Record Reviews
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  | FLO & EDDIE ~ ILLEGAL, IMMORAL AND FATTENING / MOVING TARGETS
ACADIA 8157 (Barcode: 805772815728) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1975 - 1976 Released: 2007
3rd and 4th albums by US duo Flo & EddieFind albums by this artist, who were of course vocalist Howard KaylanFind albums by this artist and Mark VolmanFind albums by this artist who had come to fame as members of the splendid US 1960s band the TurtlesFind albums by this artist, which produced a long streak of excellent singles and albums, based on the incredible vocal harmonizing abilities of the pair. Following the Turtles implosion, Kaylan and Volman became a much sought after studio vocalists, supporting many of the Rock stars (T. RexFind albums by this artist for example) in their recording sessions and eventually were drafted by no other than Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist to join his Mothers Of InventionFind albums by this artist troupe, where they supplied some of the most brilliant vocal parts ever created in Rock music. Zappa´s zany sense of humor suited the pair like a glove and they excelled in incorporating satire, impersonations and standup comedy trickery into their act, which was absolutely hilarious. Zappa encouraged the pair to pursue their own career and even gave them the trade moniker Flo & Eddie. The duos albums turned out to be all brilliant pieces of musical comedy and just plain music, unfortunately they were largely overshadowed by their Zappa stint and in time neglected and forgotten. Listening to these two albums is a real ear opener to their music, with the first presenting their madcap on-stage brilliance and the second focusing on their vocal and songwriting abilities, which were always superb. They used some of the best musicians around in their backing band, including many Mothers members and the result is a stunning example of sophisticated 1970s Rock, which mixes Pop, Rock and Jazz elements with finesse and deeply rooted musicality. Definitely worth re-discovery and careful listening, this music stands the test of time with flying colors and is a great document of the era. With the humor as an added value, this is a package you don´t want to miss!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ CARNEGIE HALL
VAULTERNATIVE 20111B (Barcode: 824302010181) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1971 Released: 2020
This is an archival album of live recordings by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, recorded on October 11, 1971 at NY Carnegie Hall, the only concert played by Zappa and his Mothers Of InventionFind albums by this artist at this prestigious venue. The 3CD album includes all the music played during the two shows that night, lasting together for over three hours, all of which was previously unreleased. The album was released in 2011 as one of the series of complete live concerts, which also includes “FZ:OZFind albums with this title”, “BuffaloFind albums with this title”, “WazooFind albums with this title”, “Philly `76Find albums with this title” and “Hammersmith OdeonFind albums with this title”. This is the 2020 version of the album, which omits the support act (The PersuasionsFind albums by this artist) CD from the original 4CD 2011 version. All the music (except for two tracks which were co-composed) was composed by Zappa.
The lineup of the musicians playing in the band, which played these concerts consists, in addition to Zappa on guitar and vocals of course, of vocalist / percussionist Mark VolmanFind albums by this artist, vocalist Howard KaylanFind albums by this artist (both ex-TurtlesFind albums by this artist collectively known as Flo & EddieFind albums by this artist), keyboardist / saxophonist Ian UnderwoodFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Don PrestonFind albums by this artist, bassist Jim PonsFind albums by this artist and British drummer Aynsley DunbarFind albums by this artist. The repertoire covers past favorites going as far back as the debut album “Freak Out!Find albums with this title” and up to “King KongFind albums with this title” (which gets an improvised 30 minutes long treatment), “Hot RatsFind albums with this title”, “Chunga`s RevengeFind albums with this title” and “200 MotelsFind albums with this title”.
The music, as I have already stated repeatedly, is beyond categorization, being first and foremost the idiosyncratic creation of Zappa’s musical Genius. Of course every new piece of reissued vault material by Zappa expands the portrait of one of the paramount musical Geniuses of the 20th Century. I still label it as Jazz-Rock Fusion, as it embraces the wide perspective of these two genres. After all it is no less than three hours of the best music money can buy, brilliantly recorded and carefully put together for you listening pleasure.
Overall, this a superb and highly detailed document of the way Zappa created his masterpieces, and of course a testimony to his musical out of the box thinking and creativity. As far as concert recordings, this is an extraordinary example of Zappa’s ability to run a tight ship, perhaps tighter than any other. Despite the complexity of the material, Swiss watchmakers are using this music to synchronize their watches by.
| | Updated: 11/08/2022Posted: 29/10/2021 | CD 3 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ CHUNGA`S REVENGE
ZAPPA 3844 (Barcode: 824302384428) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1969 - 1970 Released: 2012
This is a reissue / remaster of the 11th album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, released originally in 1970. The music was recorded in the studio and live in 1969 and 1970. The album presents ten tracks, four of which are instrumentals, all composed by Zappa.
The lineup, in addition to Zappa on guitar, vocals and other instruments including even drums, includes for the first time the two ex-TurtlesFind albums by this artist vocalists Howard KaylanFind albums by this artist and Mark VolmanFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Flo & EddieFind albums by this artist), multi-instrumentalist Ian UnderwoodFind albums by this artist, keyboardist George DukeFind albums by this artist, bassists Jeff SimmonsFind albums by this artist and Max BennettFind albums by this artist, drummers Aynsley DunbarFind albums by this artist and John GuerinFind albums by this artist and violinist Don Sugarcane HarrisFind albums by this artist playing organ on one track.
The album presents an eclectic amalgam of Jazz improvisations, Jazz-Rock Fusion, Blues, Rock and Pop songs, with sarcastic lyrics dealing with subject matter about Rock Culture, sex and other social issues. It is one of the most seemingly incoherent Zappa’s musical constructs, but of course it does make perfect sense as far as showing the diversity of his musical interests and his ability as a composer.
Overall, although this music is now over fifty years old, it sounds as fresh as it did when first heard and lost absolutely nothing of its power and everlasting beauty. This album remains an absolute Classic in every respect, which stands proudly as an icon of superb music, which still shines brighter than almost anything else recorded since.
Side Note
Frank Zappa created a vast recorded legacy during his lifetime, which is continuously being expanded using music recorded and stored in his extensive vault. The albums officially released and approved by Zappa are numbered sequentially in the "Official Release" series, from #001 to the last release so far #126. The albums between #001 to #062 were released during Zappa's lifetime and all the others were released posthumously. There are countless unofficial / bootleg releases on the market as well.
Zappa's catalogue was remastered for CD release twice: in 1995 for the RykodiscFind albums on this label releases and again in 2012 for the ZappaFind albums on this label Records / UniversalFind albums on this label releases. The Zappa / Universal program includes 60 releases, which cover the entire catalog released during his lifetime (62 releases, except #013 "200 Motels" and the three Box Sets #043, #046 and #049 called "The Old Masters vol.I / II / III"), and 6 posthumous releases (#064, #065, #067, #068, #093 and #094), which were also included.
| | Updated: 22/09/2022Posted: 23/02/2022 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ FILLMORE EAST - JUNE 1971
ZAPPA 3845 (Barcode: 824302384527) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Rock
Recorded: 1971 Released: 2012
This is a reissue / remaster of the 12th album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, released originally in 1971. The music was recorded live at the legendary NYC Fillmore East venue in 1971. The album presents twelve tracks, all (except one) composed by Zappa.
The lineup, in addition to Zappa on guitar and vocals, includes members of the then current version of Mothers Of InventionFind albums by this artist, which comprises of lead vocalists Mark VolmanFind albums by this artist and Howard KaylanFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Flo & EddieFind albums by this artist), multi-instrumentalist Ian UnderwoodFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Bob HarrisFind albums by this artist, bassist Jim PonsFind albums by this artist and drummer Aynsley DunbarFind albums by this artist. Keyboardist Don PrestonFind albums by this artist appears on one track, which was probably recorded at other live concert.
The album presents a comic / bitterly satirical concept “story”, which depicts the “behind the scenes” of the music business and Rock groups touring / concerts, with all its absurdity and deviation, which sadly was for many years a part of the scene, before it spread into the general public and created the insane “celeb” scene omnipresent in today’s non-culture.
Musically the album is somewhat less Jazz-Rock Fusion oriented, but still offers lengthy instrumental improvisations and some of the best-ever guitar soloing by Zappa. The only track not composed by Zappa is a parody of the song “Happy Together”, which was a mega hit for the TurtlesFind albums by this artist, the group Volman and Kaylan originate from.
Overall, although this music is now over fifty years old, it sounds as fresh as it did when first heard and lost absolutely nothing of its power and everlasting beauty. This album remains an absolute Classic in every respect, which stands proudly as an icon of superb music, which still shines brighter than almost anything else recorded since.
Side Note
Frank Zappa created a vast recorded legacy during his lifetime, which is continuously being expanded using music recorded and stored in his extensive vault. The albums officially released and approved by Zappa are numbered sequentially in the "Official Release" series, from #001 to the last release so far #126. The albums between #001 to #062 were released during Zappa's lifetime and all the others were released posthumously. There are countless unofficial / bootleg releases on the market as well.
Zappa's catalogue was remastered for CD release twice: in 1995 for the RykodiscFind albums on this label releases and again in 2012 for the ZappaFind albums on this label Records / UniversalFind albums on this label releases. The Zappa / Universal program includes 60 releases, which cover the entire catalog released during his lifetime (62 releases, except #013 "200 Motels" and the three Box Sets #043, #046 and #049 called "The Old Masters vol.I / II / III"), and 6 posthumous releases (#064, #065, #067, #068, #093 and #094), which were also included.
| | Updated: 22/09/2022Posted: 12/02/2022 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ THE MOTHERS 1970
ZAPPA 20033 (Barcode: 824302003329) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2020
This is a wonderful archival Box Set, which collects the recordings by the short lived lineup of the MothersFind albums by this artist, led by Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist between May and December of 1970 and celebrates its 50th Anniversary. The material includes studio and concert recordings from the Zappa vault and most of the material is previously unreleased.
This particular lineup of the Mothers included the two ex-TurtlesFind albums by this artist vocalists Mark VolmanFind albums by this artist and Howard KaylanFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Flo & EddieFind albums by this artist), Jazz keyboardist George DukeFind albums by this artist, who arrived via Jean-Luc PontyFind albums by this artist and the brilliant “King KongFind albums with this title” album from 1969, multi-instrumentalist Ian UnderwoodFind albums by this artist (the only original Mother), bassist Jeff SimmonsFind albums by this artist and British drummer Aynsley DunbarFind albums by this artist. Shortly before Zappa disbanded the original Mothers Of InventionFind albums by this artist, he released the seminal solo album “Hot RatsFind albums with this title”, was involved in cross-genre meeting with Zubin MehtaFind albums by this artist and in parallel started to produce the “Uncle MeatFind albums with this title” movie, a typical Zappa mayhem, emphasizing his feverish creativity.
The music is, as always, completely Zappaesque, with brilliant melodic contents, weird polyrhythmic approach, which was always his forte, a Rock oriented rhythm section and Jazz oriented instrumental layers, topped with superb vocal harmonies and Zappa’s angelic / devilish guitar work, which remains unparalleled.
As the time moves on and Zappa’s music is now well into its sixth decade, it becomes more and more apparent that he was an absolute singularity on the 20th Century music scene. No other musician managed to create such a vast body of music so diverse and aesthetically perfect as Zappa. He was also one of the very few musicians with an outlook on the world politics and the sickness of American society, and surely the only one that was not afraid to publicly mock it. His sharp sense of humor cut deeply like a surgeon’s scalpel, but the political establishment managed to present him to the public as a weirdo rather than a sage.
One of the few things that I regret in the course of my musical adventures is the fact that I met Frank only a couple of times over the years, as I’d love to have talked with him in depth. It was not to be and his premature death closed the window of opportunity forever.
For the many Zappa fans this Box Set is of course a must, as everything else that emerges from his vault. It is absolutely blissful that his vault is so well looked after and new material emerges from it periodically and continuously, especially in times were new music is hardly worth any attention. Pass the word and enjoy!
| | Updated: 19/01/2022Posted: 30/05/2021 | CD 4 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
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