Career
Before beginning a solo career, Neil Zaza formed in 1987 the rock band ZAZA which toured United States. 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 Civil Defense;
Michael Anthony - bass player from world famous Van Halen and Chickenfoot appears on his When Gravity Fails Civil Defense and his current studio project in progress;
Steve Smith and Ross Valory - from Journey appeared on his Staring at the Sun Civil Defense. 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.