Record Reviews

FRANK ZAPPA ~ EVERYTHING IS HEALING NICELY ZAPPA UMRK 03 (Barcode: 824302999127) ~ USA ~ Classical Recorded: 1991 Released: 1999 This is the 69th album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, released posthumously in 1999. It was recorded during the rehearsals for the “The Yellow SharkFind albums with this title” album, which was to be the last album released during Zappa’s lifetime, about a month before his death. The music was recorded in California in 1991, during the first encounter between Zappa and the Frankfurt based international orchestra Ensemble ModernFind albums by this artist, which is dedicated to promote and popularize music of modern composers. The album presents thirteen original compositions by Zappa, some composed especially for this project and other older compositions, which were newly arranged. The Indian violinist L. ShankarFind albums by this artist performs on two tracks, but does not appear on the final version of “The Yellow Shark” album Zappa’s obsession with orchestral music comes to its tragic climax with this album, especially since his status as a “serious” musician is finally recognized by his Classical peers and some 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 over thirty 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.

Updated: 01/12/2022Posted: 01/12/2022

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