My first introduction to Neil Zaza came purely by accident. Newcastle Upon Tyne used to have great little CD shop which just specialized in good old rock music in all its forms. Whilst browsing through the racks a track was playing through the sound system which to put it frankly blew my mind. I was straight over to the counter to ask, “Who the hell is that?” Of course as you will realize it was Neil Zaza and a track called “Fargo” from his “Staring At the Sun” album. I purchased the album and from that moment gathered up all his releases via e-bay, Amazon and obscure music suppliers. It was a mystery to me as to how this player had slipped thought my guitar player radar as he also had a substantial back catalogue. The album “Snap, Crackle And Pop” has to be heard to be believed. It’s a double live release, which just screams fun! You can’t help but smile as you picture the trio going for it. Then there’s the album “Sing” which has wonderful tracks in the shape of “Hailin’” and “I’m Alright” two tracks which show what a guitar is capable of in the hands of someone who knows how to mix melody with chops. If you want stunt guitar go back further in Neil’s catalogue and seek out tracks such as “Going Out Of Style” or “Woody’s Revenge”. The one thing that has always impressed itself on me is how versatile a player Neil is. He can shred, play tender ballads or balls to the wall rocking wig outs with hooks and chops a plenty. It’s been a while since “Staring At the Sun” (2001) and so it came, as a pleasant surprise to find there was a new album done and dusted.

“When Gravity Fails” is an action packed instrumental album featuring thirteen tracks of rocking guitar tempered and balanced by some trademark soulful pieces. Neil also calls in some heavy weight friends to join him on the album such as Michael Anthony (ex-Van Halen) Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) Steve Smith (ex-Journey) and also Peter Frampton.

The opening track “Something Anything” is a glorious slice no make that slab of melodic hard rock instrumental guitar playing. Great orchestral backing gives the music a very big sound. Melodies twist and twirl from all directions and great changes in tempo drive the song along with gusto. Neil fires off some molten hot licks and notes drip off his fretboard. The underlying riff is a baritone guitar, which gives the track plenty of bottom end. From the moment the track starts it never lets up till the final notes ring out at the end. There is never ending supply of licks and tricks, which will have the shredders scratching their heads for hours and thinking how did he do that?

“Purple Plush” is a great straight-ahead rocker. Neil says he was “thinking of Suffragette City and Jet” when he wrote this song and was looking for a seventies vibe. Well he nailed it and this song is just pure rock n roll. Great technique flows out of the speakers and the solo’s really hit the spot. This track is fun and perfect for putting the sunroof back and heading down the highway.

“Cinematic” is a big and bold melodic number. Wonderful drumming from Steve Smith moves this song along but the stars of this song have to be the truly wonderful keyboard solo from Jordan Rudess which makes the hairs on the back of this reviewers neck stand up and the interplay between Zaza and Peter Frampton. This song has real soul and almost seems to breathe it’s so well paced. Magnificent stuff.

“In My Dreams” is just pure full on melodic rock guitar playing. It’s always been one of the qualities of Neil’s playing that he knows when to hold back and just let the music do the talking and this track demonstrates this perfectly. This track does have guitar fireworks on it but he uses it in a way, which complements the song.

Neil describes, “Bleed” as a straight-ahead rocker with a Celtic melody and that sums it up perfectly. There are nice intervallic leaps, which really lift the song and some cool sweep picked passages.

“Celestine” is a very orchestral led piece of music over which Neil plays some truly wonderful melodic passages. This track features playing where one senses Neil is digging deep and really playing from the heart. It’s very organic and flows beautifully. It’s a song, which is all about melody and emotion rather than terrifying licks.

“Danza Della Notte” interpreted stands for dance of night. It has an intriguing opening with Steve Smith reciting “Konokol” syllables, a rhythmic drum language form South India while playing the exact rhythms on the Ghatam, a South Indian clay pot drum. The track has an exotic feel to it and also feature wonderful orchestration as a backdrop. The guitar playing is a tour de force of melodic phrases. On this track it’s all about the song and the mood and the band really do create something very different and stirring.

“Heavyocity” is a great heavy slab of plodding riffs, which feature Michael Anthony’s unique bass sounds. Jordan Rudess puts in a trademark crazy keyboard solo as the icing on the cake and at times one is reminded of Dream Theater, as the track does sound very progressive. It’s also brings to mind the track “New, New Math” from “Staring At The Sun”.

“My Only Son” is a gorgeous melodic masterpiece. Delayed guitar brings to mind the Edge from U2 but the song is pure Neil Zaza. You really hear Neil using his gain from his guitar and amp as he rolls back and forth from fat tones to more transparent textures. This track will go down as fan favourite in years to come as it really bears all Neil’s trademarks.

“My Dearest” is a great arrangement of predominantly guitar and piano. It’s haunting and very lyrical with great orchestration and really hits the spot. One could say this is the most personal piece on the album and one can sense Neil is thinking of someone special as he plays this piece.

“Ultra” is a great moody rock number with some fabulous tapped passages. It sounds modern and has a superb drum beat backing the song. Some of the melodies have a foot in Led Zeppelin territory but the playing is totally up to date and the song sounds perfect for this generation guitar instrumental music lovers.

“The Awakening” is basically an introduction to the last track “Before The Throne” and features some truly fantastic backwards guitar playing which sets the mood perfectly.” Before The Throne “ is based on the church hymn “Before The Throne Of God” which with this track Neil takes to great emotional heights with his playing. This is uplifting stuff and I have to say I sat back and gave small thanks that we have musicians out there who still look for that melody which moves the spirit and the heart.

In my humble opinion “When Gravity Fails” is Neil’s best album to date. He has pulled out all the stops on this release. The production and sound is fabulous and he has captured his guitar tone perfectly. The melodies just pour from the speakers and licks and chops are of the highest quality. The overall impression as the album came to an end is that Neil is still driven and motivated by finding that melody that gets the listener and also himself inspired. Each play of this album will reveal more over time as there really is so much going on .The additional orchestration also adds a flavour to this album which one rarely hears in this genre and I know that I will be listening to this album for a long time to come.

Let us know your views on 'When Gravity Fails'

Track Listing

Something Anything
Purple Plush
Cinematic
In My Dreams
Bleed
Celestine
Danza Della Notte
Heavyocity
My Only Son
My Dearest
Ultra
The Awakening
Before The Throne