000 Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance.
Personnel: Steve Vai (vocals, various instruments, guitar); Koshi Inaba (vocals); Tak Matsumoto (guitar); Andy Cleaves (trumpet); Duane Benjamin (trombone); Mike Keneally (keyboards); John Sergio, Philip Bynoe, Bryan Beller (bass); Gregg Bissonette, Mike Mangini, Robin DiMaggio (drums); Niels Bye Nielsen (samples).
Produced, Arranged & Engineered by Steve Vai.
Track Listing:
1. The Blood and Tears [Instrumental] - 4:26 2. The Ultra Zone [Instrumental] - 4:52 3. Oooo [Instrumental] - 5:12 4. Frank [Instrumental] - 5:09 5. Jibboom [Instrumental] - 3:46 6. Voodoo Acid - 6:25 7. Windows to the Soul - 6:25 8. The Silent Within - 5:00 9. I'll Be Around - 4:57 10. Lucky Charms [Instrumental] - 6:44 11. Fever Dream [Instrumental] - 6:03 12. Here I Am - 4:12 13. Asian Sky - 5:34
The Ultra Zone (1999) (EPIC)
ReplyDeleteSteve Vai
Album Description:
THE ULTRA ZONE is a 1999 album from guitarist Steve Vai. This is his fifth full-length album, as ALIEN LOVE SECRETS is an EP. THE ULTRA ZONE is structurally similar to Vai's previous album, FIRE GARDEN, in that the first half of the album consists mainly of instrumentals, and the second half mainly of vocal songs; however, unlike FIRE GARDEN, THE ULTRA ZONE is not formally divided into two "phases". THE ULTRA ZONE is notable for its tributes to two legendary guitarists: Frank Zappa (on the track "Frank"), and Stevie Ray Vaughan (on the track "Jibboom").
Also notable is the fact that this was Vai's last studio album of original material until 2005's REAL ILLUSIONS: REFLECTIONS. In the years in between, he released several compilations of his material, as well as a live album. This album includes the participations of Koshi Inaba and Tak Matsumoto from the Japanese band B'z on "Asian Sky".
This album contains two tributes to two other stellar guitarists. One of those is "Jiboom," which pays homage to Stevie Ray Vaughan, while "Frank" remembers Frank Zappa. Vai saw his career begin as a teenage stunt guitarist for Frank Zappa. Later, Mike Keneally performed the same role in a band backing Zappa. For this album, Keneally toured in Vai's band, but plays keyboards on the album. It is an amazing exhibition of six-string talent.
"Windows To The Soul" was nominated for the 2000 Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance.
Personnel: Steve Vai (vocals, various instruments, guitar); Koshi Inaba (vocals); Tak Matsumoto (guitar); Andy Cleaves (trumpet); Duane Benjamin (trombone); Mike Keneally (keyboards); John Sergio, Philip Bynoe, Bryan Beller (bass); Gregg Bissonette, Mike Mangini, Robin DiMaggio (drums); Niels Bye Nielsen (samples).
Produced, Arranged & Engineered by Steve Vai.
Track Listing:
1. The Blood and Tears [Instrumental] - 4:26
2. The Ultra Zone [Instrumental] - 4:52
3. Oooo [Instrumental] - 5:12
4. Frank [Instrumental] - 5:09
5. Jibboom [Instrumental] - 3:46
6. Voodoo Acid - 6:25
7. Windows to the Soul - 6:25
8. The Silent Within - 5:00
9. I'll Be Around - 4:57
10. Lucky Charms [Instrumental] - 6:44
11. Fever Dream [Instrumental] - 6:03
12. Here I Am - 4:12
13. Asian Sky - 5:34