MacAlpine is probably better in the "schooled/technique" sense (i don't think that Mike could rip those Chopin etudes or shred the fretboard like Tony), but i think Mike is the better player when it comes to fulfilling Steve's musical vision.
I also like what Mike adds to the band better.
peace
Although i have to agree that Mike fits Vai's vision and okay, sound more than Tony, the excitement Macalpine exudes when playing with Steve far outweighs all other factors. Just give Tony a little more time to fully jell with "The Breed" and i'm pretty sure it'll be hard for Steve to let go of T-MAC in the future!
That is, unless Dave Weiner brushes up on his piano lessons and steals the keyboard gig as well, LOL. That guy's another demon!
It's nice to know that my vote has brought Mike in leading position! Tony is great guitar player, but Mike just suits perfctly to Mr Vai's band!
In my humble oppininon, i like the performance on that G3 much more, then on Astoria live...Same oppinion goes also for tha bas player on g3 comparing to Shean (or whatever it is spelled, you know at who am i thinking)
it's hard to compare the two. Their styles are so different. Mike is like this funky, zappa-kinda freak, and Tmac is a full blown shredder. I think even Vai's style has changed
at the change of guitarists.
Tony MacAlpine blows me away on the "Steve Vai-live in Astoria" dvd. His solo! Fast fingers on the keys and guitar.
Mike's stuff on "Rama" with Andy West,Toshi Iseda is awesome.
This is a tough one. I like Tony's style more though....
Damn i wish keneally would still play with steve hes so damn talented and can shred like crazy .I really like tony too and i think he really helps out the band with his keyboard and shredding guitar talent. I would really like to see keneally in an upcoming show. He always gets the crowd going. But i cant pick between the 2 since they both have different styles of playing.
Tony is a great player, he's bloody good, but his tone just sounds wrong to my ears. Mike isn't as good a player in my oppinion, but a better musician with better tone.
I met Mike at a Taylor-sponsored acoustic gig in CT at my fav music store.
The owner is a long time dear friend and got me with Mike after the show for a little chat in his office.
First, I've met both of these guys - and even Tony's mother at the last Vai tour (my family was next to Tony's family for the show) and both these guys are true professional gentlemen. Classy guys, both.
But Mike's depth of musical structure and phrasing is just so advanced I have to go with him.
Doesn't surprse me at all. Mike is AMAZING!!! (another vote for Keneally)
Check out the original G3 DVD with E.J. and Satch. Keneally is A LOT tighter with Vai than McAlpine is in the Astoria DVD. Actually Vai's entire band is tighter...IMHO!
I really like Tony Macalpine a lot, but I voted for Mike Keneally because I have always thought him and Steve play great together.
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