Steve Vaus

Mystery Tracks Archives, Vol. 3 is Steve Vai's third installment of his planned ten-disc rarities retrospective, this time out collecting various hard-to-find Japanese bonus tracks, compilation cuts, and otherwise unavailable promotional tracks. Included is an edited version of the notorious "Kill the Guy With the Ball," retitled here "Speeding," and like most of the other tracks that appeared on import versions of Vai's albums, it's the type of shredding that folks have come to expect from Vai. The version of "Sofa" done at the Zappa's Universe concert, long out of print, is also included here. The most interesting tracks, however, come from some of the instrument demonstration cuts done for companies like Korg and Roland. On these tracks, Vai was inspired by (and constrained by) the sounds available to the instrument he was showcasing, and it leads him down a different path than that generally represented on his albums. There's far less bombast in these understated performances, and they really give a better indication of what a well-rounded player Vai can be.

A highly skilled guitarist known for his fluid, effects-heavy playing, British musician Steve Hillage has collaborated with countless musicians and influenced several genres over the course of his lengthy career, particularly space rock, prog, ambient, and techno. Initially associated with the Canterbury Scene during the late '60s and early '70s, Hillage played in groups such as Uriel and Khan before becoming a key member of psychedelic cult favorites Gong during the '70s. He launched his solo career with the ambitious 1975 prog rock suite Fish Rising.

A great choice of tunes and an outstanding supporting cast mark this album from the outset. With performers of the caliber of Steve Swell and Dominic Duval behind her, vocalist Mary LaRose (not to be confused with the equally impressive jazz vocalist Dena de Rose) spins a tight yet expansive story, one that goes deep into the belly of the melodies, distorting them just enough to make them feel fresh. LaRose is a modernist, yet she values old-fashioned tunefulness and emotion. Trombone, sax, and acoustic bass may at first blush seem like an odd combination to back a jazz singer, but with her elastic vocal chords, the mix is nearly perfect…