Neil Zaza's One Silent Night...
A Night At The Palace
2007

Produced by Neil Zaza - Melodik Records

Recorded live at The Palace Theatre, Playhouse Square Center in Cleveland, Ohio on December 16, 2006

Track #	Track Name	Listen or Purchase at iTunes	Guitar Tab	Backing Track
	Disc One
01.	Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
02.	Angels We Have Heard On High
03.	Oh Holy Night
04.	Do You Hear What I Hear?
05.	O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
06.	I'm Alright
07.	The Nutcracker: Dance Of The Sugar-Plum Fairy
08.	O Come, All Ye Faithful
09.	The Nutcracker: Dance Of The Reed-Flutes
	Disc Two
01.	Carol Of The Bells
02.	Joy To The World
03.	Hallelujah
04.	Beethoven's Fifth Symphony
05.	Cinematic
06.	Little Drummer Boy
07.	The Nutcracker: March
08.	Rhapsody In Z
09.	Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

The Players

Neil Zaza (Guitar)
Nick Greathouse (Rhythm Guitar)
David Strieter (Keyboards)
Raymond J. Liptak (Bass)
Bill Cioce (Drums)
The Singing Angels (Choir)

One Silent Night... Volumes 1 & 2 Boxed Set
2006

Melodik Records

Disc One:

01. Carol Of The Bells
02. Joy To The World
03. Do You Hear What I Hear
04. Oh Holy Night
05. O Come All Ye Faithful
06. Jesu, The Joy Of Man's Desiring
07. The First Noel
08. Little Drummer Boy
09. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
10. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
11. Bonus Track: Little Drummer Boy-Live 2002

Disc Two:

01. The Messiah Medley
02. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
03. Silent Night
04. O Tannenbaum
05. Away In A Manger
06. We Three Kings
07. Panis Angelicus
08. The Lord's Prayer
09. Angels We Have Heard On High
10. The Christmas Song
11. Bonus Track: We Three Kings-Live 2002

When Gravity Fails
2006
Produced by Neil Zaza - Melodik Records

 

Track #	Track Name	Listen or Buy at iTunes	Guitar Tab	Backing Track
01.	Something Anything
02.	Purple Plush
03.	Cinematic
04.	In My Dreams
05.	Bleed
06.	Celestine
07.	Danza Della Notte
08.	Heavyocity
09.	My Only Son
10.	My Dearest
11.	Ultra
12.	The Awakening
13.	Before The Throne

Reviews:
  
Anyone that is familiar with Zaza’s work will know that his work is a near perfect marriage of melody and flash and "When Gravity Fails" is perhaps his ultimate exercise yet in this art form. "When Gravity Fails” is a superb instrumental album. I defy anyone to listen to this album and not be blown away. Zaza really has come up with an ace with this record, and whilst "Melodica" was a very good album, ‘”When Gravity Fails” can be considered to this point Zaza’s magnum opus. Stylistically it has all the right ingredients, yet there is an element of passion here that is often missing from instrumental works even from the perceived big name instrumental market leaders. On the basis of this album (not to mention Zaza’s back catalogue), Neil Zaza deserves to be at the very top of the guitar elite. ESSENTIAL. - Virtuosityone.com

Now comes When Gravity Fails, the Ohio native's eighth CD loaded with 13 melodic hard-rock gems, jaw-dropping solos and an even more impressive guest list than Staring at the Sun that would make better-known players squeal. Unlike other instrumental guitarists, Zaza is smart enough to retain control of his playing. Sure, When Gravity Fails lifts off with lots of soaring, high-pitched arena-rock soloing (part of what makes the record so refreshing and endearing), but nary a single note sounds out of place. Nor does Zaza ignore his fellow musicians. In fact, “Cinematic” emerges as one of the album's prettiest and best songs precisely because Zaza allows Rudess a mesmerizing piano solo in the middle, accented by Frampton's classic-rock fretwork. The man's example is one that many younger players - and even some older ones - should heed. We need more musicians like Neil Zaza. - Sea Of Tranquility


The Players

Neil Zaza (Lead, Rhythm, Baritone & Bass Guitars, Synth)
Michael Anthony (Bass)
Timothy M. Bradford (Keyboards)
Bill Cioce (Drums)
Peter Frampton (Guitar)
Doug Johns (Bass)
Scotty Kormos (Drums)
Mark Leach (Hammond B-3 Organ)
Roger Joseph Manning Jr. (Keyboards)
Bobby Rock (Drums)
Jordan Rudess (Keyboards)
Steve Smith (Drums, Percussion)
T.M. Stevens (Funky Bass)
David Strieter (Keyboards)
Garry "GMan" Sullivan (Drums)

Rewind: The Definitive Collection
2005

Produced by Neil Zaza - Melodik Records

Track #	Track Name	Listen or Buy at iTunes	Guitar Tab	Backing Track
	Disc One
01.	I Spy
02.	All My Life...
03.	Fargo
04.	Little Drummer Boy (Live)
05.	Lost In Your Dream
06.	Melodica
07.	Jesu, The Joy Of Man's Desiring
08.	Higher And Higher (Live)
09.	Melodia
10.	Town Without Pity (Demo)
11.	I'm Alright (Live)
12.	Zen, Karma And Other Good Things
13.	We Three Kings (Live)
14.	[Untitled]
15.	New, New Math
16.	Tobaber
17.	Across The Sands
	Disc Two
01.	Friends (Satriani Cover)
02.	Simple Life (Writing Session)
03.	This Time
04.	Frankenstein (Live)
05.	Eleanor Rigby (Outtake)
06.	Sleepwalk (Demo)
07.	Everything I Should Have Said...
08.	Miller's Atomic Mood Swing (Live)
09.	Faith
10.	Guitar Solo (Live)
11.	Oh Holy Night (Live)
12.	Fearless (Live)
13.	O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Live)
14.	The Joof (Live)

This two CD collection is a venerable history lesson in the music and career of Neil Zaza. Spanning over 12 years, this project presents material from Neil first instrumental effort, Two Hands, One Heart, through the current day opus, Melodica. Included with the standard NZ favs are unreleased demos, live cuts, and even the writing session for the song that would become "This Time"! If you think you have heard everything Neil has done, get ready to be surprised because this is the CD for you.

Melodica
2004

Produced by Neil Zaza - Melodik Records

Track #	Track Name	Listen or Buy at iTunes	Guitar Tab	Backing Track
01.	On With The Show
02.	This Time
03.	All My Life...
04.	As I Go Before You
05.	Melodica
06.	Breadstick
07.	Ship of Dreams
08.	Flow
09.	I Can See Miracles
10.	Across the Sands
11.	Rena
12.	Very Important Cat Things
13.	Everything About You
14.	Forgot to Make Her Mine
15.	Goodbye

"I consider Melodica a culmination of everything that came before it...and then some. It merges leading-edge technology with the timeless elements of solid songs and great playing. It also represents a turn in the road for me in where I will likely be headed for future projects."

Reviews:

“The virtuoso's dream for technical perfection, vivid imagination, structural discipline and passionate creation comes true when albums like Neil Zaza's "Melodica" come out! From the first chords Neil manages to make us feel fine, our spirit elevates and some of life's worries are left behind! In a time where every clone of Satriani or Vai makes his own way by trying to get distinguished amongst others, Neil makes his own route and continues in his own melodic path he carved on his own.” - Metal Temple

“Neil's playing is lightning fast and he knows every trick in the book, but the prime element is how melodic and soulful he can be. Give a listen to his new disc, "Melodica", and you'll be astonished with his lyrical approach to instrumental guitar music! Tracks like the opener, "On With the Show", the gorgeous title track, or the quiet "Good-Bye" will have you asking why Neil's face doesn't grace the cover of every guitar magazine across the globe with more regularity!” - Tinfoil.Music

The Players

Neil Zaza (Guitar)
Mark Leach (Hammond B-3 Organ)
Timothy M. Bradford (Keyboards)
Doug Johns (Bass)
Raymond J. Liptak (Bass)
Bill Cioce (Drums)

One Silent Night... Volume 1
2002

Produced by Neil Zaza - Melodik Records

Out-Of-Print

Track #	Track Name	Listen or Buy at iTunes	Guitar Tab	Backing Track
01.	Carol Of The Bells
02.	Joy To The World
03.	Do You Hear What I Hear
04.	Oh Holy Night
05.	O Come All Ye Faithful
06.	Jesu, The Joy Of Man's Desiring
07.	The First Noel
08.	Little Drummer Boy
09.	O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
10.	Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

"Holiday music has some of the most memorable and soaring melodies on the planet. Seeing that is something that I really strive for in my music, it was simply a natural progression to do this project."

Reviews:

"Zaza's playing is a kind of aural psychedelia. He takes traditional music and makes it his own creation. It's recognizable, but it's like going on a familiar tour but with a guide who shows you things you haven't seen before.” - The News Leader

The Players

Neil Zaza (Guitar)
Timothy M. Bradford (Keyboards)
Greg Henderson (Bass)
Bill Cioce (Drums)
Christopher Ceja (Drums)
Scotty Kormos (Drums)
The Chapel Orchestra
Fred Patterson II (Conductor)

One Silent Night... Volume 2
2002

Produced by Neil Zaza - Melodik Records

Out-Of-Print

Track #	Track Name	Listen or Buy at iTunes	Guitar Tab	Backing Track
01.	The Messiah Medley
02.	Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
03.	Silent Night
04.	O Tannenbaum
05.	Away In A Manger
06.	We Three Kings
07.	Panis Angelicus
08.	The Lord's Prayer
09.	Angels We Have Heard On High
10.	The Christmas Song

Reviews:

"Zaza's playing is a kind of aural psychedelia. He takes traditional music and makes it his own creation. It's recognizable, but it's like going on a familiar tour but with a guide who shows you things you haven't seen before.” - The News Leader

The Players

Neil Zaza (Guitar)
Timothy M. Bradford (Keyboards)
Greg Henderson (Bass)
Bill Cioce (Drums)
Christopher Ceja (Drums)
Scotty Kormos (Drums)
The Chapel Orchestra
Fred Patterson II (Conductor)

Staring at The Sun
2001

Produced by Neil Zaza - Melodik Records

Track #	Track Name	Listen or Buy at iTunes
01.	I Spy
02.	Lift
03.	Lost In Your Dream
04.	Zen, Karma And Other Good Things
05.	The Wonder Of You
06.	New, New Math
07.	Rain
08.	Every Thought Of You
09.	Baking @ 350° F
10.	Fargo
11.	Angel
12.	Definition
13.	Purple Rain

"Out of all of my CDs, this one will always be the standard to which I compare my latest works. You might even say that it marks the beginning of my “modern era” direction. While “Thrills & Chills” remains my favorite overall recording experience, “Staring at the Sun” remains my favorite body of compositions from start to finish. To me, this one still stands up."

Reviews:

"Staring At The Sun" is a shred masterpiece and a guitar fan's wet dream! This album has it all, combining speed, melody, versatility and feel. It is the type of album that almost everyone can identify with, an album that can be the soundtrack to different experiences in an individual's life. It is the type of album that utilizes and expresses the power of music. It is the type of album that reminds me of why I'm a guitar fan and furthermore, a music fan in the first place. I've listened to Neil Zaza's "Staring At The Sun" several times now, and I am completely blown away. As a matter of fact, I don't think my overall score of 10 does this album justice. Once in awhile you find an album that you know you'll be listening to 10-20 years from now- "Staring At The Sun" is that album. Rating: 10/10” - House of Shred Magazine

“Simply awesome and filled with beautifully structured songs, utterly essential.” - AOR Reviews

“The CD has an elegant flow, the abilities of the musicians involved in this project is nothing less than brilliant, everything just oozes of pride and egotism. It gets nutty at times, so many insane solo runs charging at you, he's literally raping his guitar! Believe me, Death Metal virtuosity is nothing compared to the immaculate talents of this man.” - The Metal Observer

“Beautifully composed, technically perfect, and invested with real soul - a rare ingredient in this game, an illustration of the possibilities offered by ten fingers and six strings.” - Logo Magazine

“Neil Zaza has an impressive list of co-stars on this album, but manages to outshine them all. It takes a great deal to impress me when it comes to instrumental albums, but Neil Zaza has done it. The reason is that not only does this album contain impressive guitar playing which showcases Neil's talent, but it also entertains as well.” - Mood Swings Melodic Rock Webzine

Snap, Crackle & Pop...Live!
1998

Produced by Neil Zaza & Bobby Rock - Paranormal Records

Disc One:

01. Intro
02. I Wish
03. Fearless
04. Lightworker
05. Guitar Intro
06. I'm Alright
07. Quadzilla (Drum Solo)
08. Walk This Way

Disc Two:

01. Jungle Boogie
02. Amazing Grace
03. Hailin'
04. The Duel
05. Guitar Solo
06. Bass Solo
07. Hailin' Reprise
08. Bonus Radio Interview

"Even to this day, “Snap, Crackle & Pop…Live!” remains one of the more over-the-top instrumental rock CD's you will likely ever hear."

Reviews:

"Super chops, super players, two CDs worth of live, in-your-face instrumental power rock fusion. They take no prisoners as they blast through two killer sets of mostly original material...musicians interested in serious rock should not miss this one.” - Fuse Magazine

"Hard-rockin' fusion doesn't get any tastier than this. These fifteen tracks have just the right balance of structure, melody and virtuosic showmanship to keep you enthralled from start to finish.” - Progression Magazine

The Players

Neil Zaza (Guitar)
Bill "The Buddha" Dickens (Bass)
Bobby Rock (Drums)

Ten Zen Men Project
1997

Produced by Robin DiMaggio, Neil Zaza, Andre Berry - Dream On

01. Chuck's Welcoming
02. Funkalicious
03. Mutha Funk
04. M.O.F.O.E.
05. Bell Bottom
06. Havana's Theme
07. Present
08. Virus
09. Haunted House
10. Bass Orgy
11. Marshmallow
12. Chuck's Goodbye
13. Crickets

"This is what happens when you combine a melodic rock guitarist with a funky, LA based rhythm section and set aside a mere seven days to write, record and mix a completed project. It's not an official “NZ” release, but I am very proud of what we did in the incredibly short time we had to do it."

A project that Neil recorded in early 1997 with drummer Robin DiMaggio (Steve Vai, Mariah Carey, Paul McCartney) and LA bassist Andre Berry. Sessions and writing for this CD were completed in 5 days, start to finish, so you can really hear the vibrancy and urgency in the tracks. A combination of funk and rock- James Brown meets Soundgarden. Wild grooves, looping, and some of the wildest playing that you have ever heard from Neil.

The Players

Neil Zaza (Guitar)
Andre Berry (Bass)
Robin DiMaggio (Drums)

Sing
1996

Produced by Eric Fritsch - Melodik Records

Track #	Track Name	Listen or Buy at iTunes
01.	Everything I Should Have Said...
02.	Crazy Love
03.	I'm Alright
04.	Journey To Texas
05.	IMC@ 3:14 a.m.
06.	Phunk
07.	Amazing Grace
08.	Hailin'
09.	Jenny's Song
10.	Over The Hill
11.	A Song For Home
12.	Melodia (Live)

"Although “Sing” represents a slightly mellower page in my body of work, it would ultimately play a critical role in refining my direction and setting the stage for the more melodic slant of my future material."

Reviews:

“Zaza adds a delicacy to his roster of colors which really does allow the listener to hear his instrument "sing." For a band that only sports Zaza on guitar and synths, Michael Papatonis drumming and producer Eric Fritsch on bass and keyboards, the sound is incredibly big. And it grooves, beautifully. There is so much depth to the originals that “Sing” really doesn't need any gimmicks or hype. It is truly a remarkable record by a man who has the chops to make some tremendous waves." - mp3.com

The Players

Neil Zaza (Guitar)
Eric Fritsch (Bass)
Michael Papatonis (Drums)
Bruce Walker (Horns)

Thrills & Chills
1993

Produced by Michael Morales - BMA Entertainment

Currently Out-Of-Print

01. Joof
02. Ground Zero
03. Melodia
04. Champ
05. Tobaber
06. Red Meat
07. Higher and Higher
08. [Untitled]
09. Ain't No Thang
10. Haunt

"In an existential sense, “Thrills & Chills” was my rite of passage. When it was completed, I felt like I had evolved into a new person and had matured from being a guitar player to actually being a musician. None of my other projects have ever touched me like this."

Reviews:

“Clean concise songwriting, catchy melodies, Neil's trademark guitar pyrotechnics, with a combination of focus on songwriting and composition, fiery technical delivery, and riveting, yearning emotional conviction.” - Guitarapalooza



The Players

Neil Zaza (Guitar)
Blake Sakamoto (Keyboards)
Doug Johns (Bass)
Christopher Ceja (Drums)

Two Hands, One Heart
1992

Produced by Neil Zaza - Leviathan Records

Currently Out-Of-Print

01. Climb The Alps
02. Bolt On Street
03. Funkin' Sheriff Full Of Led
04. Faith
05. Geronajoe
06. Hat's Off To You
07. Like It's Going Outta Style
08. Right Here
09. Woody's Revenge
10. Miller's Atomic Mood Swing
11. Tobaber

"Even though my vision of how I truly sound has evolved so much, I still hear elements in “Two Hands, One Heart” that have stayed with me, but in a much more raw and embryonic form. There are glimpses of what was to come melodically, compositionally and technically."

Reviews:

“Temper Shred with some great songwriting, and jaw-dropping technique, and you have a must-have CD. Zaza gets somewhat neo-classical, Zeppelin-esqe and even downright Mexican, once again demonstrating his versatility and fretboard nimbleness.” - Guitar Nine Records

The Players

Neil Zaza (Guitar)
Timothy M. Bradford (Keyboards)
Doug Johns (Bass)
Stick E. (Drums)
Christopher Ceja (Drums)

JRZ System Featuring Neil Zaza
Cosmic String Theory
2008

Songs written by JRZ System

Produced by T. Roy - Novox Music

01. Drive (Rush Hour)
02. Dear John
03. Farewell To Friends
04. T.K.O.
05. The Last Waltz (mother earth)
06. Night Of The Three-Legged Thing
07. Overworked & UnderFunkin’ Paid
08. Prelude in E
09. Where To Belong
10. Tippy Toes
11. The Phantom

The Players

Neil Zaza (Guitar)
Troy Johnson (Bass)
Todd Roberson (Drums)
Mark Zavon (Guitar-Track 6)

Guitarists 4 The Kids
2006

Produced by Steve Lang - Slang Productions

01. Guitarists 4 The Kids
02. Blind - Steve Salas
03. So'K - DramaGods
04. Toccata in Dm - The Toy Dolls
05. This Spring Release 10,000 Butterflies - Ottmar Liebert
06. Journey To Alcazaba - Johannes Linstead
07. Highway - Alice Stuart
08. I'm Buzzed - Steve Lukather
09. Breaking - Bumblefoot
10. Zoo Me - Mattias Eklundh
11. Fargo - Neil Zaza
12. Falafel a Montsegur - Pierre Bensusan
13. At The End of Time - Robert Fripp

Reviews:

"The best track of the entire album is Neil Zaza's "Fargo", not only because I'm a big Zaza fan but because even with one of his average tracks he clearly beats the competition squeezed into this album. [By the way, does Neil have any average tracks?!]" - Rock United

Mistheria
Messenger Of The Gods
2004

Produced by Mistheria

01. Praeludium Opus 71
02. Zeus Will Storm The Earth (Features guitar solo by Neil Zaza)
03. The Chimera
04. The Beast Of The Maze
05. King Midas
06. Dynasty Of Death
07. Children's Heaven
08. Witch Of The Demons
09. Dragon's Teeth
10. Messenger Of The Gods
11. Titans
12. Eternity

Guitar Center Volume 1
2004

Produced by Mascot Records

01. Needles Ca - John 5
02. Wooden Music - Steve Morse
03. Lust For Life - Marty Friedman
04. Lift - Neil Zaza
05. I've Got The Fire - Michael Schenker
06. All Along The Watchtower - George Lynch
07. G.V.R.O. - Paul Gilbert
08. The Damn Thing - Greg Koch
09. Colonel Panic - Jing Chi Featuring Robbin Ford
10. Giant Steps - Jeff Richman/Greg Howe
11. Come On In - Vital Information Featuring Frank Gamble
12. Travelliní Sounth - Joe Bonamassa
13. Aint That Cold - Joe Louis Walker
14. Fooliní Me - Steve Fister
15. Superheroes - Racer X

Reviews:

"Neil Zaza's "Lift" is another slice of classy rock guitar music similar to Satriani in his extremist days" - The Metal Observer


"With a formation of real luxury, Neil Zaza returns to the present music from "Staring at The Sun." A sample of this fantastic album is the track "Lift" where minor scraps of Vai's passion and the flying Satriani merge into a melodic theme but with a powerful and overwhelming personality able to please everyone. " - Metal Symphony


"Another name...is Neil Zaza. This fellow really knows how to impress on six strings as well." - Lords of Metal E-Zine

Lords of Karma:
A Tribute To Vai/Satriani
2002

Produced by Versailles Records

01. Alway's With Me, Always With You - Bruce Kulick
02. Surfing With The Alien - Jake E Lee
03. Echo - Jimmy Crespo
04. Summer Song - Brad Gillis
05. Friends - Neil Zaza (Also available on "Rewind")
06. Yankee Rose - Enuff Znuff
07. Shy Boy - George Lynch, Tony Harnell and jason Mc Master
08. The Attitude Song - Richard Kendrick
09. Tender Surrender - Tony Janflone Jr.
10. Tobacco Road - Corey Crave

Reviews:

"Friends was remade by Neil Zaza and I wouldn't have picked anyone else for the job. His style of playing fit this song's vibe so well, it was a match made in heaven. Zaza is a non-stop melodic guitarist and this song accented his style even more. Neil screams out some amazing leads and plays with so much soul.” - The Shred Zone


"Neil Zaza was a natural choice for this album, he is a widely respected instrumental guitarist and after hearing his take on “Friends” we know why! It’s a perfect end to the Satriani portion of the album as Neil explores the many personalities of Satriani’s music, playing it with an explosive passion.” - IconoFan Network


"Neil Zaza conveys the song's warm feelings with a remarkable interpretation of the song's crescendo and re-interpretation of the song's mellow break." - RoughEdge.com

Warmth In The Wilderness:
A Tribute To Jason Becker
2002

Produced by Lion Music

01. Desert Island
02. Colors
03. Feathers - Steve Vai
04. Temple of the Absurd
05. Brightest Star of All - Marty Friedman, Melle Vasquez
06. Temple in the Cellar - David Valdes
07. Poem - Randy Coven
08. Utopia - Milan Polak
09. Dialogues at the Moon - Carlos Creator
10. When You Wish Upon a Star (A Jam for Jason) Featuring Neil Zaza
11. I.M.N.U. - J.K. Northrup
12. Perpetual Burn - Stephen Ross
13. Life Afterlife - Steve Booke, The Magic Elf
14. Hourglass - Mario Parga