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Ryan Maza is an accomplished, energetic guitarist from Tucson, Arizona (U.S.A.) who describes his style as progressive rock/jazz fusion, as demonstrated on his latest release, "Music Has Evolved".  His guitars of choice consist of an Ibanez Jem and a Steinberger. Maza has played guitar since 1982, and clearly states his career goal, "Well, with the release of the CD, and being able to perform live with some greats, like Satriani and Hoey, hell, being able to play in general with this style of music has given me and the band some new-founded motivation and inspiration. This is really the first release that I've ever done that I am honestly proud of. So, from here we're going to really push the CD and make it successful and support it live. Only five years from now, I just hope it's on a bigger level."
When asked about his favorite effect for the guitar, Maza replied, "I'd have to say a delay effect. At 250 ms, 7 level, 60% mix with main, 3% regeneration/stereo pan," and mentioned his musicial goals, "Most importantly songs and structure. Not just random 'wankin-off' and odd time signatures. Even though these kind of players are great in there own respects they seem to lose sight of the bigger picture -- song and melody. Now don't get me wrong, I like to wank like the best of 'em, but I like to save it for an appropriate section of the composition. Some tunes don't require wank at all." He would love to someday study tenor saxophone ("To me that thing just pours out an unmatched emotion like no other instrument. Watching someone with great breath control and dynamics are amazing. Far more impressive to me than moving your fingers around on a piece of wood."), and is currently listening to bass extrordinare Brian Bromberg ("From Tucson by the way"), Chick Corea's, 'Beneath the Mask', Los Lobotomies and Allan Holdsworth ("Before live shows I always listen to some kinda fusion material that I'd never be able to play. That way when the show starts, my mind is on a higher plane. It gives me a lot of new ideas, in terms of incorporating certain modes and licks into our live set"). His greatest satisfaction? "The best feeling would be playing a big show, looking out seeing tons of entranced people total into what you're doing. Not only do they buy your CD, but they ask you for a autograph as well. This makes it all worth it," he states unequivocally.
 Maza lists ongoing and upcoming projects thusly, "Well besides our usual rehearsals getting ready for live performances, our 'musical day' isn't very musical! It now consists of business; promoting the CD. I won't get into the 'idea mode' again until it's time to do the follow-up release. That'll be awile! But, I usually do practice ever day to keep my chops up. Usually in front of the TV (during commercials)!"
Maza's discography (available here at Guitar Nine Records) includes one recording project (Warp 3 "Music Has Evolved").
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