Neil Zaza, who is of
Italian American heritage, was born in
Akron, Ohio and began playing the guitar at the age of 10. He went on to study classical guitar at the
University of Akron under
Stephen Aron. Before beginning a solo career, Neil Zaza formed the rock band ZAZA in 1987. The band toured the U.S. and released an album called
Party With The Big Boys in 1991. After his second solo album, Zaza was as a guest soloist with
The Hartford Symphony Orchestra, performing “1492” and a guitar interpretation of “West Side Story”. His CDs often include guest appearances by veteran musicians including: •
Jordan Rudess - keyboard player from
Dream Theater appears on his
When Gravity Fails CD; •
Michael Anthony - bass player from
Van Halen and
Chickenfoot appears on his
When Gravity Fails CD; •
Steve Smith and
Ross Valory - from
Journey appeared on his
Staring at the Sun CD. He has also shared the stage with notable guitarists such as
Joe Satriani and
Michael Angelo Batio. He holds an annual concert called
One Silent Night at the
Palace Theater in
Cleveland with the backing of the 60 piece Cleveland Rock Orchestra and features his adaptation of popular
Christmas songs to his melodic style. Zaza is known for dramatic entrances, often suddenly appearing from behind projector screens to provide his signature brand of neo-classical guitar virtuosity. In 2006, Zaza contributed his song "Fargo" to the album project Artists for Charity -
Guitarists 4 the Kids, produced by Slang Productions, to assist World Vision Canada in helping children in need. ==Discography==