Frank Zappa - The Grand Wazoo
(1973)
|
Cover Front |
Album |
|
Artist |
Frank Zappa |
Length |
37:03 |
Format |
CD |
Genre |
Rock |
Label |
Ryko |
Index |
6 |
Collection Status |
In Collection |
Packaging |
Jewel Case |
|
Track List |
01 |
The Grand Wazoo |
13:19 |
02 |
For Calvin (And His Next Two Hitch-Hikers) |
06:06 |
03 |
Cletus Awreetus-Awrightus |
02:57 |
04 |
Eat That Question |
06:42 |
05 |
Blessed Relief |
07:59 |
Personal Details |
Price |
|
Rating |
0 |
Owner |
Bean |
|
Details |
Spars |
DDD |
Rare |
No |
Sound |
Stereo |
|
Notes |
Like its immediate predecessor, Waka/Jawaka, The Grand Wazoo was a largely instrumental jazz fusion album recorded during Zappa's convalescence from injuries sustained after being pushed off a concert stage. While Zappa contributes some guitar solos and occasional vocals, the focus is more on his skills as a composer and arranger. Most of the five selections supposedly form a musical representation of a story told in the liner notes about two warring musical factions, but the bottom line is that overall, the compositions here are more memorably melodic and consistently engaging than Waka/Jawaka. The instrumentation is somewhat unique in the Zappa catalog as well, with the band more of a chamber jazz orchestra than a compact rock unit; over 20 musicians and vocalists contribute to the record. While Hot Rats is still the peak of Zappa's jazz-rock fusion efforts, The Grand Wazoo comes close, and it's essential for anyone interested in Zappa's instrumental works. Steve Huey |
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