They say music is the language of love, so if you are still looking for a special way to woo your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day, look no further than the Old Town Center for the Arts in Cottonwood. On Feb. 14 at 7 p.m., guitar virtuoso Anthony Mazzella will take the stage for a special Valentine’s Day concert. Though Anthony has been living and performing in Sedona since 1998, he says this concert will be different from previous shows. The evening will be divided into two sets. For the first set, Anthony will perform Spanish guitar standards and romantic Latin guitar songs – world music tunes that have made him a Verde Valley favorite. But during the second set, he’ll play previously unperformed cover songs. Think Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, The Who and even some Iron Maiden. It’s all in preparation for a new CD of cover songs that he will begin recording this year.
“People love world music, and I’ve been doing it for most of my career,” says Anthony, who was born in Long Island, N.Y. “But I’m noticing that more and more people want to hear rock. They love it when I do it. The audience response has been overwhelming.”
Anthony began studying the violin at age 5. He learned piano before falling in love with the guitar when he was 13. He began his performance career as a concert guitarist, playing clubs all over New York City and opening for headlining acts including James Brown and The Commodores. Anthony recorded his debut solo album in 1997, and in December 2012 he released his sixth studio album, a fusion of Spanish guitar and Near-Eastern music titled Ritual. He’s hoping to release the album of cover songs by the end of this year. “I have enough material for three records,” he says.
Anthony spent three years working on Ritual, so he’s been laying low since the album was released. He performs locally at several area resorts and restaurants and has upcoming shows in Phoenix. For details, visit his website, www.anthonymazzella.com. – Erika Ayn Finch
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