Sound Theories Vol. I & II is a double CD capturing Steve Vai's collaboration with the Holland Metropole orchestra. The first volume features a live performance of Vai and the Orchestra, while the second disc solely features the Orchestra performing Vai's compositions. Both parts have their moments, but at times the music might be a bit too extravagant for some... nonetheless, on the contrary there are also exquisite moments on both discs, and despite the music getting quite on the experimental side at times, the material manages to enthrall its listener on a frequent basis.

Production of this record is a bit tricky... in a way it has been produced rather well, considering that the performance sounds cohesive and as if it has been captured in one take (although it has been put together from several performances). Reading the liner notes, it becomes clear this is a true labor of love and it must have been quite the pain to edit. However, the mix could have been better in regards to balance between instruments. For example, every now and then I feel that the orchestra was unnecessarily stressed burying the guitar underneath and at times it's the other way around.

All in all, the idea behind Sound Theories Vol. I & II sounded promising, but the result doesn't quite offer the drive and excitement of Vai's "normal" solo work. Hence some fans might be disappointed with this release. Due to certain arrangements, sometimes the momentum is broken on this record. Regardless, the more time one spents with this record, and especially really listening and concentrating on the material, the more one is impressed and the listening becomes even more rewarding. As with every Steve Vai record to date, this isn't an easy-listening album although at times it sounds surprisingly accessible.

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- MAGE (September 18th, 2007)

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LINE-UP:
Vai, Steve: Guitar on Vol. I with the Holland Metropole Orkest 1st Violin de Ruiter, Arlia Laporeva, Vera Koeders, Denis Dumessie, Linda Korthals Altes, Erica Peijnenborgh, David Kromhout, Erik Teeuwen, Seija 2nd Violin Rombout, Merijn van Haaren, Herman Vierstra, Simone Kok, Wim Liefkes-Cats, Elisabeth van den Heuvel, Marianne de Leu, Doesjka Viola Versloot, Aimée Honingh, Mieke Jowett, Julia Schut, Iris Jansen, Norman Cello Grin, Wim Tangberg, Annie Albracht, Jascha Teeken, Jos Bass Winkelmann, Erik Liefkes, Arend de Vos, Tjerk Flute/Clarinet Darius, Friederike Abbas, Jeanine Saxophone/Clarinet Scholten, Marc van der Feen, Paul Janssen, Leo Janssen, Werner Martinez Schrivjer, Juan Oboe/Clarinet Luijt, Willem Bassoon de Vries, Jaap French Horn de Vente, Joeri van der Zanden, Hans Trumpet Oosthof, Jan Hollander, Jan Heijink, Henk Breuls, Ruud Trombone Fink, Hansjoerg de Kam, Martin Pfeiffer, Bert Bastiani, Jan Tuba Smeets, Joost Percussion van Nieuwenhuize, Arno Jiskoot, Murk Schäperclaus, Mike Baai, Martin Harp Schonewille, Joke Piano Vroomans, Hans Opperman, Chris Keyboards van der Put, Carlo Moog on "Helios and Vesta" Opperman, Chris Electric Guitar Tiehuis, Peter Electric Bass Guitar Beller, Bryan
Producer:	Vai, Steve
Mixing by:	Vai, Steve
Mastering by:	Sax, Doug & Nam, Sangwook "Sunny"

	TRACKLIST:
	Vol. I: "The Aching Hunger" 01. Kill the Guy with the Ball 02. The God Eaters 03. The Murder Prologue 04. The Murder 05. Gentle Ways 06. Answers 07. I'm Becoming 08. Salamanders in the Sun 09. Liberty 10. The Attitude Song 11. For the Love of God Length: 51:05 Vol. II: "Shadows and Sparks" 01. Shadows and... 02. Sparks 03. Frangelica Pt.I 04. Frangelica Pt.II 05. Helios and Vesta 06. Bledsoe Bluvd Length: 50:11