Steve Vai – Vai/Gash (Favored Nations, 2023)
After 30 long years of waiting, the long-awaited collaboration album between Steve Vai and Johnny “Gash” Sombretto, titled Vai/Gash, is finally seeing the light of day. The album, which was recorded in the 90s, was released in January 2023. This recording presents a different side of Steve Vai. Instead of instrumental pieces and dazzling guitar virtuosity, Vai made an engaging album with surprisingly good vocals, addictive hooks and outstanding musicianship, giving equal importance to instrumental skill, singing, and songwriting.
Steve Vai, who was heavily into biker culture in the early 90s, was inspired to create a straight-ahead rock album at the time. Through a mutual friend, he was introduced to Johnny “Gash” Sombretto, a motorcycle enthusiast who had survived a serious accident that left him severely scarred. The two got along immediately, and Steve convinced Gash to sing on the songs he had written.
Gash’s voice was nothing short of spectacular, and Steve knew immediately that it was the perfect fit for his hard-hitting rock tracks. Despite having other musical projects at the time, such as “Sex & Religion,” Steve had always planned on releasing this record.
Unfortunately, tragedy struck in 1998 when Gash was killed in a motorcycle accident. Steve was devastated, and the entire project was shelved. Now, after three decades, the album is finally released as a tribute to one of the greatest lead rock singers that never was.
Buy Vai/Gash