Neil Zaza - Staring At The Sun reviewed by The House of Shred

C D R e v i e w

Neil Zaza - Staring At The Sun Nuerra Records
Overall Rating	The Breakdown
	Shred	10
	Production	10
	Vibe	10
	Songwriting	10

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 a while you find an album that you know you'll be listening to 10-20 years from now - Staring At The Sun is that album.

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.

As a guitarist, Zaza can shred with the best of them, as a matter of fact he should be the one headlining the G3 tour. Not to knock Satch, but after listening to Neil ZaZa, Joe Satriani will sound like Bob Weir. Reality check: YES, Neil Zaza is THAT good! As a composer, Neil is brilliant, "Lost in Your Dream" is a testament to this. And the songs he covers on this album are also brilliant - led by a beautiful Cello-filled Stu Hamm composition called "Rain" and a smokin' rendition of Prince's classic "Purple Rain."

Speaking of Hamm, he is a guest on this album, as well as fellow shredder Michael Lee Firkins, but the bulk of the work is handled by Journey's former Rhythm section, bassist Ross Valory and monster drummer Steve Smith. Also, the album features an Egyptian theme, and every song tells a story. It is up to the listener to close his/her eyes and absorb the music. This doesn't happen often with instrumental music, but when it does it's a beautiful thing.

Combine Steve Vai and John Petrucci's speed, add Steve Morse's versatility, Al DiMeola's Jazzy chops, Gary Moore's soulful sense of melody and Uli Jon Roth's sky-high notes and you have Neil Zaza. Be sure to pick up Staring At The Sun!

Shred Pick - Zen, Karma And Other Good Things (5:53)

Reviewed by Henry Bocanegra

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