“Know what makes Neil Zaza's annual One Silent Night infinitely cooler than similar-themed holiday projects by Mannheim Steamroller and Trans-Siberian Orchestra? It's homegrown, for one thing. For another, it actually rocks. The virtuoso guitarist celebrates the 10th anniversary of his not-so-silent Christmas concert by reworking some old favorites, adding new mash-ups to the mix, and shredding some seasonal joy. "You used to have to be a guitar player to get it," Zaza says of the show's earliest days. "I didn't dumb it down, but we really focused the attention of the music."”

“More than a decade ago, one of the world's foremost guitarists took the concept of a Christmas rock concert to new heights with the show One Silent Night... Now, Neil Zaza, one of the most acclaimed and unique guitar players in the world, will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Northeastern holiday classic by inviting the audience to be part of a truly interactive concert experience.”

“In summary, “212” is an outstanding musical effort from Neil Zaza. Mr. Zaza is the type of player that knows exactly what to play, when to play it and never over does it. He is incredibly melodic and a very mature songwriter and each song on this CD showcases that. One of the best instrumental albums I have heard in years and on par with the other greats of this genre such as Andy Timmons, Joe Satriani and Steve Vai. 5 out of 5 stars!”

“Listeners can’t help but wonder where the vocals are in each of Zaza’s albums. Neil chooses to have the lead guitarist take the place of the lead singer; the form of expression and emotion that Zaza grabs hold of is just as entertaining as any lead singer. “When playing with singers, it was always a little stifling,” Zaza said. “And I don’t feel that in my songs because it’s not just a rock solo. I view each song as having a true verse, chorus with the singing being done by the guitar.””

“With help from a guest or two you get a very full sounding album that doesn't just provide a carrier for the solos. Zaza can riff melodically too, and the sound is full so that when he does solo, it remains part of the song. ”

“This time around, Zaza puts the emphasis on songwriting rather than shredding. You'll still hear complex solos in songs like "Go!" and "Baroque Sky," but there are actual hooks guiding them here. "I wanted to keep it like the records that I grew up on," he says. "I wanted no filler on it. I wanted to let the song catch you."”

“Guitar phenom Neil Zaza can play just about any genre you can name, and blends classical with rock in his virtuosic neoclassical stylings. The Northeast Ohio native is coming to the Kent Stage to kick off his “212” tour on April 15. Buzzbin caught up with him to talk about musical muses, being in the studio with Ripper Owens and why he’s huge in Asia.”

“You've heard of Lady Gaga. How about Lord Zaza? He doesn't refer to himself that way but guitar fans and music critics consider Cleveland's Neil Zaza one of rock's most accomplished, technically dazzling guitarists since Eddie Van Halen, the wizard who inspired him. Everyone has a Beatles moment,”

“HE'S SHARED THE STAGE WITH THE TOP ROCK MUSICIANS IN THE BUSINESS AND PLAYED FOR CROWDS IN ENGLAND, CHINA, AND THAILAND. For all his worldly travels, however, virtuoso guitarist Neil Zaza chose Twinsburg's Gitterpicker String Factory to release his eighth studio album, "212." "I've come to terms with where I'm from," Zaza said Feb. 11 before the clinic and CD release party. "I'm just trying to give back a little bit ... it's part of who I am, I guess."”

“The GitterPicker String Factory in Twinsburg hosted the release party for Zaza’s new album, “212,” on Friday night. Zaza spent the evening answering questions, signing autographs, posing for pictures and playing new and old tunes.”