Re: Boy that Zappa could really tear it up!
I'm far from a Zappa-phile, but I really appreciate what the guy was able to do, both with his rock stylings, as well as more jazz-oriented and even pseudo-classical stuff. I've always found a lot of humor in what he created, even in those pieces that weren't scatological or overtly sexual. The guy certainly never took himself seriously. I've also never really considered him that much of a shredder, although I have no doubt that Vai's presence might have induced some speed playing. BTW, his band also included Adrian Belew for awhile, as well as Aynsley Dunbar, Shuggie Otis, Flo & Eddie of the Turtles, Chester Thompson, and Terry Bozzio. I'm sure there are those here who are aficionados who would have deeper comments to add.
One other thing I know about FZ is that he was not a proponent of drugs or the drug culture. I don't know if that's what you were referring to with "I expect one had to speak into the hookah with him to fully understand." Even though at a certain age I did not shy away from a recreational blast or three, I hold the man in even greater awe and respect knowing that he mined his psyche and created what he did without the assistance of artificial joy.
Listen to Hot Rats or Joe's Garage (1, 2, & 3) all the way through and see what you think.
P
pkjensen
(view)
I'm far from a Zappa-phile, but I really appreciate what the guy was able to do, both with his rock stylings, as well as more jazz-oriented and even pseudo-classical stuff. I've always found a lot of humor in what he created, even in those pieces that weren't scatological or overtly sexual. The guy certainly never took himself seriously. I've also never really considered him that much of a shredder, although I have no doubt that Vai's presence might have induced some speed playing. BTW, his band also included Adrian Belew for awhile, as well as Aynsley Dunbar, Shuggie Otis, Flo & Eddie of the Turtles, Chester Thompson, and Terry Bozzio. I'm sure there are those here who are aficionados who would have deeper comments to add.
One other thing I know about FZ is that he was not a proponent of drugs or the drug culture. I don't know if that's what you were referring to with "I expect one had to speak into the hookah with him to fully understand." Even though at a certain age I did not shy away from a recreational blast or three, I hold the man in even greater awe and respect knowing that he mined his psyche and created what he did without the assistance of artificial joy.
Listen to Hot Rats or Joe's Garage (1, 2, & 3) all the way through and see what you think.
