Steve Vai's Favored Nations Label Adds Acoustic Branch
By
Sefany Jones,
Contributing Editor
Friday, July 19, 2002 @ 1:10 PM
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Steve Vai’s Favored Nations Spawns Acoustic Arm
Favored Nations Acoustic To Release First Albums In September
New York, NY - Steve Vai’s Favored Nations label has proven itself to be a powerhouse after only a few years in business, garnering 3 Grammy nominations and a winner this year. Looking to build on this foundation of success, Favored Nations intend to implement the same model to expand its catalog, as September will see the first releases from the newly developed Favored Nations Acoustic label. Andy Summers & John Etheridge and Peter Huttlinger will hit the streets on September 10, 2002. Peppino D’Agostino and Tommy Emmanuel will be released on September 24, 2002.
Designed to promote acoustic guitarists and other instrumentalists, Favored Nations Acoustic will carry the same high standards as it’s label proper and Steve Vai commands an amazing amount of respect, admiration and excitement for his artists and their work. “To dedicate oneself to playing an instrument solo and creating inspired music is usually a result of being compelled by an inner desire to express true artistry,” he states. “When an artist does this it’s a gift to the rest of us. Favored Nations Acoustic is set up to seek out and cultivate these treasures.”
After his final days with the Police in 1986, Andy Summers moved forward with a solo career based in ambient improvisatory soundscapes with hints of jazz, classical and world music. John Etheridge has been at the top of the jazz and contemporary guitar world for 25 years. Their collaboration, Invisible Threads, is comprised of extrovert originals and affectionate acoustic takes on Django Rheinhardt and Thelonius Monk.
Peter Huttlinger was recently named the “National Fingerstyle Guitar Champion” at the Walnut Valley Festival and has established himself as a top-notch session player, composer, arranger and songwriter, having been involved in several Grammy and Emmy nominated projects. His forthcoming album, Naked Pop, is a breathtaking instrumental showcase of original compositions, traditional fare and songs made famous by The Beatles, Sting, Steely Dan, The Allman Brothers and Stevie Wonder.
Peppino D’Agostino’s unique brand of percussion combined with finesse results in a sound that seems impossible for one guitar. Every Step Of The Way contains a collection of instrumental guitar solos written over the span of his 35 year career, as well as two brand new pieces. Peppino D’Agostino will be touring the West Coast and Europe throughout the summer.
Tommy Emmanuel has been referred to as “one of the greatest guitar players on the planet” by his longtime friend, collaborator and mentor Chet Atkins. Emmanuel’s recording career spans from the late ‘70s in his homeland of Australia to his most recent release Only. Tommy has toured or worked with everyone from Leo Kottke to Eric Clapton and was nominated for a Grammy with Atkins in ‘98 for “Best Country Instrumental Performance” for The Day Fingerpickers Took Over The World.
Invisible Threads and Naked Pop will be released September 10th and Every Step Of The Way and Only will be released September 24, 2002 on Favored Nations Acoustic.
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