I do have a neat history of gaining Steve Vai recording credits by appearing on the seventh song of his albums only, but I literally had no idea that this cut was going to be on this album until a Vai fan e-mailed me and congratulated me on it. An epic ballad, "Lotus Feet" was just one of the songs performed in The Aching Hunger, a series of shows Vai did with Holland's famous Metropole Orchestra. This is a group of classical musicians who specialize in playing decidedly un-classical music.

How did I get involved? Because the orchestra's bassist had another gig, and Steve subsequently asked me. How grateful am I? Click here to read all about that specific event in detail.

Regarding this track, it's just a ballad, but I'm still quite happy with the climactic section from 4:30 to 5:35. Nailing half notes and whole notes is never so rewarding as when surrounded by a symphony.

And regarding the rest of the record... this is my favorite Steve Vai album since Passion And Warfare. Hardcore fans looking to have their heads knocked off need to get this album just to hear the album's closer "Under It All," as intense a musical composition as Steve has ever written, and equally as melodic and beautiful. But the rest of it is frighteningly good as well.