Steve's New Album "The Story of Light"

Steve Vai to release new solo album "The Story of Light: Real Illusions: ...of a.." August 14 on Favored Nations Records, with guest vocalists including Aimee Mann and Beverly McClellan. 12 Original recordings continue a conceptual narrative arc started on Vai's acclaimed "Real Illusions: Reflections" album.

Virtuoso guitarist and visionary composer Steve Vai will release "The Story of Light: Real Illusions: ...of a...", a new solo album of original arrangements, on August 14. The title comes out on Favored Nations Entertainment, the label Vai founded in 1999. Its sprawling and expressive 12-song set continues a conceptual and cosmic narrative arc begun on the artist's acclaimed 2005 album Real Illusions: Reflections (also Vai's most recent solo studio release).

Although The Story of Light is largely instrumental, the album does feature guest vocalists including singer-songwriter Aimee Mann—dueting with Vai on "No More Amsterdam," which she also cowrote—and Beverly McClellan, a season one finalist on The Voice. McClellan appears on "John the Revelator," a track inspired by a vintage recording of blues singer Blind Willie Johnson, whose acidsoaked vocals are in the mix as well. Other highlights include the title track (which opens the album), "Gravity Storm," "The Moon and I," and "Velorum." Throughout, three-time GRAMMY-winner Vai's lead guitar is as lyrically resonant as it is technically masterful, his licks and solos bending sounds and in listeners' minds in equal measure. The Story of Light follows the journey of a man driven mad by grief, intertwining tragedy, revelation, enlightenment, and redemption.

The Story of Light is available as of today for online pre-sale orders. This special pre-sale selection of bundled packages is offered exclusively through Vai's website, www.Vai.com, where complete details on the products and ordering information are available. Each package includes an instant download of a track from the new album personally selected by Vai, "Gravity Storm." Following up the 2009 live album Where The Wild Things Are, The Story of Light, is Vai's 16th solo effort. In support of its release, Vai will begin a tour of North America on August 15th in Fort Lauderdale Florida, accompanied by his band—who are also featured on the new album: Dave Weiner (guitar), Jeremy Colson (drums), Philip Bynoe (bass), and Deborah Hensen (harp, vocals, keyboards). For more information: www.vai.com

Visit www.vai.com/tourdates for ticketing information and a complete list of dates.