Mystery Tracks Archives Vol.3

Personnel: Steve Vai (vocals, various instruments); Mike Keneally (guitar, keyboards); Mats Oberg (piano, keyboards); TM Stevens (bass, background vocals); Scott Thunes (bass); Morgan Agren (drums); Jonathan Haas (percussion).
Producers: Steve Vai, Davitt Sigerson, Robin Dimaggio.
Recorded between 1991 & 2002. Includes liner notes by Steve Vai.
"Essence" was nominated for the 2004 Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance.
Though to the uniformed Steve Vai is known solely for his incredible electric guitar "shredding," fans of the musician recognize him as the most musically innovative and wildly eclectic figure to emerge from the '80s metal scene. MYSTERY TRACKS: ARCHIVES VOL. 3 is the third in a series of discs collecting Vai's "golden scraps"-- unreleased tracks, demo recordings and other ephemera. For some artists a collection like this might signal a collectors-only pile of not-ready-for-prime-time music better left on the trash heap, but in Vai's case it's just the opposite.
Steve Vai is at his best when left to his own devices, and here the listener is treated to the sounds of an immensely talented musician doing what he loves most with absolute freedom. From crazed, death-defying metal chops-fests ("Just Cartilage") to the gorgeous "Tears In Heaven"-style acoustic ballad "Selfless Love," Vai performs with a jaw-dropping combination of unbridled enthusiasm and pure technique that will send even skilled musicians scurrying for the practice room.