Ten finalists were selected from among hundreds of entrants—who posted their best performances at sonicbids.com—to perform onstage in front of a live audience and a panel of world-famous guitar stars that included Elliot Easton (The Cars), Jennifer Batten (guitarist for Michael Jackson, Jeff Beck), Steve Lukather (Toto), and Greg Hampton, (producer of Alice Cooper, Ronnie Wood, Lita Ford). Host of this year's event was Brendon Small, (co-creator of Adult's Swim's Metalocalypse animated series). The celebrity judges evaluated each original performance, and rated each contestant on technique, creativity, charisma, and overall vibe.
The ten finalists, who represent a wide range of guitar styles ranging from rock to country, were: Dave Benzinger, Brodie Cumming, Brian Davidson, Hercules Castro, Danny Jones, Steve Langemo, Steve Senes, Krisz Simonfalvi, Doug Towle, and Jeff Zampillo.
Vicki Genfan, the Guitar Superstar 2008 champion, performed at the competition before handing over her crown to this year’s winner Steve Senes.
A segment from Vicki's instructional DVD "3D Acoustic Guitar" produced by TrueFire.
Every now and then an artist comes along whose music reaches out and touches the soul of all who hear them. Virtuoso guitarist, singer and composer Vicki Genfan is among those artists. Drawing from folk, jazz, pop, soul and world music, Vicki is redefining ‘singer/songwriter culture.’ With a mastery of the acoustic guitar that borders on pure alchemy, audiences are mesmerized by the waves of sound Vicki creates with just two hands and her voice. Using 29 alternate tunings and the percussive technique she calls 'slap-tap', you'll find the addition of her pure, expressive vocals that dig deep and stir the heart to be the perfect accompaniment on many of her songs. Vicki writes and beautifully sings her own brand of music and lyrics while putting her unmistakable imprint on familiar tunes like the Beatles’ "Norwegian Wood." An evening with Vicki is far more than a concert ... stories, warmth and humor come gift-wrapped in an unforgettable evening of music that leaves the audience wanting more.
Vicki has been recognized among the world’s greatest guitarists and musicians at festivals such as The International Montreal Jazz Festival, Germany’s Open Strings Guitar Festival, Italy’s Soave Guitar Festival, as well as at venues and Performing Arts Centers across the US and abroad. In 2005, she was one of the featured artists on La Guitara, the first compilation CD featuring female guitarists from around the globe, released by Vanguard Records. With several additional ground-breaking recordings behind her, recent acquisitions of the 6-string banjo, 12-string and baritone guitars, high demand at clinics and music camps and an ongoing European presence, Vicki continues to reach beyond musical borders and into new territory.
VICKI GENFAN, of Fairview, NJ, wins the 2008 Guitar Player Magazine Guitar Superstar competition with her thrilling acoustic playing. Hosted by Andy Summers, the event was held September 13, 2008, at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco, California.
The backing band for the evening was Thud Factor, featuring bassist Jonathan Herrera, keyboardist Eric Levy, drummer John Mader, and guitarist Jude Gold.
Judges included Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Elliot Easton, Brendon Small, and George Lynch.
Finalists were rated on technique, creativity, charisma, and overall vibe. Prizes included a feature article in Guitar Player, and a bevy of wonderful prizes from event sponsors such as Mesa/Boogie, Moog Music, Epiphone, ZZYZX Snapjack Cables, Bugera Amps, Audio-Technica, Auralex, CAD Microphones, Carr Amps, Collings Guitars, Cruz Tools, Dunlop Manufacturing, Essential Sound Products, Fulltone, Keeley Electronics, King Amplification, Magix, Mono Cases, N-Tune Peterson, ProTone Pedals, Reeves Amplification, Reverend Guitars, Shreddies, Villex Electronics, and Westheimer/Cort.
Highball from the upcoming release De-Evolution Of Theory from Guitar Player Magazine's Guitar Superstar 2009 Steve Senes.
Having played with various bands over the years, Steve Senes has amassed quite a large variety of styles ranging from Rock, Metal, Country to Funk, R&B and Soul. Every band Steve has played with has left a mark on his playing and writing style. This diversity is especially evident on Steve's soon to be released solo instrumental CD, "dE-eVolution oF thEorY".
This instrumental foray takes you on a wild ride through many styles and vibes of music - through the aforementioned genres, also including hints of Latin, Jazz, even a Classical moment or two. The variety can only be described as schizophrenic musical bliss! As one listens through this collection, the diversity - even among the heavier rock tracks - is pronounced and sets it apart from so many other Instrumental rock releases. It’s this diversity and attention to how the song “feels” that Steve hopes will become the signature hallmark of his instrumental guitar career. Completely self written, performed, produced, engineered and mixed, "dE-eVolution oF thEorY" is an excellent showcase of Steve's many musical talents.
So who is this guy? Imagine if you will the soulful, melodic catchiness of Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson and George Lynch; the sneaky, rhythmic quickness of old school Eddie Van Halen and Nuno Bettencourt; the harmonic complexity of Steve Vai and Jason Becker; the insane shred of Yngwie Malmsteen and Paul Gilbert. Now add the drum and bass-heavy crunch of Metallica; the brutal grooviness of Pantera, Disturbed and Sevendust. Toss in a cool Latin journey ala Carlos Santana; even take a trip back to the 70ʼs on a Starsky and Hutch vibe.
