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!
Tracklist and Lyrics
03 Approximate (14:39)
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...
Loading comments slowly