Published on Sep 28, 2005
On paper, even the most diehard Frank Zappa fan would have to
ask themselves these questions when looking at
Frank Zappa Plays The Music Of Frank Zappa: A Memorial
Tribute: “Seven songs? Only four
different songs? Is this really worth my money?”
Let’s answer the last question: Yes, it very much is.
While I don’t know exactly why the powers that be selected what
they did and how they did for this release, it’s pretty obvious
that it wasn’t done half-assed. While some people may decry the
lack of variety in the songs, this actually works to the disc’s
advantage.
Listen, for example, to the opening two tracks, versions of
“Black Napkins” that were recorded in Yugoslavia in 1975 and Japan
three months later (the latter being the version heard on
Zoot Allures). The way these two tracks intermingle is
amazing, even if there is a little bit of a pitch adjustment when
the versions change. The way that Zappa and the band’s playing was
able to work itself together to create one cohesive, interesting
track is nothing short of amazing.
The 15-minute version of “Zoot Allures” (which also includes
“Ship Ahoy”) further demonstrates the magic that Zappa could bring
to the stage, taking such a long piece of music and keeping the
listener interested in every note. While the second version – the
album version of the track – almost seems unnecessary, it is
intriguing to see how the piece was compacted into something just
as interesting without losing any of its power.
As for the two versions of “Watermelon In Easter Hay,” what more
can be said other than “perfection”? The live version from Germany
in 1978 working its way into the studio version, complete with
Zappa as the Central Scrutinizer (as well as one add-on, a live
snippet of Zappa saying good night to an audience), is flawless.
Once again, Zappa is able to keep the listener’s interest with
every single note, and not a second is wasted by either musician or
listener.
The only weak link on the disc is “Merely A Blues In A,” and
even there calling it a bad track is a misnomer. It’s kinda fun to
hear Zappa cut loose as a blues guitarist, even if the lyrics seem
improvised, but it’s not quite of the same caliber as the other
three titles on this disc. Still, on any other live disc that Zappa
released in his lifetime, this would have been a welcome addition,
so I don’t want to say anything too negative about it.
Frank Zappa Plays The Music Of Frank Zappa seems to orient
itself as one of the numerous memorial discs that were released
around this time by the Zappa family. As writer Matthew Turk noted
some time ago,
Have I Offended Someone? seemed to highlight Zappa as the
misogynist,
Strictly Genteel focusing on Zappa the serious composer. In
that vein,
Frank Zappa Plays The Music Of Frank Zappa seems to
highlight Zappa the guitar god. This one isn’t the easiest to find,
but it is a worthy addition to your Zappa collection.
2005 Christopher Thelen and “The Daily Vault.” All rights
reserved. Review or any portion may not be reproduced without
written permission. Cover art is the intellectual property of the
Zappa Family Trust / record label, and is used for informational
purposes only.