A TOKEN OF HIS EXTREME

This live recording was an FZ production that aired on WCET in LA 1974. Released by the family trust a few years ago, this album features many of the same songs Frank and his frozen rubber band tight band played during this period, with some surprises thrown in that will appeal to die-hard and novice Frank Zappa listeners. No trombone this time around, so George Duke really shows his funky chops on the variety of devices at his disposal. As with any exceptional Frank show from his early to mid '70s output, the material blends seamlessly and the droll, dour tone in his musings play perfect foil to madcap Napoleon Murphy Brock. The highlights are many - "The Dog Breath Variations", the medley " Oh No - Son of Orange County" and especially "Pygmy Twylyte" are given his best treatments. A sublime version of "Inca Roads" is included along with the extended "Florentine Pogen" and "Room Service". In all, a great collection of pieces hard to find together nowadays on one CD, as the money hungry Zappa family trust usually stretches things to 2,3,4 CD's. If you are introducing someone to the humor and progressive virtuosity of Frank Zappa, this is a fine place to start.