Record Reviews

FRANK ZAPPA ~ LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA VOL. I & II ZAPPA 3868 (Barcode: 824302386828) ~ USA ~ Classical Recorded: 1983 Released: 2012 This is a reissue / remaster of the 38th and 48th albums by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, originally released in 1983 and 1987, both recorded at the same sessions in January of 1983 with the London Symphony OrchestraFind albums by this artist conducted by Kent NaganoFind albums by this artist and expanded with Zappaesque spicing represented by percussionist Ed MannFind albums by this artist, drummer Chad WackermanFind albums by this artist and clarinetist David OckerFind albums by this artist. The first CD presents two two-parts and one three-parts suites and the second CD presents four individual pieces. All the music was composed by Zappa. Other earlier albums by Zappa, which were recorded by orchestras include “Lumpy GravyFind albums with this title”, “200 MotelsFind albums with this title” and “Orchestral FavoritesFind albums with this title”. Zappa’s obsession with orchestral music comes to its climax with this album, especially since his status as a “serious” musician is finally recognized by his Classical peers and one of the most prestigious orchestras in the world agreed to record his music. Despite his complete contempt and sheer hatred of musical business and establishment, he could not resist the temptation to “show” them who is really better, which reflects the omnipresent, but often deeply hidden inferiority complex of all non-Classical musicians / composers in relation to the Classical ones. Zappa’s music was always, from day one, as complex, ambitious, innovative, pioneering and Genius, and in most cases more so, than that of his Classical contemporaries, even when performed in the Pop / Rock / Fusion / Jazz environments, but this album is an opportunity to make an “equal ground” comparison, which of course easily proves his authority. For the avid listener, it is recommended to compare those parts of the material, which were previously recorded in different settings. Listeners not familiar with Zappa’s legacy (an unthinkable sin) might think that he is a bona fide Classical composer, as this music sounds as “Classical” as they come, which is again a proof of his Genius. This music is conceived and in fact realized to sound as modern Classical music, which for a person of no academic Classical music education is truly astounding in every respect. Overall, although almost forty years passed since this music was recorded, 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. Zappa’s genius, not only as a musician, but also as a visionary and a brilliant observer of the human condition and American folly and deceit, remain completely relevant and are even more actual today than ever. 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: 06/04/2022

CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend