Record Reviews

FRANK ZAPPA ~ ORCHESTRAL FAVORITES ZAPPA 3860 (Barcode: 824302386026) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1975 Released: 2012 This is the reissue / remaster of the 27th album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, released originally in 1979. The album presents five instrumental pieces, all composed by Zappa. The music was recorded live during September 17-19, 1975 by the thirty-seven-piece orchestra, called again (see the “Lumpy GravyFind albums with this title” album) Abnuceals Amuukha Electric Symphony OrchestraFind albums by this artist. The recordings were done during two live concerts and one additional day of recording without audience. The music depicts Zappa’s fascination with large orchestral instrumental works and Jazz / Jazz-Rock Fusion influences, that culminated on this album, which is often considered as one of his most important releases. Zappa’s completely unique compositional approach, orchestration and cross-genre scope made him a pioneer of modern music, which is still largely misunderstood and underappreciated. This album is a superb example of his completely groundbreaking compositions and his ability to transport his compositions between genres, which he often did over time. The entire production cost of the recording, a staggering (at the time) sum of US$ 200,000, was entirely covered by Zappa himself, as no record label was ready to invest such sums in music with Avant-Garde orientation. Well, nothing changed in that respect to this very day. Overall, although almost fifty 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: 24/07/2022Posted: 24/07/2022

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend