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Zappa is one of the greatest musical geniuses of the 20th century.
Francesco Zappa was not crazy, as many think.
Francesco Zappa had two enormous mustaches, only partially covering his grin.
Francesco Zappa did not take drugs.
Francesco Zappa smoked only cigarettes, simply saying: "for me, THIS IS FOOD!"
Francesco Zappa "teneva 'na minchia tanta".
Francesco Zappa even had crabs occasionally, and this was the only concern of the groupies.
Francesco Zappa is there smiling above my bed, hung on the wall.
Francesco Zappa played the guitar, but he made music using almost all existing and non-existing instruments, probably even the mother-of-pearl brush for cross-eyed dogs, greatly advancing the concept of "total music".
One fine day, after his freak trilogy, "Hot Rats," and some other great records, he made this "The Grand Wazoo," which is not only one of his most beautiful albums, but perhaps the one with the most cohesive blend of musical genres: jazz-fusion (in his way), a bit of nonsense ("Cletus Awreetus Awrightus"), rock, and even a bit of funk ("The Grand Wazoo"). All with the usual ensemble of great musicians, including Aynsley Dunbar on drums, and all the horns.
Absolutely magnificent the title track, with the master's typical tempo changes; peculiar madness in "For Calvin"; fantastic voices, very "Zappa-like," in "Cletus Awreetus Awrightus"; masterful keyboards in "Eat That Question." The album closes with a gem, "Blessed Relief," which brings back a very suggestive tranquility, as if after everything that happened, after all the upheavals, the rivers of notes and color and energy (also check out the splendid cover), one can close with oneself, more relaxed, recharged, and satisfied to have taken this beautiful journey with Francesco. IMMENSE... Thank you truly Frank, thank you for everything...
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
05 Approximate (05:25)
Frank Zappa (lead guitar, vocals) Napoleon Murphy Brock (saxophone, vocals) George Duke (keyboards, vocals) Ruth Underwood (percussion) Tom Fowler (bass) Chester Thompson (drums) One two, one two three four Alright, that's the melody Now, here it is with the mouth, As performed at Eva's wedding Come on Ruth, come on Ah, come on Ruth, sing along Come on Ruth, harmonize with him A-ren-ne-henna Okay, Achtung! One two, one two three four ...are wondering about It's a hit! Chester! ...shoe Chester Suzy Quattro Funky Take the towels We want you to take them to your country No, don't pay us for the towels We insist Towels Suitcase Get it through customs And now, here is way number three: With the feet! Hey! It's so modern Can't have any of that Later on we'll have a dance-contest And some lucky member of the audience Will win a quart of Finnish champagne! That's a good... That's a good... Just wanna see how long... Right! Okay Alright, now here it is, all the way through It's so exhilarating Eric Dolphy Memorial Barbecue! Hey! That's a good idea, isn't it Thank you! Thank you very much Thank you, and thank you And thank you some more And thank you very much And thank you And thank you Giddis, thank you, thank you...
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Other reviews
By Night87
"The Grand Wazoo... teems with freshness and absolute mastery, even over thirty years after its release."
"'Cletus Awreetus-Awrightus' is without a doubt the most amusing moment of the album, featuring brilliantly witty Zappaesque vocal parodies."
