Who IS Frank Zappa

I know I listened to Trance-Fusion once around the time it came out, but I don't remember much as it was 7 years ago. I gotta say, on first listen, I can definitely say it's better than Guitar, and at least as good as Shut Up N Play Yer Guitar. Dweezil rips it, and Frank plays some great solos, especially the '88 Band tracks.

and out jumped the Devil....

No I missed that thread. As a matter of fact, they're coming to Asbury Park, NJ, which is 25 minutes away from me, on May 10. Unfortunately, I'll probably be working that night...

Damn, Tom Fowler is an old man.

TODDLER wrote: darkshade wrote: I know I listened to Trance-Fusion once around the time it came out, but I don't remember much as it was 7 years ago. I gotta say, on first listen, I can definitely say it's better than Guitar, and at least as good as Shut Up N Play Yer Guitar. Dweezil rips it, and Frank plays some great solos, especially the '88 Band tracks.   I really enjoy Trance-Fusion! It's such a rarity to cross paths with a human being who is familiar with the recording. Especially in South Jersey where musicians are like oysters on the beach. Where everyone is working for "Honest Jerry", tows the line..and forgets that such recordings exist.

Yea, the 88 band tracks provide the color missing from Guitar, and since it's one disc, it's much more digestible.

Plus, I enjoy the 88 band a lot. It would be cool for the ZFT to put together a new 88 band album, either like they did for Hammmersmith Odeon, or a whole show. There needs to be more official recordings of songs performed in 88 that haven't made it to an album yet.

Also, a guitar-type album from 88 but instead it's horn solos. This could also work from other eras.

darkshade wrote: TODDLER wrote: [QUOTE=darkshade]I know I listened to Trance-Fusion once around the time it came out, but I don't remember much as it was 7 years ago. I gotta say, on first listen, I can definitely say it's better than Guitar, and at least as good as Shut Up N Play Yer Guitar. Dweezil rips it, and Frank plays some great solos, especially the '88 Band tracks.   I really enjoy Trance-Fusion! It's such a rarity to cross paths with a human being who is familiar with the recording. Especially in South Jersey where musicians are like oysters on the beach. Where everyone is working for "Honest Jerry", tows the line..and forgets that such recordings exist.

Yea, the 88 band tracks provide the color missing from Guitar, and since it's one disc, it's much more digestible.

Plus, I enjoy the 88 band a lot. It would be cool for the ZFT to put together a new 88 band album, either like they did for Hammmersmith Odeon, or a whole show. There needs to be more official recordings of songs performed in 88 that haven't made it to an album yet.

Also, a guitar-type album from 88 but instead it's horn solos. This could also work from other eras.
[/QUOTEWell, I find that interesting and must add that I've listened to many '88 shows which kept me on the edge of my seat. I have over years ..crossed paths with a crowd of people who dislike everything released after the "Roxy" period. Taking into account that they are hardcore Mothers fans..I gather their dislike may have more to do with the style/approach and has little to do with the value in the complex composition. I shake my head in disbelief when I think about the arrangements coming across tasteless to Zappa fanatics and I really don't know why..I'm just curious. 

TODDLER wrote: Well, I find that interesting and must add that I've listened to many '88 shows which kept me on the edge of my seat. I have over years ..crossed paths with a crowd of people who dislike everything released after the "Roxy" period. Taking into account that they are hardcore Mothers fans..I gather their dislike may have more to do with the style/approach and has little to do with the value in the complex composition. I shake my head in disbelief when I think about the arrangements coming across tasteless to Zappa fanatics and I really don't know why..I'm just curious.

I have the 05/01/88 show, which is fantastic. There's something about that lineup. That band is, if anything, something that should be enjoyed if someone dislikes post-75 Zappa.

That's tough. It changes ever so slightly all the time. I've been diggin' the 60s Mothers, so I favor that stuff a little right now, I'd say it is:

Lumpy Gravy
You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore Vol. 5
Lather
Roxy & Elsewhere
Sleep Dirt

but 5 is not enough. I enjoy just about everything the man released.


Edited by darkshade - May 09 2013 at 16:06

I probably mentioned this in the thread previously, get The Real Frank Zappa book.  It's a great read and will get you in better touch with who IS Frank Zappa...

It's on Meets The Mothers of Prevention. I think it's the definitive version, though the live versions are all killer.

So in reading some threads at Zappa.com, I've come to the conclusion that the Roxy DVD/Blu-ray and/or the Roxy Soundtrack ("Roxy By Proxy") will not be released until at least next year, 2014. Why? For one, it would be the 40th anniversary of Roxy & Elsewhere, but also because Gail has mentioned a vinyl release of the album, as well as hinting at a Project/Object release of R&E, which I assume WOULD BE the Roxy performances, as a box-set.

Also, since there are 95 official releases, it, or Dance Me This, will probably be #100, so that gives the ZFT all this year or so to get releases 96-99 out, which hopefully includes Roxy or Dance Me This, if not 100.