So true. All these “reaction” videos are missing the entire “project-object/conceptual continuity” concept completely.... they need to go back to FREAK OUT, WE’RE ONLY IN IT FOR THE MONEY, LUMPY GRAVY, and BURNT WEENY SANDWICH... and listen to whole fucking thing WITH the liner notes just like we did 45 years ago... (note: not all of his early albums included the lyrics) but they won’t cause we have all these people saying “oh! You gotta hear this song or that song” and then that’s all they do. You see, Frank never finished his work. It was ALWAYS evolving and moving into new areas... if you are gonna listen to this song WITHOUT hearing the entire JOE’S GARAGE album, you’ll never get it. And that’s too bad. Because poor ole Joe was locked into a room because he got busted for listening to music when it was illegal and that is the story of Joe.
As a Frank Zappa fan, I recognized the the Joe's garage voice, but I must have forgotten that this piece was at the tail end of it. Watermellon's on Easter Hay is just plain great.
Dweezil said he can’t even listen to this piece anymore, it’s too emotional. I feel the same way. RIP Frank and hope you had a very happy Franksgiving. arf...
I was at the ROXY soundcheck a couple of years ago, and managed to capture a video of Dweezil playing this song on the Hendrix Strat. It is one of my most treasured things.
I miss Frank so much. I REALLY miss looking forward new music and tours. Nice job, you obviously enjoyed it as much as I have on numerous occasions. It's one of FZ's greatest tour du forces. The guitar tone beatific and clean as gas music from Jupiter. So much real emotion, a rarity for most humans.
Fast forward another 40 years from the Joe's Garage release, a musician sits down with headphones to listen to anything produced in 2021 and before you can say 'Wet Ass...' switches back to a Zappa track.
"Watermelon in Easter hay" is the abbreviated title of the song. The full title is "Trying to play a guitar solo with this band is like trying to grow a watermelon in Easter hay"
After buying 34 of his albums I finally gave up trying to keep up with him. Though I loved his “novelty songs” he was truly memorable when he did “shut up and play his guitar”. This song is my all-time favourite and it breaks my heart every time I hear it RIP Frank
My favourite guitar solo of all time brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. Its actually from a three-part opera Called Joe;s Garage written by Zappa
Truly transportive! The middle solo could only come from Frank's insides - he never hits a note you'd expect from any other guitarist. He expresses himself through music because no higher form of communication exists. It's like speaking in colors.
For me, this song is a fretwork masterpiece....I want this song played at my funeral. RIP FZ...and thank you Dweezil Zappa for keeping this music alive and well today. ✌😎
Seeing someones reaction to hearing this FZ opus is priceless. As a Zappa lover since I was 17, now 63, remembering fondly the first time hearing it. You can only experience something for the first time once. You may find interesting the fact that most Zappa lovers, want this played at their funerals. Me included.
My eyes get wet whenever I hear this tune. I heard that Frank told his wife Gail to get out of the music business and sell his catalogue, except this piece. She was not to sell the rights to this piece of music.
It is probably safe to assume you're still on your Zappa journey. So am I, and it's been ongoing for nearly 35 years. I'll never finish, doubt anyone could in a single lifetime. Welcome aboard.
Watermelon in Easter Hey is probably one of Zappa's most profound pieces. It has more in common with Fripp's and likes' work than it does with his own. Uncle Meat is definitiely worth checking out as well. Happy hunting.
Dig that!! This one and Jimi's Villanova Junction at Woodstocks end. Play gypsy's Play on. Love ya Frank and Jimi. daymm. soo dang beau-Tee-fully Haunting.
Frank Zappa was an amazing musician. Complex music with silly lyrics. He always maintained that lyrics were the least important part a song. Some fine examples are "Willie the Pimp" and "Catholic Girls" both of which contain some of the most intricate polyrhythms ever put on an album.
I founds lyrics to be an acidic comment on America in the moment, totally brilliant, no sugar coating. He held us up to ourselves and said "Look, Listen" and we , for the most part, could not. I LOVE the music of Frank Zappa!
My reaction to this was just like yours amazed at the emotion and the sensitivity of a peice based on only two chords. A side to Zappa that many peope know nothig about.
Well, he didn't need any more. Right? To me, those two chords were nothing more than a backing track to solo over, and he played an awful lot of notes, never straying from those keys. Purely beautiful.
G'day mate, this is one of Zappa's most emotional pieces , the actual meaning is ,,, " getting these musicians to play this is like growing watermelons in easter hey", he had huge problems getting what was in his head to be played as he originally conceived it, which is why he was surrounded by the best musicians, it took 40 drummer interviews to find Chad Wackerman, who was completely unknown b4 Zappa as was Steve Vie and many many other musicians, just Google who has played with Zappa and you'll be shocked, and yes this is the final piece in a triple album opera and to do it justice as you may have done by now it needs to be listened from start to finish, as do a great percentage of Zappas albums, they are conceptual. Yours Pipco
Fun fact about Frank Zappa: he was the first artist to receive an explicit content advisory on an album. That album was called "Jazz From Hell", and it was entirely instrumental.
Watermelon.. is sort of a reverie toward the end of Joe’s bizarre, disturbing, and occasionally hilarious adventure which unfolds across six album sides. Worth a top to bottom listen by any measure. I’ve long felt that the Joe’s Garage epic is the epitome of Zappa.. though no one album paints the whole picture. It was fun watching you discover it!
Dude you have been Frank'ed... The look on your boat was pure joy, as a lifelong FZ fan welcome to the club, you have so much to listen to, I just say listen to as much FZ as you can and the smile will become your default face.
....aaaaand....there it is, right there at 10m44:s, the moment you slip into the soundscape and surrender to the terrible majesty of it just as did I. This guy gets it straight out of the blocks, Good pick Jim The Strat... the whole Strat... and nothing but the Strat...! Pickup selector to position 4, a gnat's knacker of reverb and yer good to go. One of Frank's attributed comments was "if you want a guitar to sound good you don't need to flange the piss out of it." When they fit me for my final flight case and lower me into the ground I'm down to a choice of three... Watermelon - Zappa or Spectral Mornings - Steve Hackett (the one true living God) ua-cam.com/video/sYSV5iiSajw/v-deo.html or Where were you - from the hand of the master Jeff Beck ua-cam.com/users/results?search_query=Where+were+you+Jeff+Beck
I saw Frank in 1979 about the time my friends and I were were jamming on Joe's Garage. He didn't play WIEH in this concert and I wished I had not squandered the opportunity to see and hear him play this song live. My all time favorite guitar solo.
I have listened to this several times. This was the first using headphones. My reaction was similar to your reaction. Thanks so much for putting this up.
Beautiful!!! Brings a tear to my eye and gives me goosebumps everytime I listen to it, I want this played at my funeral. This is one of my most favourite songs ever would definitely be in my top ten! great reaction 👍
This song gives me goose bumps every time I hear it !....Thanks to Jimmy for suggesting this one ! There is a video out ther where Frank's son Dweezil plays it and towards the end ,...his eyes are like a river flowing !
I saw Dweezil come to tears performing this at the Beacon, NYC Halloween night a few years ago. He did it justice and then some, so emotional, one of Frank’s many masterpieces for sure.
I saw Dweezil at Glasgow on the Roxy tour. Towards the end of the gig he said something on the lines of 'OK, what's next? Oh yeah this.' The band start to play the song and the first guitar note he plays cuts right through you. So emotional and the best I've heard live. Steve Vai was correct when he said there was an intensity Frank's guitar playing. It never lagged or got monotonous. When I was 17 I heard 'You are what you is' and I thought I don't care how long it takes, I'm going to get into this guy's music. It didn't take long and 39 years later and still finding new recordings.
Zappa fans till this day still will go back to certain albums whatever Genre and relive them for many reasons... Frank was so proficient on many levels musically and as a sound engineer.. Some of his mixes and recording qualities were just outstanding... I still will buy or listen to the new releases.. Thanks Frank for keeping me entertained and inspiring me in this lifetime..
You weren't expecting that, where you? My whole family enjoys Zappa and consider him to be a genius. My husband (61) loves it all and has been an "ambassador" for Frank Zappa since he was 13. The sons (34, 32, 22, 20) all have their favorites and their dad made sure to expose them to as much as possible. I (58) love all of Franks instrumentals and enjoy many other songs because we all tend to sing along with them and their quotes end up in our everyday conversations. But today, my husband asked if I would look for this piece for him... Somehow, I missed this for the last 40 years. Today I heard this for the first time. Wow. So moved. I wept. I am so glad you got to hear this side of Frank, too.
A few more Frank Zappa pieces to try are: Peaches in Regalia, Sexual Harassment in the Workplace, Sofa (I like both the instrumental and the one with words in German), Black Napkins (the Mike Douglas Show version is here on UA-cam and it is wonderful). I just shared your reaction video with my husband and he says it was like hearing it for the first time.
Just like Zappa's son Dweezil; I get choked up when I hear this! Dweezil gets choked up playing it. It was his father's swan song and it's just a fantastic piece of music! And Frank just does this solo so beautifully! You picked a good one to listen to Jim! Kudos to you! facebook.com/groups/zappafreaksunite/
The thing about Frank Zappa is that he played with different musicians on every album with the exception of the Mothers of Invention. But to play with Frank Zappa you had to be a exceptional musician. Some albums you should pick songs from for reaction are One-Size-Fits-All, Overnight Sensation and possibly the Zoot Allures.
Great reaction. If you are looking for something that is representative of his music I am afraid you won't be able to find it. His body of work is so vast and diverse it's unbelievable. It ranges from funny accessible songs to experimental jazz and everything in between. Great you liked this. I find it a shame that Zappa almost seems forgotten while he really is a big big name in recent musical history.
Just got here from the recent Black Napkins vid, and this is pretty much the reaction I expected for Frank Zappa's most emotional song. Subbing and not looking back, this is quite a diamond in the rough channel.
Thank you for the reaction to this song! Watermelon in Easter Hay is one of my all time favorite songs. Zappa reallys plays from his soul on this one. Pure emotion, sunlight, timelessness... I want this tune played at my funeral.
There is so much Zappa music to listen to. I saw Frank in concert two times, Great shows. I think he may have been the only band with a xylophone? if you liked that you have much to look forward to hearing. Enjoy, try Listening to Yellow snow, quality of recording is amazing.
The scale is E Lydian or E major Pentatonic can be used...This is the last piece from Joe's Garage, when "Joe" is at his wit's end...That's Frank's voice at the beginning, as the "Central Scrutinizer" who narrates the entire album...1973, I believe
I had posted about Dweezil's live version of this on Inca Roads I think. I've just listened to this for the forst time in years. It's still so emotional, i can't watch this video without shedding tears. Please do a reaction to Dweezil playing this live
I highly recommend Blessed Relief. It was written and recorded during Zappa's period of convalescence after being assaulted in London. It really puts the listener in Zappa's state of mind during that time. It's truly an inspiring piece..please find the time to give Blessed Relief a listen.
FZ didn't do drama, so this is the only time he let his guard down. Probably would win the poll with Zappa fans over what song to play at their funerals.
Jim, Oh Hell, just go ahead and Cry along with the rest of Us. Frank was a Sensei Master and he is gone. Saw him perform many times, got to meet him once in '73, Genius is an Understatement ! ! !
In terms of recommendations, Packard Goose is from the same album and is brilliant as well. A bit more up and had some lyrics a bit more in line with the message of the album, or 3 album trilogy. Joe's Garage is technically a rock opera.
Not sure what you mean by passing note - the tune is in 9/8, there are indeed two arpeggiated chords, the first taking beats 1 to 4, the second taking beats 5 to 9. It's an exquisite chord alliance, and needs no more to be a solid backing for extraterrestrial noodling and face melting awesomeness.
You're talking about the opening track? It is absolutely insane. I believe the guitarist was told to imagine the saddest thing he could think of. He played about his mother dying.
I have been looking for this song. It was my favorite Zappa song in college in the 80’s. I had the live version on barking pumpkin records. I played it one night and my roommate who was not a Zappaphile just said “beautiful “. Thanks for helping me find the title.
I'm telling you Jim although I've listened to Frank Zappa since I was 16 and that's 197D3I believe I can tell you that Figuring out what tool does to the best of my ability has helped me so appreciate Frank Zappa the Grateful Dead and bands like that. Zappa was a genius. So was Jerry Garcia different kinds but they could jam.
Zappa is God and one awesome guitarist,superb video! Keep up the good work! Keep listening to Zappa you will love his music he is amazing! Remember Stay Awesome! 😀😎
Frank is the definition of eclectic. I'd recommend Andy from one size fits all. Peaches En Regalia from hot rats, Eat that Question from the Grand Wazoo. Those three tunes are very different from each other, different style of music but not only some of Framks best tunes but also among the easiest to get into. If you jump into difficult Frank too quick and your ear isn't tuned to it then it might put you off a genious. Any serious.music fan has to go on a zappa journey it is that simple.
ClawCarver peaches is the bridge for sure. No matter what genre you're used to listening to, you have no choice but to go, "What the hell is that??!! I love it!"
"Apostrophe", "Inca Roads", "Bowling on Charen" (which is an excerpt from a longer piece, but the guitar work is utterly phenomenal), "Andy", "Willie the Pimp" come to mind immediately.
Perhaps the finest guitar solo ever. It sweeps you away. Frank's phrasing is at an uncanny, impossible skill level, that captures the way the human mind thinks, feels, and experiences our crazy world. It feels so true. It is a tour de force. And then there are the other tremendous solos of Frank's in "Inca Roads" and "Holiday in Berlin, Full Blown" that demonstrate Frank's touch and skill to play these ideas, and a mind that can compose such magnificent beauty in music. This is what the great composer's do, they get inside of your head and manipulate you. The magic of this tune will be manipulating people's minds for centuries to come, like Bach and Beethoven are doing to people today.
Part of the magic of this tune is the meter which is in 9/8. Count it as four, then five. Once you can feel it without having to count, then it kind of fills you. There's an undeniable sweetness in it which is unusual for Frank. By the way, Mr. Newstead, "Easter hay" is that green fuzzy stuff that they pack candy in for Easter. Frank must have seen a watermelon packed in a wad of the stuff, possibly as a gift box or in a supermarket. Or maybe it's just straight out of his imagination. Does it matter? Naw, not really. What's important is the reverb-drenched mix and Frank's smooth command of tonal texture and sustain. It's wistful and gentle; so unlike much of Frank's catalog. No, it's not representative at all--which is also like Frank; to do things he'd never done previously.
The simple device of going from 4/4 to 5/4 is so brilliant. It creates a near constant sense of suspense and resolution. It is perfect for the concept of a melancholy surrender to society, a “last imaginary guitar solo”. Ugh, I’m starting to tear up again.
Myself, this guitar piece conveys absolute remorse and I truly believe that was Franks intention. I've been an extreme fan of Franks music since I was 15 and am now 62....and hearing it just keeps getting better for me!
Great song. But it is so much better when you listen to it as part of the entire masterpiece that is Joe's Garage.
So true as it is the closer to the entire production...
I was thinking the same thing the song is great, but the album needs to be listened in its whole as part of the concept of Joe's Garage.
Indeed, Jim. Your quizzical look about the intro by The Central Scrutinizer, has to be taken into context of the whole Opera.
So true. All these “reaction” videos are missing the entire “project-object/conceptual continuity” concept completely.... they need to go back to FREAK OUT, WE’RE ONLY IN IT FOR THE MONEY, LUMPY GRAVY, and BURNT WEENY SANDWICH... and listen to whole fucking thing WITH the liner notes just like we did 45 years ago... (note: not all of his early albums included the lyrics) but they won’t cause we have all these people saying “oh! You gotta hear this song or that song” and then that’s all they do. You see, Frank never finished his work. It was ALWAYS evolving and moving into new areas... if you are gonna listen to this song WITHOUT hearing the entire JOE’S GARAGE album, you’ll never get it. And that’s too bad. Because poor ole Joe was locked into a room because he got busted for listening to music when it was illegal and that is the story of Joe.
As a Frank Zappa fan, I recognized the the Joe's garage voice, but I must have forgotten that this piece was at the tail end of it. Watermellon's on Easter Hay is just plain great.
2 chords, played in a 9/4 time signature + a genius with a guitar and you get this!
Dweezil said he can’t even listen to this piece anymore, it’s too emotional. I feel the same way. RIP Frank and hope you had a very happy Franksgiving. arf...
Watching Dweezil play this always makes him very emotional. It was so touching to see his reaction for his father.
Yes, it is emotional. It was played at my brother’s funeral completing his wish.
Sorry about your brother.. I want this for mine aswell...
I was at the ROXY soundcheck a couple of years ago, and managed to capture a video of Dweezil playing this song on the Hendrix Strat. It is one of my most treasured things.
Yeah when it's time for my funeral,this is how they have to play me out.
So emotional for Dweezil because this is the last solo Frank ever did for a record when he was alive. God I miss that man,saw him over 20 times!,
The best part is, this is all just imaginary guitar notes played on an imaginary guitar in the mind of the imaginer!
And ultimately, who gives a fuck anyway?
But at least he got a job in the Utility Muffin Factory and doesn;t have to sell punk like some new kind of english disease.
I suggest you sell your imaginary guitar and get a real job like joe he’s a happy camper
Who could imagine.
Graeme Hilzinger A little green Rosetta
I see Zappa I click.... it's compulsory!!......R.I.P. Frank
I miss Frank so much. I REALLY miss looking forward new music and tours. Nice job, you obviously enjoyed it as much as I have on numerous occasions. It's one of FZ's greatest tour du forces. The guitar tone beatific and clean as gas music from Jupiter. So much real emotion, a rarity for most humans.
I love Frank's fit of laughter in the opening...
Fast forward another 40 years from the Joe's Garage release, a musician sits down with headphones to listen to anything produced in 2021 and before you can say 'Wet Ass...' switches back to a Zappa track.
"Watermelon in Easter hay" is the abbreviated title of the song. The full title is "Trying to play a guitar solo with this band is like trying to grow a watermelon in Easter hay"
After buying 34 of his albums I finally gave up trying to keep up with him. Though I loved his “novelty songs” he was truly memorable when he did “shut up and play his guitar”. This song is my all-time favourite and it breaks my heart every time I hear it
RIP Frank
Mee too brother. It's hard to believe that I can miss someone I've never met, but do miss Frank terribly.
My favourite guitar solo of all time brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. Its actually from a three-part opera Called Joe;s Garage written by Zappa
this is the song i want played at my funeral (in this version, including the spoken intro)
Damn right gozer, right there with you
Great minds and all that. It's the saddest song ever.
“ultimately, who gives a fuck anyway...?!” with frank laughing is the PERFECT send off...
As do I my Friend
My dad had it in his funeral, only now I'm able to listen to it, with a tear in my eye I may add, a piece of heaven lol
This is the song that pulls my heart out of my body. Desert Island fo' sho'. I hope you'll feel the same in time.
Always makes me cry. Miss you Frank.
"Zappa is my Elvis." - Matt Groening
John M I wish he had bought the Zappa house when it went up for sale and made it a museum.
John M nice i always liked the Weasels rip my flesh album cover
What's elvis
"Zappa is Zappa"
It's in my will, this song will be played at my funeral.
Truly transportive! The middle solo could only come from Frank's insides - he never hits a note you'd expect from any other guitarist. He expresses himself through music because no higher form of communication exists. It's like speaking in colors.
My dad had this in his funeral last year,love you dad
Ringo once said that Zappa was the nicest person he'd ever met in show business.
off of Joes Garage FRANK ZAPPA RIP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOVE THIS TUNE
For me, this song is a fretwork masterpiece....I want this song played at my funeral.
RIP FZ...and thank you Dweezil Zappa for keeping this music alive and well today. ✌😎
What a beautiful piece of music !!
Incredible ! Thanks for sharing Jim.
Sacred beautiful tune. 👍🏽🎧
Seeing someones reaction to
hearing this FZ opus is priceless. As a Zappa lover since I was 17, now 63, remembering fondly the first time hearing it. You can only experience something for the first time once. You may find interesting the fact that most Zappa lovers, want this played at their funerals. Me included.
I told wife to play Watermelon in Easter Hay at my funeral. Every time I listen to this song it brings tears to my eyes. Zappa is the Best....
This was the last song my husband ever listened to....
My eyes get wet whenever I hear this tune. I heard that Frank told his wife Gail to get out of the music business and sell his catalogue, except this piece. She was not to sell the rights to this piece of music.
I can’t listen to this without welling up.
It is probably safe to assume you're still on your Zappa journey. So am I, and it's been ongoing for nearly 35 years. I'll never finish, doubt anyone could in a single lifetime. Welcome aboard.
So true buddy, so true. I listen to stuff from whenever and still hear bits I have missed. Frank had class.
Sheesh, yea, when you put it like that... 1979 was my first introduction to Zappa. Mothermania. Weird as fuck. 40 years and counting..
you will never die Frank
40 years ago i heard Zappa for the first time, have all his records, over 120 and seen him live in 84, Zappa forever.
Watermelon in Easter Hey is probably one of Zappa's most profound pieces. It has more in common with Fripp's and likes' work than it does with his own. Uncle Meat is definitiely worth checking out as well. Happy hunting.
One of his most beautiful guitar solos! It actually reminds me of the existence of heaven
Dig that!! This one and Jimi's Villanova Junction at Woodstocks end. Play gypsy's Play on. Love ya Frank and Jimi. daymm. soo dang beau-Tee-fully Haunting.
Frank Zappa was an amazing musician. Complex music with silly lyrics. He always maintained that lyrics were the least important part a song. Some fine examples are "Willie the Pimp" and "Catholic Girls" both of which contain some of the most intricate polyrhythms ever put on an album.
I founds lyrics to be an acidic comment on America in the moment, totally brilliant, no sugar coating. He held us up to ourselves and said "Look, Listen" and we , for the most part, could not. I LOVE the music of Frank Zappa!
@@Ninang363
I sometimes felt he might have been insecure about writing 'serious' lyrics (apart from his social commentary lyrics).
My reaction to this was just like yours amazed at the emotion and the sensitivity of a peice based on only two chords. A side to Zappa that many peope know nothig about.
Well, he didn't need any more. Right? To me, those two chords were nothing more than a backing track to solo over, and he played an awful lot of notes, never straying from those keys. Purely beautiful.
Music is the Best - Frank Zappa
There's no silence quite like the one just after this solo ends.
One of the few times when Frank Zappa makes my heart heave with tears, it's so beautiful
G'day mate, this is one of Zappa's most emotional pieces , the actual meaning is ,,, " getting these musicians to play this is like growing watermelons in easter hey", he had huge problems getting what was in his head to be played as he originally conceived it, which is why he was surrounded by the best musicians, it took 40 drummer interviews to find Chad Wackerman, who was completely unknown b4 Zappa as was Steve Vie and many many other musicians, just Google who has played with Zappa and you'll be shocked, and yes this is the final piece in a triple album opera and to do it justice as you may have done by now it needs to be listened from start to finish, as do a great percentage of Zappas albums, they are conceptual.
Yours Pipco
Vinnie Colaiuta was the drummer.
Meant final side not track
Was referring how hard a Zappa audition was not who was the drummer on the track
@@pipco121234 Ah.
Don't forget about good old Adrian Belew. Great find by Zappa.
Fun fact about Frank Zappa: he was the first artist to receive an explicit content advisory on an album. That album was called "Jazz From Hell", and it was entirely instrumental.
I always thought that that was a big joke. Because they invalidated their label just by doing that...
The joke was Tipper Gore getting clowned in front of Congress by Frank Zappa and Dee Snider.
@@adamwenger6171 and even John Denver was allied with Frank and Dee
Watermelon.. is sort of a reverie toward the end of Joe’s bizarre, disturbing, and occasionally hilarious adventure which unfolds across six album sides. Worth a top to bottom listen by any measure. I’ve long felt that the Joe’s Garage epic is the epitome of Zappa.. though no one album paints the whole picture. It was fun watching you discover it!
saw that tour...didn't need drugs. mind-bending brilliance provided.
I’ve been in a Frank Zappa journey for 52 years, wish you the best on keepin up & gettin “it”.
Dude you have been Frank'ed... The look on your boat was pure joy, as a lifelong FZ fan welcome to the club, you have so much to listen to, I just say listen to as much FZ as you can and the smile will become your default face.
....aaaaand....there it is, right there at 10m44:s, the moment you slip into the soundscape and surrender to the terrible majesty of it just as did I. This guy gets it straight out of the blocks, Good pick Jim
The Strat... the whole Strat... and nothing but the Strat...! Pickup selector to position 4, a gnat's knacker of reverb and yer good to go.
One of Frank's attributed comments was "if you want a guitar to sound good you don't need to flange the piss out of it."
When they fit me for my final flight case and lower me into the ground I'm down to a choice of three...
Watermelon - Zappa
or
Spectral Mornings - Steve Hackett (the one true living God)
ua-cam.com/video/sYSV5iiSajw/v-deo.html
or
Where were you - from the hand of the master Jeff Beck
ua-cam.com/users/results?search_query=Where+were+you+Jeff+Beck
I saw Frank in 1979 about the time my friends and I were were jamming on Joe's Garage. He didn't play WIEH in this concert and I wished I had not squandered the opportunity to see and hear him play this song live. My all time favorite guitar solo.
I have listened to this several times. This was the first using headphones. My reaction was similar to your reaction.
Thanks so much for putting this up.
13:14 yes - A Zappa journey - you'll love it - it's a way of life - The entire Joe's Garage album is a good start
I really need to listen to more Zappa but for some reason he's always seemed daunting to me. That guitar though.....
Beautiful!!! Brings a tear to my eye and gives me goosebumps everytime I listen to it, I want this played at my funeral. This is one of my most favourite songs ever would definitely be in my top ten! great reaction 👍
This song gives me goose bumps every time I hear it !....Thanks to Jimmy for suggesting this one !
There is a video out ther where Frank's son Dweezil plays it and towards the end ,...his eyes are like a river flowing !
Just absolutely beautiful. Even if you're not a Zappa fan (and I definitely am), this will appeal to anyone.
I saw Dweezil come to tears performing this at the Beacon, NYC Halloween night a few years ago. He did it justice and then some, so emotional, one of Frank’s many masterpieces for sure.
I saw Dweezil at Glasgow on the Roxy tour. Towards the end of the gig he said something on the lines of 'OK, what's next? Oh yeah this.' The band start to play the song and the first guitar note he plays cuts right through you. So emotional and the best I've heard live. Steve Vai was correct when he said there was an intensity Frank's guitar playing. It never lagged or got monotonous. When I was 17 I heard 'You are what you is' and I thought I don't care how long it takes, I'm going to get into this guy's music. It didn't take long and 39 years later and still finding new recordings.
Zappa fans till this day still will go back to certain albums whatever Genre and relive them for many reasons... Frank was so proficient on many levels musically and as a sound engineer.. Some of his mixes and recording qualities were just outstanding... I still will buy or listen to the new releases.. Thanks Frank for keeping me entertained and inspiring me in this lifetime..
A mind is like a parachute. It doesn’t work if it is not open
You weren't expecting that, where you?
My whole family enjoys Zappa and consider him to be a genius. My husband (61) loves it all and has been an "ambassador" for Frank Zappa since he was 13. The sons (34, 32, 22, 20) all have their favorites and their dad made sure to expose them to as much as possible. I (58) love all of Franks instrumentals and enjoy many other songs because we all tend to sing along with them and their quotes end up in our everyday conversations.
But today, my husband asked if I would look for this piece for him... Somehow, I missed this for the last 40 years. Today I heard this for the first time. Wow. So moved. I wept.
I am so glad you got to hear this side of Frank, too.
A few more Frank Zappa pieces to try are: Peaches in Regalia, Sexual Harassment in the Workplace, Sofa (I like both the instrumental and the one with words in German), Black Napkins (the Mike Douglas Show version is here on UA-cam and it is wonderful). I just shared your reaction video with my husband and he says it was like hearing it for the first time.
Just like Zappa's son Dweezil; I get choked up when I hear this! Dweezil gets choked up playing it. It was his father's swan song and it's just a fantastic piece of music! And Frank just does this solo so beautifully! You picked a good one to listen to Jim! Kudos to you!
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Jim, did you know Frank Zappa was Steve Vai's mentor and of course Steve was Devin Townsend's mentor. 3 degrees of separation
The thing about Frank Zappa is that he played with different musicians on every album with the exception of the Mothers of Invention. But to play with Frank Zappa you had to be a exceptional musician. Some albums you should pick songs from for reaction are One-Size-Fits-All, Overnight Sensation and possibly the Zoot Allures.
Best solo of the entire music history!!!
some legends never die, long live his music, a true master of his craft
Great reaction. If you are looking for something that is representative of his music I am afraid you won't be able to find it. His body of work is so vast and diverse it's unbelievable. It ranges from funny accessible songs to experimental jazz and everything in between. Great you liked this. I find it a shame that Zappa almost seems forgotten while he really is a big big name in recent musical history.
Just got here from the recent Black Napkins vid, and this is pretty much the reaction I expected for Frank Zappa's most emotional song. Subbing and not looking back, this is quite a diamond in the rough channel.
Thank you for the reaction to this song! Watermelon in Easter Hay is one of my all time favorite songs. Zappa reallys plays from his soul on this one. Pure emotion, sunlight, timelessness... I want this tune played at my funeral.
Watermelon in Easter Hay, was one of the first tunes to visibly draw me to tears, truly a masterpiece among masterworks
There is so much Zappa music to listen to. I saw Frank in concert two times, Great shows. I think he may have been the only band with a xylophone? if you liked that you have much to look forward to hearing. Enjoy, try Listening to Yellow snow, quality of recording is amazing.
The scale is E Lydian or E major Pentatonic can be used...This is the last piece from Joe's Garage, when "Joe" is at his wit's end...That's Frank's voice at the beginning, as the "Central Scrutinizer" who narrates the entire album...1973, I believe
F*cking LOVE this song (FZ). Very emotional song for me due to circumstances... Rip Brian and Johnny. Miss you guys.
Welcome to the club man. I love this song so much and I love sharing it with people. Glad it's on your radar now.
Check out "Willie the Pimp".
Great sound with Captain Beefheart on vocals.
Bongo fury not bad either especially the little story about that freak chick Carolina hard core Ecstasy
I put this in my Living Trust to play this specific song at my funeral..............Best Song Ever.....!
I second the notion for Cosmik Debris, studio version, although there are excellent live versions as well.
If you want to hear the greatest version of " Watermelon in Easter Hay " check out the video of " Frank Zappa ,Live in Barcelona"
Agree %100!! I've probably listened to it more than any other UA-cam video over the years.
Thank you very much!!
Barcelona 88 is pound for pound one of the greatest Zappa concerts.
I had posted about Dweezil's live version of this on Inca Roads I think. I've just listened to this for the forst time in years. It's still so emotional, i can't watch this video without shedding tears. Please do a reaction to Dweezil playing this live
The use of the xylophone at the end...
...still gives me the chills.
You don't listen and be in a hurry. This is trippy stuff....and quite beautiful. Meant for centering yourself. Today...people really could use this.
FZ fans know this as one of his finest - good choice Jim - although reminds me a bit of Albatross
I highly recommend Blessed Relief. It was written and recorded during Zappa's period of convalescence after being assaulted in London. It really puts the listener in Zappa's state of mind during that time. It's truly an inspiring piece..please find the time to give Blessed Relief a listen.
I like some of his more "normal" tunes like BR. Another fave is "Twenty Small Cigars" and "Sleep Dirt."
Mmmm.
FZ didn't do drama, so this is the only time he let his guard down. Probably would win the poll with Zappa fans over what song to play at their funerals.
Jim, Oh Hell, just go ahead and Cry along with the rest of Us. Frank was a Sensei Master and he is gone. Saw him perform many times, got to meet him once in '73, Genius is an Understatement ! ! !
In terms of recommendations, Packard Goose is from the same album and is brilliant as well. A bit more up and had some lyrics a bit more in line with the message of the album, or 3 album trilogy. Joe's Garage is technically a rock opera.
omg...I love Frank Zappa. Love this song so much. Every version.
Not sure what you mean by passing note - the tune is in 9/8, there are indeed two arpeggiated chords, the first taking beats 1 to 4, the second taking beats 5 to 9. It's an exquisite chord alliance, and needs no more to be a solid backing for extraterrestrial noodling and face melting awesomeness.
Yo Mama .. from the Sheik Yerbouti album
Must be one of the most beautiful pieces ever.
Zappa was a genius writer and guitarist.
If you haven't heard it, listen to Maggot Brain by Funkadelic. It's probably one of the most powerful guitar solos of all time. It's beautiful.
I always thought of this as Zappa's Eddie Hazel tribute
You're talking about the opening track? It is absolutely insane. I believe the guitarist was told to imagine the saddest thing he could think of. He played about his mother dying.
Must listen to Joe's Garage start to finish. Good choice. Frank is the mostest. He always plays all the right notes.
This Song (especially the Part in the Middle of the Song) is the best Example ever that a Guitar can actually really speak...,
I have been looking for this song. It was my favorite Zappa song in college in the 80’s. I had the live version on barking pumpkin records. I played it one night and my roommate who was not a Zappaphile just said “beautiful “. Thanks for helping me find the title.
I'm telling you Jim although I've listened to Frank Zappa since I was 16 and that's 197D3I believe I can tell you that Figuring out what tool does to the best of my ability has helped me so appreciate Frank Zappa the Grateful Dead and bands like that. Zappa was a genius. So was Jerry Garcia different kinds but they could jam.
Zappa is God and one awesome guitarist,superb video! Keep up the good work! Keep listening to Zappa you will love his music he is amazing! Remember Stay Awesome! 😀😎
FRANK ZAPPA was the man!!!!👍
His library is FAR and WIDE!!!!
Frank is the definition of eclectic. I'd recommend Andy from one size fits all. Peaches En Regalia from hot rats, Eat that Question from the Grand Wazoo. Those three tunes are very different from each other, different style of music but not only some of Framks best tunes but also among the easiest to get into. If you jump into difficult Frank too quick and your ear isn't tuned to it then it might put you off a genious. Any serious.music fan has to go on a zappa journey it is that simple.
I think it was Peaches En Regalia that finally tuned my brain to receive Zappa's music 25 years ago. Great choice.
ClawCarver peaches is the bridge for sure. No matter what genre you're used to listening to, you have no choice but to go, "What the hell is that??!! I love it!"
It's OK. I cry as well to this song.
"Apostrophe", "Inca Roads", "Bowling on Charen" (which is an excerpt from a longer piece, but the guitar work is utterly phenomenal), "Andy", "Willie the Pimp" come to mind immediately.
Perhaps the finest guitar solo ever. It sweeps you away. Frank's phrasing is at an uncanny, impossible skill level, that captures the way the human mind thinks,
feels, and experiences our crazy world. It feels so true. It is a tour de force. And then there are the other tremendous solos of Frank's in "Inca Roads" and
"Holiday in Berlin, Full Blown" that demonstrate Frank's touch and skill to play these ideas, and a mind that can compose such magnificent beauty in music.
This is what the great composer's do, they get inside of your head and manipulate you. The magic of this tune will be manipulating people's minds for centuries
to come, like Bach and Beethoven are doing to people today.
Part of the magic of this tune is the meter which is in 9/8. Count it as four, then five. Once you can feel it without having to count, then it kind of fills you. There's an undeniable sweetness in it which is unusual for Frank.
By the way, Mr. Newstead, "Easter hay" is that green fuzzy stuff that they pack candy in for Easter. Frank must have seen a watermelon packed in a wad of the stuff, possibly as a gift box or in a supermarket. Or maybe it's just straight out of his imagination. Does it matter? Naw, not really. What's important is the reverb-drenched mix and Frank's smooth command of tonal texture and sustain. It's wistful and gentle; so unlike much of Frank's catalog. No, it's not representative at all--which is also like Frank; to do things he'd never done previously.
Soulful.
"Outside Now" is another soulful song from the same trilogy.
Good man, Frank. Capricorn. Great share!
The crust of the biscuit is the apostrophe!
crux
The simple device of going from 4/4 to 5/4 is so brilliant. It creates a near constant sense of suspense and resolution. It is perfect for the concept of a melancholy surrender to society, a “last imaginary guitar solo”. Ugh, I’m starting to tear up again.
Myself, this guitar piece conveys absolute remorse and I truly believe that was Franks intention. I've been an extreme fan of Franks music since I was 15 and am now 62....and hearing it just keeps getting better for me!
Some good recommendations are Peaches en Regalia, Cosmik Debris and Inca Roads.
Love Cosmik Debris!