Frank Zappa
Wazoo

THE REVIEW

It must be said that it is always nice to find oneself faced with such surprises, especially around Christmas. An unreleased CD by the good Francone is always good for the heart; it makes you feel better and gives you the impression that he never left.

Eight months ago, in April, the excellent double live album Buffalo was released, recorded in '80 featuring a band that included Steve Vai. But the title of this Wazoo already takes us back to a slightly less recent period. Indeed, the mythical 1972, which saw the appearance on shelves of the masterpiece The Grand Wazoo! Yes, that formidable album by Uncle Frank: the one where he recruited a multitude of musicians and put together an orchestra that would terrify; the one with the unforgettable instrumental mini-suite that gives the name to the album; the one where finally Zappa's genius is fully expressed; and also, the one with a spectacular comic-style cover!

Well, folks, this "new" Wazoo, I am pleased to announce, is truly astonishing. It's almost annoying to think that it’s been locked away in archives for so long: but what does it matter when you have in front of you a double album, with an equally beautiful cover (which, by the way, takes inspiration from a famous Dalí painting, my favorite artist), dated 1972, recorded with the historic Grand Wazoo orchestra? Trombones, saxophones, and a myriad of brass and woodwinds: paired with Zappa's guitar. What else?

An exceptional live album, like ones we haven't seen in decades. Even better than Buffalo, even better than Roxy & Elsewhere, than Fillmore East... A product that absolutely should not have remained obscure, a piece of history left dusty for too long.

Despite this, the quality is as always excellent, not even a minor recording defect, as if it had been recorded today (although surely compliments should be given to those who remastered it: an excellent job). Dive then into the now-celebrated melodies (The Grand Wazoo, Big Swifty), avant-garde and improvised (Approximate), comedic/surreal (The Adventures Of Greggery Peccary - not yet recorded in studio, thus in an experimental phase: unbelievable! Altogether 33 minutes!) and impertinent (Penis Dimension) of the unforgettable mustachioed one. The formula works to perfection, and is wisely exploited only for a short time (the other album is Waka/Jawaka), to become unforgettable.

The enthusiasm for this great personal favor that Vaulternative Records did for me drives me to give 5 stars without hesitation. I do not think the enthusiasm will lessen over time, so this is the rating. And it's what material like this deserves. A true Christmas gift, which many will appreciate effortlessly. An indispensable companion, a truly great comfort, a well-filled gap. Zappa lives!