Sat 7/30 @ 8PM
In the early 90s, when guitarist Neil Zaza was becoming increasingly unhappy with the melodic hard rock band, which bore his name, he initially resisted leaving this band, saying he’d be “nothing” without it.
How wrong that proved to be! Releasing his debut instrumental album Two Hands, One Heart in 1992 shortly before gathering his courage to step out on his own, Zaza has forged a stellar career that has taken his all over the U.S., Europe and Asia multiple times, released nearly two dozen albums and videos in the past 30 years, and collaborated with artists such as Van Halen’s Michael Anthony, Peter Frampton and Journey/Vital Information drummer Steve Smith. He’s got products such as guitar instruction books and a signature guitar and runs his own studio, the Audio Kitchen, in Akron.
As an instrumental guitarist, Zaza’s music speaks an international language and has fans all over the world. He’s joined the legendary names to whose ranks he aspired — guitarists such as Joe Satriani and Steve Vail, who needed no band to provide a foundation for their careers.
Zaza came out of an era, the late 80s, when much of playing hard rock guitar was abut showing off. Players like Yngwie Malmsteen were famously about speed and intricacy and the then-popular guitar contests found young players practicing their speediest Malmsteen-like riffs. Over the years, Zaza has shed any propensity in that direction, developing a style that focuses on a lyrical, song-like style that foregrounds the melody.
“It’s always been about the song for me,” says Zaza in his biography. “I remember all the tunes that really moved me when I was growing up and it wasn’t about the guitarist playing 128th notes. It was about an inexplicable connection I felt drawing me to wear out my records as I couldn’t get enough of that rush of the song itself! That’s what I try and do with my music today.”
In March Zaza released his latest album, Vermeer. He’ll now perform at the Music Box Supper Club with Tony Lang opening. Doors are at 6pm if you want to eat dinner first.
Go here for tickets.
One Response to “NE Ohio Guitar Virtuoso Neil Zaza Celebrates New Album at Music Box”
Dolores Gray
I am so grateful that Neil ventured out on his own. What a blessing he is to music! His sound touches my soul.