BW&BK; has received the following Steve Vai press release:

Steve Vai has contributed a previously unreleased song to the new Musicians For Minneapolis - 57 Songs for the I-35W Bridge Disaster Relief Effort Benefit CD. This special 3-CD collection of tracks features contributions from a multitude of artists including SPARKLEHORSE, LOS LOBOS, CALEXICO, Howe Gelb, Simple Kid, DJ Spooky, Les Claypool, Bobby Bare Jr., Lee Scratch Perry, George Clinton and Joe Bonamassa.

The compilation is dedicated to the survivors and those who lost their lives on the I-35W Bridge, August 1st, 2007 - and to their families and friends, the rescue teams and volunteers. All proceeds from the sale of this compilation CD go to the Minnesota Helps - Bridge Disaster Fund. Electro-Voice (the producer of this CD) hopes to sell out of the first pressing of 5,000 copies and raise $100,000 - in time for the August 1st anniversary of the collapse.

Steve's track 'Without Me' is a soaring ballad originally recorded during the Ultra Zone sessions, and features Philip Bynoe on bass, Mike Mangini on drums and Mike Keneally on keyboards. Says Steve of the track:

“This piece of music is contributed to this project out of respect and love for the great city of Minneapolis, and with sympathy and support to the families who were affected by the August 1st, 2007 bridge disaster. We are perpetually rebuilding everything, from our cities to our souls. God Bless.”

Musicians For Minneapolis is already on sale at a number of Twin Cities independent record stores, and everywhere through CDBaby.com. You can read more about the project at the EV Musicians For Minneapolis website.

In tandem with the release of Musicians for Minneapolis: 57 Songs for the I-35W Bridge Disaster Relief Effort, Electro-Voice will also be launching a celebrity memorabilia charity auction for the same cause, which includes an Ibanez guitar signed by Steve Vai, two signed Les Paul guitars from OZZY OSBOURNE/BLACK LABEL SOCIETY guitar phenom Zakk Wylde, a Dean bass signed by all members of MEGADETH, and a custom Minarik Dick Dale flame guitar, among other items to be listed in upcoming days at www.electrovoice.com/musicansforminneapolis.

Click here to buy this CD."