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 co-wrote. Beverly McClellan, a season one finalist on The Voice, appears on "John the Revelator," a track inspired by a vintage recording of blues singer Blind Willie Johnson, whose acid-soaked 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.

"I'm always pursuing knowledge, I'm a seeker of spiritual equilibrium-and music is a big part of that," says Vai. "I've been obsessed with these kinds of ideas for years." Looking ahead, Vai envisions a third set of songs that will unravel the mysteries and reveal truths that swirl through both The Story of Light and Real Illusions: Reflections. The completed trilogy, intended to be cinematic-even operatic-in scope, will include lyrics and narration.

The Story of Light is currently available for online pre-sale orders. This special pre-sale selection of bundled packages is offered exclusively through Steve Vai's website 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."



The Story of Light is Vai's 16th solo effort, and the follow up to 2009's live effort, Where The Wild Things Are. 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).

Steve Vai 2012 North American Tour Dates

8/15 -- Ft. Lauderdale FL | Revolution
8/16 -- St. Petersburg FL | Palladium Theatre
8/17 -- Lake Buena Vista FL | House of Blues
8/18 -- Jacksonville FL | Florida Theatre
8/20 -- Charlotte NC | The Fillmore
8/21 -- Nashville TN | Marathon Musicworks
8/22 -- Asheville NC | Orange Peel
8/23 -- Atlanta GA | Centerstage
8/24 -- N. Myrtle Beach SC | House of Blues
8/25 -- Durham NC | Carolina Theatre
8/26 -- Richmond VA | The National
8/28 -- Washington DC | The Howard Theatre
8/29 -- Stroudsberg PA | Sherman Theatre
8/30 -- Glenside PA | Keswick Theatre
8/31 -- Westbury NY |Theatre at Westbury
9/2 -- Lancaster PA | Chameleon Club
9/4 -- Ridgefield CT | The Ridgefield Playhouse
9/5 -- Wilmington DE | The Grand Opera House
9/6 -- Greensburg PA | Palace Theater
9/7 -- New Brunswick NJ | State Theatre
9/8 -- Morristown NJ | Mayo Performing Arts Center
9/9 -- Albany NY | The Egg
9/11 -- New York NY | Best Buy Theater (Note: Ticket info/prices not yet posted)
9/13 -- Boston MA | Wilbur Theatre
9/14 -- Northampton MA | Calvin Theatre
9/15 -- Concord NH | Capitol Center
9/16 -- Lebanon NH | Lebanon Opera House
9/17 -- Quebec QC CAN | Capitole Du Quebec
9/18 -- Montreal QC CAN | Metropolis
9/20 -- Toronto ON CAN | Sony Centre
9/21 -- Royal Oak MI | Royal Oak Music Hall
9/22 -- Buffalo NY | University of Buffalo Center for the Arts
9/24 -- Cleveland OH | House of Blues
9/26 -- Minneapolis MN | The Brick
9/27 -- Milwaukee WI | Pabst Theater
9/28 -- Chicago IL | House of Blues
9/29 -- St. Louis MO |The Pageant
9/30 -- Salina KS | The Stiefel Theatre
10/1 -- Denver CO | The Ogden Theatre
10/3 -- Boise ID | Knitting Factory
10/4 -- Seattle WA | The Moore Theatre
10/5 -- Vancouver BC | Commodore Ballroom
10/6 -- Portland OR | Roseland Theater
10/7 -- Napa CA | Uptown Theatre
10/9 -- San Francisco CA | Regency Ballroom
10/10 -- Sacramento CA | Ace of Spades
10/11 -- Anaheim CA | City National Grove of Anaheim
10/12 -- Los Angeles CA | Club Nokia
10/13 -- Agoura Hills CA | Canyon Club

Links:
Steve Vai