Frank was skilled at guitar improvisations, but it is as composer he was, is, and will be remembered. His first album in 1966 broke all borders and was quite unlike everything else. Then he continued by inventing new music through three decades and 60 albums.
A large part of what you are reacting to is actually Steve Vai on guitar. And you are correct, it is a similar guitar soloing as performed by Vernon Reid. These are players who think outside the box for sure! Frank's son, Dweezil, is also a top notch guitarist indeed.
Yeo!!! So glad you've made it to Zappa! His music is so vast. Work through any material that seems out there and off kilter. Your ear will adjust. You'll find plenty that goes down easy and plenty more that'll leave you awestruck. You're deep appreciation for genius and talent will be satisfied many times over. His independence from labels bd the dogs of business along with his social commentary will take you down other rabbit holes. Bon Appétit!
Probably 'Watermelon in Easter Hay' from the album 'Joe's Garage' would be a good next stop. By the way, 'Stevie's spanking' has a whole [ slightly rude /risque ] vocal section before this.
You will never hear anything else like it Inca roads should be next it will totaly be different but equal amazing you have now entered a very deep rabbit hole
He was uniquely experimental with sound. Sometimes you can be too far ahead of your times..FZ was a head of his time. That may have limited his impact.
Frank released 62 albums when he was alive and another 65 or so have been released since his death. Every kind of music you can imagine. And lots of memorable lyrics. The first and still loudest voice against the religious right. If you look into his early stuff from nearly 60 years ago, you might just Freak Out.
With Zappa you enter a new musical universe. So halfway the first performance you heard, it is absolutely impossible to have the slightest clue what is coming your way. One moment it is rock, the very next it is the opposite.
@@Alix777. Alix, the other day you said you hate Hot Rats but did follow up by saying you like Burnt Weeny Sandwich and Weasels Ripped My Flesh, so you do have appreciation of Zappa music. Frank has been gone from this life for 30 years. Universal Music Group bought the rights to everything in the Zappa catalogue, including every video and image likeness of him, just a couple of years ago. They must see some value in Zappa going forward. Why do you, as someone who does appreciate Zappa, say he'll be forgotten in a few years?
Frank originally was a drummer so a lot of his music has a heavy percussion. All Of his music was scored and written. He hired only the best if you couldn't play what he wanted you were gone
Not only that, he would rearrange his songs to suit each band member’s abilities and push them to their absolute limits. And when he’d explored every last drop of potential he’d fire you and maybe change the band around so he could explore new sounds. Can’t imagine anyone else firing a musician of the calibre of Terry Bozzio unless he was a nightmare to work with, which Bozzio most certainly was not.
Thank you young man for this joy, I missed that concert. I graduated in January, after years of passionate study in engineering while earing loud Frank (mainly The Grand Wazoo, Weasels ripped my flesh, Waka Jawaka Hot rats, Apostrophe . ...), so that on July I was serving military and I can't cheer up deep. Take care and enjoy.
Now you've done it, you'll never be the same, you'll see! Welcome to Zappas universe, the most wonderful and eclectic vortex that you could ever be sucked into. Enjoy! P.S. please touch up the yellow spot on the wall to the right of your head, I keep trying to wipe it off my screen!😂 P.P.S. please listen to more. Does he have songs with lyrics? Why yes, he does! my highest recommendation for a Frank song with lyrics and an unforgettable experience would be, Theme from Burnt Weenie Sandwich! THANX!
@@timfeeley714-25 "My highest recommendation for a Frank song with lyrics, and an unforgettable experience would be, Theme from Burnt Weenie Sandwich!" Telling that to someone not familiar with Zappa music, and that person hears no lyrics, would lead to a little head scratching to say the least.
This is something I love seeing. Lol. When someone listens to Frank for the first time and is completely confused on what to make of it. So I started playing guitar in 1971when I was 8 years old. Ofcourse I wanted to learn and emulate cool guitar players from all those popular pop groups I heard on the radio. Then in 1974 I went to a new friends house and he started showing me his record collection. In it was Frank Zappa’s “Apostrophe” album. He put it on the turn table and my mind was blown. I was no longer interested in playing like all those pop star type guitar players from those top 10 or 20 chart topping groups. I wanted to sound like THAT GUY! Problem was, not so much playing the songs, but playing guitar like he did. There were no set cords, or style, or tempo, or rhythmic fluffiness to copy. And that was not helpful AT all. Lol. Yes he did play within cords and scales and all those notes within them…. But as far as a patterns?… NOPE! His fingers spit out notes like a person with dyslexia, would suddenly spit out incoherent, sometimes vile phrases or statements. Took me a long time to finally figure out how he played. And none of his guitar playing will ever sound anything like what any other guitarist has or will play. If you want to get a good sense of his playing (solo) on stage in a video, look up “Chungas Revenge Live in France”. It’s from 1980. To hear a good display of his playing live on an album, look up “Rat Tomago”. (Not a video of him actually playing it.) There’s so many to listen to, it’ll take years to go through them all. I’ll save some for another day. 😊
Zappa did a Triple LP and a Douuble LP of just his Guitar Solos and later a CD as well. If you want to hear something with just guitar try "Apostrophe" (the track, not the LP), "Watermelon In Hay" (Studio Version) or even "Heavy Duty Judy".
Check out Steve Vai Tender Surrender live. There's one he did just last month and another. When he was younger. They're both awesome. He's tearing the guitar up
Franks versatility is colossal with well over 75 studio albums to choose from and tons of live stuff. Listen to Eric Steckel, Eric Gales, Joe Bonamassa, and Gary Moore for epic guitar.
One size fits all is a great album full of great Is Zappa solos. Inka roads is great 1 of my favorites is the song called pojama people Great guitar solo
This is just the solo. You should listen to the full song from Zappa's Them or Us album. Dweezil Zappa also plays during the solo a d they're all incredible guitarists!
there isn't just one guitar god because of all the different genre, for example if you listen to Marty Robbins play El Paso you would be impressed but then you have Dick Dale who is considered the king of surf guitar or Jeff Beck who is in a class of his own and the same could be said about Steve Vai, there's just to many styles to examine and compare to, but none the less I just love coming here and hearing with your going to play next, thanks for sharing this with all of us.
You should react to The Yellow Snow Suite ,it is from his Apostrophe album,it contains 4 tracks,Don't Eat The Yellow Snow,Nanook Rubs It,St.Alfonzo's Pancake Breakfast,Father Oblivion.Should be listened to together.You most likely haven't heard anything like it.
listen man. you need to watch the story of the Swampers! Muscle Shoals studios musicians who played on every other song recorded in the sixties. Southern Rock was born in this studio. Duane Allman slept in a tent outside this studio just to play inside!!!
Frank Zappa and the Mothers Were at the best place around But some stupid with a flare gun Burned the place to the ground Smoke on the water, a fire in the sky (Smoke) on the water,
if you want to check out some very, very nice double soloing check out "Marquee Moon" by Television. I have feeling the late Tom Verlaine might make your guitar god list.
All those labels were his own, Verve, Discreet, Barking Pumpkin and of course Zappa Records. Nobody else like him dude….his style was improv, no two solos from Frank were ever the same…check out Shut up and play your guitar, three album box set of solos.
Franks Guitar style is true spontaneous art and Steve Vai's guitar style was techical and influenced by Frank but this solo is amazing and listen to all of Franks music, it is filled with love, joy, passion, fire, politics, philosophy and lots and lots and lots of expressive talent and melodies and harmonies and disharmonies, he is a true genius.
In you want to hear frank on his own check out Watermelon In Easter Hay. ALSO HIGHLY HIGHLY Recommended check out is Steve Vai when he gets a Bit older than this video. Search Steve Vai Tender Surrender and also For The Love of God and Whispering a Prayer from Astoria I PROMISED you when you are done with Those 3 Vai Videos you are gonna Say WTF THAT GUY Is Top 3 or 4 ALL TIME
I could bore people endlessly with Zappa trivia, but - compare the version of Stevies Spanking included on the album Make A Jazz Noise Here - it has the complete uncensored lyrics to the song (what a pity the guitar solo there is a bit of a non-event). That aside - there's no easy way in with Zappa, but if it's guitar fireworks you want I recommend, as a priority, something with the Vinnie/Arthur rhythm-section, especially "this": ua-cam.com/video/ZH2oGfVMx38/v-deo.html
Perhaps a duet not the best intro to Frank. Try a live "City of Tiny Lights" for Frank soloing ua-cam.com/video/mEfBCk3uWJs/v-deo.htmlsi=zbAquZVJ2X0MsNVb And So much more.
Zappa only recruited the best players. His array of drummers over the years is legendary. Music is too complex in many cases to be played live. It is great live, but the studio stuff is way better.
The majority of Frank's "studio" recordings comes from live recordings, overdubbed in the studio. The way Frank rehearsed his bands, 8 hours a day, 5 days a week for 2 months before even going on tour, ensured that they could play all that complex music. An example of Frank working live material in the studio is Drowning Witch. The really tricky part was never played 100% correctly on any night during the tour, so he listened to all the tapes and spliced together all the parts that did come out right to make one final perfect performance. I believe he said there are 15 edits in there. But, the final recording comes from live performances.
Zappa is an acquired taste--his stuff isn't really that accessible, it's kind of demanding to 'have' to listen to. There's so much great stuff there (like this one!), but some things he's done I just can't listen to for long. A lot to unpack with Frank...
I beg to differ. Some folks have their antennae up and pick up on it immediately. If an average "rock" consumer isn't accustomed to the tricky time signatures or maybe the lyrics are too far out for their sensibilities, perhaps they aren't going to dig it. Others immediately get sucked right into Zappa's Universe like an unavoidable black hole. Case in point: There really aren't any "casual" Zappa fans. You're either all-in (perhaps a couple of albums don't work for you, but otherwise...) or you don't like it at all and luckily you rarely ever hear it on the radio so it's easy to avoid. Also, as Gail Zappa said, "There's no such thing as a former Zappa fan. You're in for life."
Zappa is a genius!
I have a smile on my face because Zappa's music is actually going to live on....
Frank was skilled at guitar improvisations, but it is as composer he was, is, and will be remembered. His first album in 1966 broke all borders and was quite unlike everything else. Then he continued by inventing new music through three decades and 60 albums.
" I am a classic composer who play guitar in a rock band" Frank Zappa
Zappa will always be remembered!!!!!
I have been listening to FZ since 1967. his lyrics are just as revolutionary as his playing. He is one of the most important musical voices ever.
Frank was so much more than a guitarist...
maestro
Genius
I love it when young people discover Zappa for the first.
Pure hard rock noodling for eight minutes. Love when Vai blows the ash off of Zappa's cigarette.
Apostrophe is my favorite Zappa album. Also love the song “Sofa Number 2” “Muffin Man” live is unbeatable!
A large part of what you are reacting to is actually Steve Vai on guitar. And you are correct, it is a similar guitar soloing as performed by Vernon Reid. These are players who think outside the box for sure! Frank's son, Dweezil, is also a top notch guitarist indeed.
You witnessed the Professor with his prize pupil.
Yeo!!! So glad you've made it to Zappa! His music is so vast. Work through any material that seems out there and off kilter. Your ear will adjust. You'll find plenty that goes down easy and plenty more that'll leave you awestruck.
You're deep appreciation for genius and talent will be satisfied many times over. His independence from labels bd the dogs of business along with his social commentary will take you down other rabbit holes. Bon Appétit!
Probably 'Watermelon in Easter Hay' from the album 'Joe's Garage' would be a good next stop.
By the way, 'Stevie's spanking' has a whole [ slightly rude /risque ] vocal section before this.
A true story...
My man , you picked a very strange song to start with Zappa. I love it.
You will never hear anything else like it Inca roads should be next it will totaly be different but equal amazing you have now entered a very deep rabbit hole
Zappa is a deep, dep, DEEP rabbit hole that is well worth exploring.
He composed in many styles of music including orchestral, discordant music.
He was uniquely experimental with sound. Sometimes you can be too far ahead of your times..FZ was a head of his time. That may have limited his impact.
For solos check out Black Napkins, Zoot Allures, Rat Tomago, and St. Etienne.
Warms the cockles of my heart when the yoot tunes into Frank
Frank released 62 albums when he was alive and another 65 or so have been released since his death. Every kind of music you can imagine. And lots of memorable lyrics. The first and still loudest voice against the religious right. If you look into his early stuff from nearly 60 years ago, you might just Freak Out.
With Zappa you enter a new musical universe. So halfway the first performance you heard, it is absolutely impossible to have the slightest clue what is coming your way. One moment it is rock, the very next it is the opposite.
Zappa will be forgotten in a few years.
@@Alix777.
Alix, the other day you said you hate Hot Rats but did follow up by saying you like Burnt Weeny Sandwich and Weasels Ripped My Flesh, so you do have appreciation of Zappa music.
Frank has been gone from this life for 30 years. Universal Music Group bought the rights to everything in the Zappa catalogue, including every video and image likeness of him, just a couple of years ago. They must see some value in Zappa going forward.
Why do you, as someone who does appreciate Zappa, say he'll be forgotten in a few years?
Frank Zappa music is like a movie for your ears.
Check out Zappa's "Muffin Man". ❤
Live at the Palladium, Halloween 77, that video will blow him away...
@@Peter-K Totally agree...my favourite 🙂
Czechoslovakian national hero! Joes Garage is a go to for you. telling the future!
I saw Frank at least 10 times. Never disappointed. This is a rapid frantic guitar piece. You should listen/watch 'Inca Roads.'
Frank originally was a drummer so a lot of his music has a heavy percussion. All Of his music was scored and written. He hired only the best if you couldn't play what he wanted you were gone
Not only that, he would rearrange his songs to suit each band member’s abilities and push them to their absolute limits. And when he’d explored every last drop of potential he’d fire you and maybe change the band around so he could explore new sounds. Can’t imagine anyone else firing a musician of the calibre of Terry Bozzio unless he was a nightmare to work with, which Bozzio most certainly was not.
Thank you young man for this joy, I missed that concert. I graduated in January, after years of passionate study in engineering while earing loud Frank (mainly The Grand Wazoo, Weasels ripped my flesh, Waka Jawaka Hot rats, Apostrophe . ...), so that on July I was serving military and I can't cheer up deep. Take care and enjoy.
Now you've done it, you'll never be the same, you'll see! Welcome to Zappas universe, the most wonderful and eclectic vortex that you could ever be sucked into. Enjoy! P.S. please touch up the yellow spot on the wall to the right of your head, I keep trying to wipe it off my screen!😂 P.P.S. please listen to more. Does he have songs with lyrics? Why yes, he does! my highest recommendation for a Frank song with lyrics and an unforgettable experience would be, Theme from Burnt Weenie Sandwich! THANX!
Umm... Theme from Burnt Weeny Sandwich doesn't have lyrics.
It is a great tune though.
@@Royale_with_Cheeze I know, it was my first great Zappa instrumental love. It was like the song was talking to you!
@@timfeeley714-25
"My highest recommendation for a Frank song with lyrics, and an unforgettable experience would be, Theme from Burnt Weenie Sandwich!"
Telling that to someone not familiar with Zappa music, and that person hears no lyrics, would lead to a little head scratching to say the least.
This is something I love seeing. Lol. When someone listens to Frank for the first time and is completely confused on what to make of it. So I started playing guitar in 1971when I was 8 years old. Ofcourse I wanted to learn and emulate cool guitar players from all those popular pop groups I heard on the radio. Then in 1974 I went to a new friends house and he started showing me his record collection. In it was Frank Zappa’s “Apostrophe” album. He put it on the turn table and my mind was blown. I was no longer interested in playing like all those pop star type guitar players from those top 10 or 20 chart topping groups. I wanted to sound like THAT GUY! Problem was, not so much playing the songs, but playing guitar like he did. There were no set cords, or style, or tempo, or rhythmic fluffiness to copy. And that was not helpful AT all. Lol. Yes he did play within cords and scales and all those notes within them…. But as far as a patterns?… NOPE! His fingers spit out notes like a person with dyslexia, would suddenly spit out incoherent, sometimes vile phrases or statements. Took me a long time to finally figure out how he played. And none of his guitar playing will ever sound anything like what any other guitarist has or will play. If you want to get a good sense of his playing (solo) on stage in a video, look up “Chungas Revenge Live in France”. It’s from 1980. To hear a good display of his playing live on an album, look up “Rat Tomago”. (Not a video of him actually playing it.) There’s so many to listen to, it’ll take years to go through them all. I’ll save some for another day. 😊
You got to try some Steve Vai solo work!
i sent this joint in too!
this is the guy. never rehearsed a solo!
Ive Alway loved FZ and he has such a range of different styles. Very experimental!
Hey Man, don't beat yourself up. Cold reads can be hard.
Steve Vai rabbit-hole time for sure
Zappa did a Triple LP and a Douuble LP of just his Guitar Solos and later a CD as well. If you want to hear something with just guitar try "Apostrophe" (the track, not the LP), "Watermelon In Hay" (Studio Version) or even "Heavy Duty Judy".
Check out Steve Vai Tender Surrender live. There's one he did just last month and another. When he was younger. They're both awesome. He's tearing the guitar up
Franks versatility is colossal with well over 75 studio albums to choose from and tons of live stuff. Listen to Eric Steckel, Eric Gales, Joe Bonamassa, and Gary Moore for epic guitar.
One size fits all is a great album full of great Is Zappa solos. Inka roads is great 1 of my favorites is the song called pojama people Great guitar solo
Vernon Reid = Living Color
Zappa was a one off genius, a veritable auteur.
check out Shawn Lane, Guthrie Govan & Alan Holdsworth
Some Zappa guitar videos to check out, as a start: “Black Napkins”, “Watermelon in Easter Hay”, “St Etienne”.
This is just the solo. You should listen to the full song from Zappa's Them or Us album. Dweezil Zappa also plays during the solo a d they're all incredible guitarists!
muffin man, trouble everyday live version, i'm the slime...so many good songs
there isn't just one guitar god because of all the different genre, for example if you listen to Marty Robbins play El Paso you would be impressed but then you have Dick Dale who is considered the king of surf guitar or Jeff Beck who is in a class of his own and the same could be said about Steve Vai, there's just to many styles to examine and compare to, but none the less I just love coming here and hearing with your going to play next, thanks for sharing this with all of us.
You should react to The Yellow Snow Suite ,it is from his Apostrophe album,it contains 4 tracks,Don't Eat The Yellow Snow,Nanook Rubs It,St.Alfonzo's Pancake Breakfast,Father Oblivion.Should be listened to together.You most likely haven't heard anything like it.
listen man. you need to watch the story of the Swampers! Muscle Shoals studios musicians who played on every other song recorded in the sixties. Southern Rock was born in this studio. Duane Allman slept in a tent outside this studio just to play inside!!!
you must check out Zappa's Muffin Man!
You like the percussion? Frank was originally a drummer.
❤❤❤
All those labels were his own, Verve, Discreet, Barking Pumpkin and of course Zappa Records. Nobody else like him dude.
Verve wasn't Frank's, it was founded by Norman Granz in 1956 and was bought by MGM in 1960.
Frank has said he's not one of the greatest guitarists, but that he specializes...
Do a dive into song names and there lyrics from Frank Zappa. 😂😂😂
Frank Zappa and the Mothers
Were at the best place around
But some stupid with a flare gun
Burned the place to the ground
Smoke on the water, a fire in the sky
(Smoke) on the water,
When are you going to do more Zappa?
Try “Watermelon in Easter Hay” and, Black Napkins. Frank can play ALL of the instruments. Frank was the reincarnation of Mozart. No BS.
if you want to check out some very, very nice double soloing check out "Marquee Moon" by Television. I have feeling the late Tom Verlaine might make your guitar god list.
You should listen to a version with the words. It's funny too.
Tobacco was Frank's favorite vegetable...Call any Vegetable?
All those labels were his own, Verve, Discreet, Barking Pumpkin and of course Zappa Records. Nobody else like him dude….his style was improv, no two solos from Frank were ever the same…check out Shut up and play your guitar, three album box set of solos.
Verve wasn't Frank's, it was started in 1956 by Norman Granz and was bought by MGM in 1960.
Franks Guitar style is true spontaneous art and Steve Vai's guitar style was techical and influenced by Frank but this solo is amazing and listen to all of Franks music, it is filled with love, joy, passion, fire, politics, philosophy and lots and lots and lots of expressive talent and melodies and harmonies and disharmonies, he is a true genius.
In you want to hear frank on his own check out Watermelon In Easter Hay. ALSO HIGHLY HIGHLY
Recommended check out is Steve Vai when he gets a Bit older than this video.
Search Steve Vai Tender Surrender and also For The Love of God and Whispering a Prayer from Astoria
I PROMISED you when you are done with Those 3 Vai Videos you are gonna Say WTF THAT GUY Is Top 3 or 4 ALL TIME
OH daaaa saw you already did for the love of God by Vai
Joes Garage is your go to. Prog Rock is his baby. before all the guys you think made prog rock.
His son, Dweezil Zappa, is as good if not better 👍
NG BIZ anyone?
I could bore people endlessly with Zappa trivia, but - compare the version of Stevies Spanking included on the album Make A Jazz Noise Here - it has the complete uncensored lyrics to the song (what a pity the guitar solo there is a bit of a non-event).
That aside - there's no easy way in with Zappa, but if it's guitar fireworks you want I recommend, as a priority, something with the Vinnie/Arthur rhythm-section, especially "this": ua-cam.com/video/ZH2oGfVMx38/v-deo.html
Vai is faster / technically more capable, Frank seems more real-time-inventive and rythmically more diverse ...
Perhaps a duet not the best intro to Frank.
Try a live "City of Tiny Lights" for Frank soloing ua-cam.com/video/mEfBCk3uWJs/v-deo.htmlsi=zbAquZVJ2X0MsNVb
And So much more.
It's not "Ft. Steve Vai" Steve Vai was in Frank Zappa's band, So no St. anything.
Zappa only recruited the best players. His array of drummers over the years is legendary. Music is too complex in many cases to be played live. It is great live, but the studio stuff is way better.
The majority of Frank's "studio" recordings comes from live recordings, overdubbed in the studio.
The way Frank rehearsed his bands, 8 hours a day, 5 days a week for 2 months before even going on tour, ensured that they could play all that complex music.
An example of Frank working live material in the studio is Drowning Witch.
The really tricky part was never played 100% correctly on any night during the tour, so he listened to all the tapes and spliced together all the parts that did come out right to make one final perfect performance. I believe he said there are 15 edits in there. But, the final recording comes from live performances.
Beyoo-cannon = buchanon
Al DiMeola. ua-cam.com/video/1sYuOq2MB5Q/v-deo.htmlsi=foNdWCS5EOdR0JAJ
Zappa is an acquired taste--his stuff isn't really that accessible, it's kind of demanding to 'have' to listen to. There's so much great stuff there (like this one!), but some things he's done I just can't listen to for long. A lot to unpack with Frank...
I beg to differ. Some folks have their antennae up and pick up on it immediately.
If an average "rock" consumer isn't accustomed to the tricky time signatures or maybe the lyrics are too far out for their sensibilities, perhaps they aren't going to dig it.
Others immediately get sucked right into Zappa's Universe like an unavoidable black hole.
Case in point: There really aren't any "casual" Zappa fans. You're either all-in (perhaps a couple of albums don't work for you, but otherwise...) or you don't like it at all and luckily you rarely ever hear it on the radio so it's easy to avoid.
Also, as Gail Zappa said, "There's no such thing as a former Zappa fan. You're in for life."
There were two of them. it was a cheat.... it is ridiculous what you are telling.