CD Review
Zappa Plays Zappa - Zappa Plays Zappa
Zappa Plays Zappa (ZPZ) is now in its 3rd year of touring. This CD is from year #1 which would be 2006. Frank Zappa’s oldest son, Dweezil, masterminded this project. He states in the liner notes “the sole purpose is to officially celebrate Frank’s music and act as a conduit, bringing interested parties to the inimitable source”.
I’m so glad he did. This band has allowed this listener and long-time fan to hear Zappa’s music live for the first time in my life. In fact, I have seen them three times (twice in 2006 and once in 2007). Many fans go to these shows to relive FZ’s music. But maybe more importantly, there is a younger fan presence at these shows, which will hopefully help keep FZ’s music alive.
The band consists of some very talented musicians, who obviously have a huge and healthy respect for Zappa’s music and legacy. The cherry on top is the fact that Napoleon Murphy Brock, Steve Vai and Terry Bozzio where all active members of the 2006 tour.
The CD opens with the moderately tempo'd "Tell Me You Love Me". I call it moderately tempo’d because I still think of the version on Broadway The Hardway which is much faster. There’s nothing wrong with this version though. Right away, I notice that the sound mix is clear. It has to be. There are a lot of talented musicians on stage, which can lead to a muddy mix. Anyway, the CD is off to a good start.
"Florentine Pogen" follows. It’s good to hear Napoleon Murphy Brock up to his old tricks. One never grows tired of listening to NMB deliver the goods as only he can. Of course, no version of "Florentine Pogen" would be complete without an extended solo section. ZPZ does not disappoint.
"Cheepnis" is next. God I love this song! You simply cannot have Napoleon on stage and not play this song. The band stays true to the Roxy version with drummer Joe Travers providing fine narration.
"Cosmik Debris" follows and again the band is mindful of the tempo and does its best to stay true to the original. We get to hear some fine sax work by Scheila Gonzalez and Napoleon Murphy Brock, followed by mad-scientist keyboard/trumpet guy Aaron Arntz. Dweezil wraps up the solo section in fine fashion, of course.
It should be noted at this point that Dweezil states on their website that he spent a lot of time relearning how to play the guitar. For this project, he basically dropped his “freeze-dried” playing style (his Dad’s words, not mine) and adopted FZ’s playing style. He does a great job on every solo and treats it all with a reverence that is just awesome to witness and hear.
"I’m The Slime" provides very good entertainment for either the Portland or Seattle audience. From what I have read, the CD is a mix of both shows, which was at the end of the 2006 tour. There are no notes on the CD package to help this fan. Maybe someone can help me out.
I’m skipping over "Don’t Eat The Yellow Snow", "St. Alfonzo’s Pancake Breakfast" and "Father Oblivion" because I want to get to my favorite part of the CD. Don’t mis-understand, they are all good. The band does a great job of transitioning from one song to the next.
"The Black Page #2" graces this CD and thank goodness for that. This was a highlight for me when I saw them in concert as it marked the point in the show when Steve Vai and Terry Bozio where on stage at the same time. These two have not lost a thing! But first, a note about bassist Pete Griffin. Just listen to this song one time and pay attention to the bass line and then you will realize that he is destined for great things. The band handles this daunting little ditty in a way that will always have my and many other’s respect. They handle this difficult tune well and with a confidence that demands the listener's attention.
"Peaches En Regalia" is next. This arrangement is full of the layers that I believe Zappa envisioned when he wrote it oh so many years ago. For those who don’t know, DZ has stated that this is his favorite FZ song. Pick up Hot Rats, listen to the original, then listen to this version and tell me you're not impressed. Peaches segues into "Zomby Woof". Again NMB provides stellar lead vocals and has not forgotten what it means to provide entertainment on a Zappa stage (I love watching him dance BTW). Aaron Arntz and Scheila Gonzalez do a great job of handling the horn acrobatics. We get to hear Steve Vai absolutely shred the guitar solo.
The CD concludes with a long and slow version of "The Torture Never Stops". When I saw this performed in Canton, Ohio, Napoleon absolutely had the audience captivated. I get the sense from listening to the CD that he had the same effect on Portland or Seattle. We get to hear one more wonderful guitar feature followed by the customary good night.
There is a companion DVD that has these songs plus many more from the 2006 tour. This is a first rate CD that does the Zappa name proud. You no doubt have already figured that out. If the 2008 tour brings ZPZ to your town, throw down the bucks and go enjoy yourself. If not, play this CD over and over and enjoy yourself.
04.27.08