The follow-up to Vinnie Moore‘s critically acclaimed 2015 “Aerial Visions” album will be released on October 9 on his label Mind’s Eye Music. Titled “Soul Shifter”, Vinnie‘s ninth solo album features guest appearances by legendary artists Rudy Sarzo (OZZY OSBOURNE, QUIET RIOT) and Jordan Rudess (DREAM THEATER), with Richie Monica on drums, Michael Bean (bassist from Vinnie‘s “Time Odyssey” album), John Cassidy (keyboards) and John Pessoni (drums).
Vinnie is considered one of the originators of shred guitar, and has released eight influential solo albums, and six albums and a live DVD as a member of rock royalty legends UFO. He’s made countless album guest appearances, and has even recorded the soundtrack for a Pepsi TV commercial. He’s been a member of Alice Cooper‘s band and was opening act for RUSH on their “Roll The Bones” tour with his own band. His solo and UFO recordings as well as live performances have amassed rave reviews all around the globe from both fans and music press, catapulting him into guitar icon distinction. He has been an inspiration for fans and guitarists worldwide.
Says Vinnie: “I have been touring all over the world extensively with UFO and my solo band for the past 16 years. I started this album a couple years back and have been working on it religiously between tours. It’s quite different than any of my others. It has elements of things I’ve done in the past, but has gone much deeper into certain areas. There is an overall sort of contrast between energetic upbeat songs, versus ballad-like soulful ones which has always been a big part of my style. There are some jam elements in places too. This is likely the most emotional and soulful thing I have ever done. Very moody, with lots of feel.
“I wrote a song as a tribute to Carlos Santana, called ‘Brother Carlos’, and another called ‘Gainesville Station’ which is a tip of the hat to Steve Gaines. Both players were huge influences on me when I was learning to play, and continue to be now.
“When something moves me, what I am feeling flows directly into music. That’s how I deal with reality. I woke up one morning to the news that Chris Cornell had passed and it really hit me hard. I went into my studio, picked up a guitar and immediately wrote and recorded ‘Mystified’. Without intending to do so, and because of what was going on around me at the time, this album in a way became a tribute to people who meant something to me.
“The ALLMAN BROTHERS were always one of my favorite bands and I was working on a song called ‘Soul Rider’ that was inspired by them. While writing it, unfortunately, Greg Allman left us. A lot of heart went into recording that song. Also, I wrote a song called ‘Heard You Were Gone’ for my friend and band mate Elliott (Dean Guitars) who left us unexpectedly a couple years back.
“There are definitely some downhearted cathartic moments on this album, but they’re balanced out with songs like ‘Kung Fu Grip’ and ‘Funk Bone Jam’ that represent the opposite side of my personality, which is my constant joking and quirky sense of humor.”
The UFO “Last Orders” tour began in England in March, and will continue in the USA on October 9.
