Record Reviews

FRANK ZAPPA ~ OVER-NITE SENSATION ZAPPA 3850 (Barcode: 824302385029) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1973 Released: 2012 This is a reissue / remaster of the 17th album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, originally released in 1973. The sessions that produced this album also produced the 1974 album “Apostrophe (`)Find albums with this title”, which was Zappa’s next album. The album presents seven original songs, all by Zappa. Zappa assembled an absolutely brilliant lineup of musicians to record the album, which included French violinist Jean-Luc PontyFind albums by this artist, keyboardist George DukeFind albums by this artist, trombonist Bruce FowlerFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Sal MarquezFind albums by this artist, multi-instrumentalist Ian UnderwoodFind albums by this artist, percussionist Ruth UnderwoodFind albums by this artist, bassist Tom FowlerFind albums by this artist and drummer Ralph HumphreyFind albums by this artist. The vocals were performed mostly by Zappa with a little help from several singers, including the uncredited appearance by Tina TurnerFind albums by this artist and the IkettesFind albums by this artist. The unique and exemplary guitar parts are of course his. This album marks a new approach in Zappa’s convoluted musical path and marks his passionate affair with Jazz-Rock Fusion, which has its sources some years earlier in "The Hot Rats SessionsFind albums with this title", but came into full bloom starting with album and dominated his 1970s output. He managed to combine a very complex music, both harmonically and rhythmically, with a seemingly Rock or even Pop glam, to expand his audiences, without losing an iota of his musical integrity. In retrospect the music on this album sounds a bit pale in comparison to the numerous live recordings of the same material, which was often expanded into lengthy improvisations and offered an explosion of energy and spontaneity. Nevertheless, these are the original versions of that gorgeous material, and have not only a nostalgic tinge, but are true Classics in every respect. 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: 22/09/2022Posted: 20/11/2021

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

FRANK ZAPPA ~ OVER-NITE SENSATION (50TH ANNIVERSARY SUPER DELUXE EDITION) ZAPPA 20044 (Barcode: 602455648563) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1973 Released: 2023 This is the 127th album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, released posthumously in 2023. As the title suggests, it compiles all the material connected with the iconic “Over-Nite SensationFind albums with this title” album, originally released in 1973, as well as concert recordings from that period. The music was recorded almost entirely at the Bolic Sound and Whitney Studio in 1973, with a few exceptions recorded earlier. The 4CD Box Set offers a total of fifty-four tracks, with over five hours of music. The bonus BD disc offers the original album in various alternate audio formats. The recordings feature the following lineup: Zappa on guitar and vocals, violinist Jean-Luc PontyFind albums by this artist, keyboardist George DukeFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Sal MarquezFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Ian UnderwoodFind albums by this artist, trombonist Bruce FowlerFind albums by this artist, percussionist Ruth UnderwoodFind albums by this artist, bassist Tom FowlerFind albums by this artist and drummer Ralph HumphreyFind albums by this artist. Several vocalists appear on selected tracks. CD1 presents the original album (7 tracks), bonus session masters (6 tracks) and bonus vault sensations (3 tracks). CD2 presents more bonus vault sensations (10 tracks) and the first part of the Hollywood Palladium March 23, 1973 concert (3 tracks). CD3 presents the rest of the Hollywood Palladium concert (9 tracks). CD4 presents the Cobo Hall May 12, 1973 concert (16 tracks). The “Over-Nite Sensation” album is one the peaks of Zappa’s career, summarizing his Jazz-Rock Fusion spiced with zany humor period. The instrumental parts are all sensational, with constant twists and turns both harmonically and rhythmically, which characterized Zappa’s approach, reflecting his “out of the box” forward thinking and pioneering / experimental nature, all of which sets him far above most of his contemporaries, and remains absolutely relevant today. This Box Set offers a wealth of material and absolutely nothing stands between the music and the listener to enjoy a fury and orgy of the Zappa phenomenon. As usual, every note played by Zappa and his ensemble is perfectly unique and these tracks are an integral part of his heritage. Overall, this is an absolutely essential piece of the Frank Zappa legacy and a fitting tribute to his brilliance. These early Jazz-Rock Fusion recordings are a perfect example of the emerging idiom and are brilliantly executed by the ensemble. Considering that all this happened over fifty years ago clearly proves that Zappa was a visionary / prophetic Genius.

Updated: 30/05/2024Posted: 30/05/2024

4CD+BD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Audiophile Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend