Zaza gets a NOTION™ to Compose
Award winning guitarist melds creativity and technology
Greensboro, NC (August 22, 2006) – Award winning guitarist and composer Neil Zaza has just released his
latest instrumental album, “When Gravity Fails”. On this highly collaborative effort, Zaza made extensive use
of NOTION software to compose the orchestral backdrops for his stunning instrumental performances with
fellow musicians Jordan Rudess, Peter Frampton, Steve Smith, Michael Anthony, Roger Manning Jr., Bob
Rock and many others.
Zaza employed a number of music software products on the new album including Steinberg’s Cubase SX, Arturia
Minimoog V, Ableton Live, Propellarheads Reason and Digideisgn’s Pro Tools. But when it came to composing and
capturing the essence of the string arrangements, VirtuosoWorks’ NOTION software proved up to the task.
“When I first saw the demo of NOTION I was blown away,” exclaims Zaza. “Not only is it a great and intuitive notation
program, but the sound library is second to none. The amount of control, dynamics, and musicality that you can impart
on the score is breathtaking. Combine that with the London Symphony Orchestra sound library and it was a no-brainer.”
Zaza and company used NOTION on “Something Anything”, “Danza Della Notte”, and “My Only Son” and had
originally had real string players cut tracks. The NOTION tracks ultimately became the main sound source while the live
players were mixed in.
“This was my very first project where I did all of the arranging and orchestration. I realized early in this project that I
couldn’t ask someone to paint a picture for me as it was always different than I had in my mind…I had to do it myself
to get the results I desired. With the help of NOTION, this is the beginning of a great aspect of my music.
I couldn’t believe how it elevated the music to a whole other level. There was a certain majesty and authenticity that I
couldn’t have gotten otherwise.”
Zaza plans to incorporate NOTION into his arsenal of technology for composing future projects such as a planned
orchestral-based work and as a performance tool in his annual “One Silent Night” Christmas concert.
Neil Zaza’s new album “When Gravity Fails” is available now. You can find out more about this release and
purchase it at http://www.neilzaza.com.
About Neil Zaza
With fiery technical brilliance and breathtaking musical interpretation, Neil Zaza has defined himself as the instrumental
guitarist with an unparalleled ability to combine solid, catchy songwriting with a keen melodic sense and technical fury.
From his virtuoso rock solos, to laying a funk groove, to demonstrating his classical prowess by performing Bach and
Mozart compositions, Zaza's extreme versatility has been showcased worldwide in concerts, clinics, festivals, as well as
on his own solo instrumental albums. Zaza has shared the bill with Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Dweezil Zappa, Steve & Mike
Porcaro (Toto), Yngwie Malmsteen, Vinnie Moore, and Andy Summers. He has performed on albums by Dweezil Zappa,
Eric Carmen, Michael Stanley and also supplied guitar tracks for a Stewart Copeland-produced movie soundtrack.
About VirtuosoWorks
Since 1998, VirtuosoWorks has been dedicated to creating and perfecting NOTION, incorporating its passion, vast
musical knowledge, the best programming, and of course, the finest musicians and recording technology in the world.
Since its creation, the company has grown to over 30 employees, and has received numerous awards recognizing its
innovative vision in the software industry.
NOTION and NTEMPO are both trademarks of VirtuosoWorks, Inc. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are property of their
respective owners. © mtech marketing communications.


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