MORRISTOWN — Steve Vai, one of the great blues guitarists for over 20 years, performs Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012 at the Mayo Performing Art Center.
While many musicians fit easily into a single category, Vai's unique musical vision remains unclassifiable. After more than 20 years, Vai continues to use unbridled guitar virtuosity and soulful artistry to explore the spectrum of human emotion. He creates a sound all his own by striking a balance between technical ability and poetic phrasing.
"I make music to push my own buttons," explains Vai. "I've always been driven by an addiction to create sounds that are unique - not better than what other people do, just different."
That obsession remains the guiding force behind Vai's on-going musical evolution and what he loves most about being a musician.
"For me, the real gravy is when I hear a strange or beautiful sound in my head and then make it real in the world using the devices I have as a musician," said Vai. "The things that have never been done before are what interest me most."
Vai was one of the featured performers at Mayo Performing Arts Center's 2010 Experience Hendrix Tour.