Hammersmith Odeon, London
February 17, 1979
Engineer: Mick Glossop
FZ lead guitar
Warren Cuccurullo rhythm guitar
Denny Walley rhythm guitar
Ike Willis rhythm guitar
Tommy Mars keyboards
Peter Wolf keyboards
Ed Mann percussion
Arthur Barrow bass
Vinnie Colaiuta drums
Terry Bozzio voice)
Bozzio: He’d been out here a long time, you know, I wonder if he’s really. ..
entertained by this
I'm in my 3rd year of Jazz and I was just listening to Wes Montgomery a moment ago (doing some research). But, I always have to get some Zappa in my ears after. I have a lot of respect for great Jazz players, but to me, Frank Zappa is just so much more interesting. His music is so fresh and his playing is so captivating. His ear and artistic direction; his relationship with his instrument; his imagination. He's just so innovative. And his phrasing is so unique. Totally underrated as a guitarist. I will never love a jazz guitarist's playing as much as Frank Zappa's.
Ok so this guy does more musically, in every sense of the term, in 60seconds, than has been done in 10 albums of any present day chart topper artist. Period
I got to be the 1000th like on this video! I feel like I should say something.... 1991 - friend comes by my place with SUNPYG (2 CD's) - leaves them there - I listen to them - then I listen again - then I listen again - then I listen again - start realizing how utterly brilliant this guy is - spend the next years of my life totally devoted to Zappa - collect 200 + albums, bootlegs, whatever I can find - Internet comes along and makes it much easier to find obscure stuff - STILL can't get enough Zappa. Music is the best!
The Shut up and play albums were compiled from Live concert recordings from his previous tours. He said in interviews he would write much of his music as a detailed structure, and leave spaces for improvisation, as "No musician wants to play the exact same thing every night" He loved to improv his guitar solos, and encouraged his VERY talented performers to do the same when their solos came up.
To anyone who has experienced FZ live or otherwise, it is so apparent that we have been blessed to have lived at the same time as a Great Master. This must have been what it was like during Bach, Beethoven, or Mozarts reign and influence in music. The old masters unknowingly created Music Therory, and Frank pushed it some more!
Thank you
first time in my life I EVER heard a lick like at 4:38 it is pure genius and madness as he then realizes its brilliance and varies it a few times til about 5:19