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.
How did you first get into music?
I have always loved music. It’s been a big part of my life. I know that anyone else, any musician might say that, but for me, I’ve always been drawn to the guitar. I thought it was coolest instrument, played by the coolest guy in the band — especially like in Van Halen, Journey, those are the coolest guys in the band. And I still think it’s the coolest instrument.
You’re noted for your technical ability. Where did you learn that skill?
I like to say I was trained by the school of hard knocks. I played gigs in clubs and places like that, and really did that more so, but I did go to school. I went to the University of Akron for three and a half years. I never finished my degree, because by then I was touring, playing and recording. My parents hated it.
Let’s talk about “212”, your most recent album, which was just released in February. Musically, what were your goals with this album?
Every record that I do, I want to uncover, who is Neil Zaza? What am I trying to do? What do I sound like? Every record is diving in, writing more melodically, coming up with better songs. I want a record that not just a guitar player would want to listen to. It could end up being, ‘Look at me! I can play this arpeggio!” but no one cares other than other guitar players. It sounds like very egotistical music to me, but for me I definitely want to bring out something that I would want to listen to, very melodic, pretty, and then bringing the guitar in afterwards. The guitar takes place of the singer, structured like a pop song.
What’s the story behind the title?
The reason is — you know how some people have a number that follows them around? Well, my number is 212. Over the past few years I’ve found it all around me — Starbucks receipts, stuff like that. It’s like a code, it permeates my life, and I was like, you know what? This is the title, 212. When we were recording the album, it was even the address of the studio. It’s just a bunch of eerie things.
You’re a local name who still lives in the area — in Northfield Central — despite having achieved notoriety and success, and you’ve chosen Kent Stage as the locale for your CD’s release. What made you decide to stay here?
As a young man you always want to forge out, you think there’s always someplace better. There are better places, but I’ve come to terms with the fact that it’s home. I can get a lot of work done in my recording studio; I have my universe here. And I’m gone so much it doesn’t bother me. I don’t need to live in a place with a nightlife.
Who are some of your most prominent influences?
Van Halen. I would say the reason I play guitar is because of Eddie Van Halen. Journey. Michael Schenker of UFO, Brian May, Peter Frampton, Boston.
You’ve traveled extensively in Asia, performing in countries such as China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Korea. What draws you to this part of the world?
First of all, I really do love it over there. It’s like a whole other world. But it really is the fan base over there. I don’t know why, but my music really seems to be popular over there. The music I do in America, it attracts a very guitar-based audience, all these guys in leather jackets with their arms crossed. Over there, it’s guys and girls. There’s this open-mindedness, and young and old people. In 2000 I played a festival in Korea — I was the headliner — and when I walked out there were 15,000 people with banners and everything. It was a surreal moment.
What are you working on currently, now that “212” has been released? Does this concert kick off a tour?
I’m working on a number of things at the moment. A, I want to get out on the road in the U.S. I haven’t played the U.S. in years. B, I’ve been in the studio with Ripper Owens doing a few things. I don’t know what it will turn into — we’ll see what that will turn into. But mainly I just want to get out and play. I spend a year, a year and a half working on “212”. And yes, the Kent show will kick all of this off.
Neil Zaza will be coming to the Kent Stage on April 15. Tickets start at $21.50 and are available here and include a sampler EP; show starts at 8.
