Za Za Zoom: American guitar hero Neil Zaza to play Dimapur today

Kohima, Wokha, Senapati and Imphal next

EMN
Dimapur, April 9

World famous rock instrumentalist Neil Zaza will be performing for the first time in India when he takes to the stage of IMC Hall, in Dimapur on Friday. The American guitar hero arrived in Dimapur on Thursday after a long 24-hour journey. However, the ‘I’m Alright’ hitmaker was excited and waiting for the gig to start. He will be playing five shows during the next 6 days in Kohima, Wokha, Dimapur, Senapati and Imphal.
Neil Zaza is a melodic instrumental guitarist known for his huge repertoire of rock and classical adaptations and celebrated for his technical finesse, accuracy and adaptation of works by Bach and Mozart. The guitarist, who has played with everyone from Joe Satriani and Michael Angelo Batio to members of Van Halen nd and Dream Theater, plays rock genres in the line of neo-classical, and melodic rock instrumentals.
Interacting with media persons following his arrival at Dimapur, Zaza said it was the first time he was visiting India. He said it was an exciting opportunity to be performing in the state. It is amazing to learn about the Nagas’ love for music, he said, and described his feelings by saying “I can feel it here.”
Describing his passion to perform, Zaza said “I love to travel, I love to play and I live the fans” and also advised the local musicians to play ‘anytime, anywhere and for anybody.’
‘Talent alone is not enough to succeed until one love and believe in what he does,’ he guitar god said. He added that it was never about the gear – it was always about the player.
Answering queries about his success, Zaza said he don’t imitate others but tried to sound ‘like himself.’ It is easy to write a song but very difficult to write a good song, he said. A good song, according to hime, is “something that makes you feel like something” and makes you want to listen again and again.
The concert on Friday in the IMC Hall will start at 5 pm.

Biography

Before beginning a solo career, Neil Zaza formed in 1987 the rock band ZAZA which toured U.S. and released an album called Party With The Big Boys in 1991.[1][2] 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 (Dream Theater) appears on his When Gravity Fails CD;
• Michael Anthony (Van Halen and Chickenfoot) appears on his When Gravity Fails CD and his current studio project in progress
• Steve Smith and Ross Valory (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 underprivileged kids in need.
Discography
With ZAZA
• Just Get It (1989)
• Party With The Big Boys (1991)
Solo Albums
• Two Hands One Heart (1992)
• Thrills & Chills (1993)
• Sing (1996)
• Staring at the Sun (2001)
• One Silent Night… Volume 1 (2002)
• One Silent Night… Volume 2 (2002)
• Melodica (2004)
• When Gravity Fails (2006)
• 212 (2011)
• Clyde the Cat (2012)
Live Albums
• Snap, Crackle & Pop…Live! (1998)
• Neil Zaza’s One Silent Night…A Night At The Palace (2007)
Compilation Albums
• Rewind: The Definitive Collection (2005)
• Collaborations/Guest Appearances
• Ten Zen Men Project (1997) – Guitar, Producer
• Lords of Karma: A Tribute To Vai/Satriani (2002) – Guitar
• Warmth In The Wilderness: A Tribute To Jason Becker (2002) – Guitar
• Guitar Center Volume 1 (2004) – Guitar
• Mistheria -Messenger Of The Gods (2004) – Guitars on track 2
• Guitarists 4 the Kids (2006) – Guitar
• JRZ System – Cosmic String Theory (2008) – Guitar