A Breakdown Of Frank Zappa's "Montana" Interlude

[@thedweezilzappa]

Love it!

[@montanajoe4636]

the dweeze!!!

[@vinceleonberger5362]

So do I ...

[@thaistabem]

Me too!

[@claytunes]

One of the best albums ever.

[@insanealpaca]

dweezil ❤️

[@paulinebutcherbird]

Brilliant. I lived and worked with Frank Zappa and saw him compose, but I've never heard any of his songs dissected in such a fascinating way.

[@jjj8035]

I listened to your book as an audiobook. I had such a great time listening to all of it on my drives and absolutely loved it!

[@paulinebutcherbird]

@@jjj8035 How lovely of you to let me know. I think Emma makes a very good job of Frank Zappa's voice which is not easy for a woman to do. And I'm glad it came alive in audio as the written version is not available until late April.

[@theproblembelief7549]

When you see this kind of analysis, it is no wonder his stature as a composer is still growing. Also interesting that this is an analysis which is much more appealing in a video format than in a written format (say, a musicology journal article).

[@paulinebutcherbird]

@@theproblembelief7549 I agree with you about this analysis but, is it true that Zappa's stature as a composer is growing? I don't see it happening.

[@theproblembelief7549]

@@paulinebutcherbird Well, maybe not in the places where you expect...there is a lot being published in musicology journals, and in certain sections of the (European) improvised music sphere his musical influence is acknowledged. Guys like Raoul Björkenheim and Lukas Ligeti, both on on the edge between jazz and composed music.

[@gordonbowyer2365]

This song completely changed my ears forever…… what an amazing homage to the Maestro Tyler…. Genius analysis of genius…. Fair play to you you’re doing something really special here

[@joshwent]

I understood much less of that than I should have, yet I enjoyed much more of that than I should have. Music is the best.

[@Bocman1]

I didn't expect to watch the whole thing, now I'm late for work

[@hackupboulders]

This is a dissertation Dr. Bartram. Congratulations.

[@wowwhywow]

"Jumbo, go away" has what Frank Zappa considered one of the hardest middle sections for any of his musicians to play. You could do that. Also, curiously... Frank said that EVERY musician that ever tried to play the middle sax run in Peaches en Regalia... no matter what instrument... EVERYBODY had problems with that run. Every group. Frank Zappa was notorious for writing melodies that broke musicians hands... and brains. Nice job... it was a thrill to watch this.

[@TommyWashow]

what about the crazy part in fembot

[@wowwhywow]

@@horowizard yes.. but Frank specified that it DIDN'T MATTER what instrument....guitar... flute... sax... keyboard... they ALL had difficulty with that line.

[@ceddyharris6340]

I think I have, werrrmmms!

[@AndyGrazianoNYC]

Well said about the Peaches sax run - I thought I could handle it easily on guitar (the guitar part is straightforward), and quickly got an education! You can see from Tyler's face at the end there after he plays the lick - you just have to hold on and maybe you can nail it, but to master it is an undertaking.

[@paulkeir3642]

Amazing video. Middle section of Jumbo Go Away gets my vote for a future analysis.

[@Flippy]

This video is absolutely brilliant. Thank you so much for putting in the amazing work to pay respects to an amazing song.

[@brendan7870]

Seeing the channel I watched for saints row shitposting as a young boy is praising the same Zappa analysis I am as a young man, oh how the world spins.

[@trevorlindsey580]

This explains a lot of why Zappa's tunes often twisted my mind. Now I understand.

[@wonder6789]

Mind blowing. Zappa's music leaves my jaw on the floor in terms of the virtuosity of the writing and performances. Totally unique.

[@pepaez]

your slide version at the end is absolutely beautiful by the way !!

[@danielsanders4791]

Great

[@stephenbouchelle7706]

I’ve always heard and believed FZ was a musical genius. This really helps explain what that means.

[@jameschristiansson3137]

This is a bit too in depth. And I want more.

[@wjamyers]

ha ha ha... astonishing detail

[@paulc5358]

I think we all do

[@youmothershouldknow4905]

Usually KZbin sucks. This is where KZbin shines! Just this Montana breakdown is worth more than decades of cable TV.

[@thebreathalyzer]

lol, yeah man

[@laurengabriel3724]

This analysis is INCREDIBLE. I knew that sus chords were prominent in Zappa's work, but had no idea just how INTEGRAL they were.

[@ejb7969]

Why do I get the feeling that centuries of music theory were all leading up to this moment?

[@Dweezil1996]

4:34 who noticed the completely fucking genius segue music here with the riffs from each song combined as one mega riff?

[@portwain]

You deserve Dweezil Zappa as a subscriber. Brilliant job.

[@djbabymode]

How am I only getting around to watching this? *Fantastic fantastic fantastic* work!

[@Mr.Altavoz]

Wow 🎉 thanks 👍 a lot for this video 📸

[@StewartGartland]

Two things to add before I go. Firstly, I feel sad that someone as talented as you clearly are may have a harder time making the kind of living that Frank made, mainly because of streaming and illegal downloading of music. This, because you really deserve it. Second, I loved that Frank made such unique and fun music, because my friends who weren't interested in a musical education, were just as happy as I was to listen to Frank all the time while I was getting my musical education. I think Frank wanted to play with the idea of having fun, while thinking hard. Thank you so much for this extraordinary breakdown and good luck with music.

[@mal2ksc]

As a composer, I find the number of people willing to work for free and release their work on royalty-free sound sites to be far more destructive to the notion of being a composer for a living. Why would anyone want to hire a composer when there's all this free stuff out there, some of which is good (even if a lot of it isn't)? The people who _don't_ need to make a living from it are making it nearly impossible for anyone who wants to.

[@paulinebutcherbird]

What is left out of FZ's success as a composer is that he was willing to go to extremes to get publicity. On his first trip to Europe, he put on a short dress that revealed his hairy legs, shoved in apples to suggest breasts and tied his hair in bunches on either side of his ears. This photo hit front pages of music papers and gave him a jump start. How many composers would be willing to degrade themselves in this way?

[@infamousT]

My favourite Zappa track above all - I think my brain just melted.

[@SKarthikeyan75]

Thank you. Thank you. I listen to Montana almost once a week and have been for decades. I love it WITH the detailed thoughtful analysis (as yours) as much as I do without thinking. Frank's music is music for the head and the heart. Thank you.

[@solarwave]

When you need a musical brain massage, accept no substitutes!

[@alexandremello6913]

Incredible job of analyzing it!

[@ornleifs]

Just like your video on Alien Orifice - this is Brilliant.

[@TylerBartram]

Thank you!

[@DaveDurango]

I have been addicted to this interlude since I was a teenager. Ty

[@AndyGrazianoNYC]

My friend, you have it. Thank you for unlocking a small window into his writing process - this a major work. F*ckin A'!

[@no_notes1229]

I love that you make the best breakdowns of the best parts of the best songs of the best composer... imho. Love it!

[@shamsbouteille1]

Fascinating

[@mu99ins]

What a superb presentation. The reading, audio, graphics, and theory were synchromeshed smooth as lube.

[@puercoespineta]

Need more of this

[@mateuszorzi3]

This is by far one of the best videos about Frank i've ever seen in my whole life, big congratulations on you Tyler for making this absolute dream come true!

[@LowKeyTired-q7d]

Awesome ...

[@fasteagle9959]

I did it. I turned the knob on the oscillator myself.

[@OverdosedOreos]

35:41 glad you mention Giant Steps. Thinking the exact same thing.

[@jubilman]

Of course yes we wanna see more breakdowns of FZ genius Music ! You're doing such an amazing job Tyler ! Thx soooo much !

[@Dweezil1996]

Fucking finally. Somebody makes a video (an amazing one about Montana). Great work. Second Zappa solo I learned (by ear) after Peaches. One of my all time favs. Couldn't have said it better -- it showcases EVERYTHING Zappa was great at, recorded by LEGENDS

[@johndcoffee632]

what a video, thanks Tyler

[@mattdowie92]

This deserves waaay more views. There is so much good information and the production values are through the roof.

[@a_missippian]

as if there were ever any doubt before, the floss is definitely with you sir - thanks & cheers from the Delta - yippeeyiyotiyaay

[@anthonystaffen3983]

I am loving this Zappa content

[@sanfordsanford295]

Great analysis

[@AmbientShrub]

This makes me feel so simple and primitive with my approach to music making. Zappa was a genius.

[@briang1172]

I really enjoyed that.

[@ewetoo]

He was such a smart cookie and you showed us how, thank you. I've been trying to understand the middle break chord progression for years as a bassplayer and I finally get it now. Also kudos to Tom for sneaking around it!

[@TheTralfaz]

One of the best explanations of Franks techniques that I've ever seen You Sir, are a genius....thank you thank you thank you

[@TheTralfaz]

This is going to be my daily study practice from now on

[@XISTH]

Really incredible analysis. I think the big man would have been impressed.

[@seanperkinsmusic]

I love it. I am a music theory enthusiast and Zappa fanatic. I would love to see links to your other videos throughout to dive deep on particular concepts. Example: at 8:05 have a link to other videos you have on phrase sequences. I was captivated and wanted to know more. I will watch an hour and a half if that's what it takes to communicate Zappa. Excellent content, please keep it up!

[@RobertJones-et7gh]

Great video. Over my head. TMI for me. I'm humbled.

[@chrisvilardi650]

WOW

[@69nukeee]

Amazing!

[@uncleremus64]

I've been obsessed with Zappa's muisc for 40 years, but Sign me up for your PhD level course on FZ composition and theory analysis.

[@jamesward4250]

I was raised n weaned on Zappa.

[@derekpavlic]

The melody that got me hooked forever... This is awesome. Love the lap steel rendition!

[@michaelledford4751]

This 45 minutes was better spent than practicing ,this is the 2nd FZ breakdown ive watched from this man & i feel hella smarter from it .

[@winstonschwarz1636]

Watching this half awake on my first coffee of the day and it's flying past so quick. Thank you again for taking the time to work it all out. Frank would've loved it.

[@philcremer4709]

Some things just come naturally to some people. Like trying to break down the math in poetry. Nice video.

[@cameronchurch4639]

Amazing synopsis

[@johnmacbeth4148]

Wow! Great Job

[@Jay87539]

Wow, all these years I never knew that was Tina and the Ikettes. So interesting and cool!

[@avantagonist]

I love Zappa, music theory, and fast talking explainers and this kicked my brains ass. Super fast, super dense. 10/10

[@jeremyguitar6425]

glad youre uploading again dude. hearing the slowed down original version of the ikettes singing on montana is a trip

[@mikehahaha2962]

A-M-A-Z-I-N-G VIDEO thanks for existing !

[@pablopinto8311]

I finally get to finish the whole video. Fantastic! How about a fast analysis of that little Rite of Spring quote on "Fountain of love"? Time keeps passing by and still cannot find it. All the best!

[@stevew2724]

Very insightful! -- FZ fan since late '60s

[@gordonsmith33]

I have no idea what you are talking about. But this is all very interesting. Even though I don't understand stand music theory I know understand why I love Zappas music. This is all very inspiring. I'm going to look into some basic music theory lessons now. Thank you for this beautiful breakdown. I have to go floss my teeth now!!!

[@TylerBartram]

I love comments like this. Have fun!

[@spikeybaby1735]

Wooooosh is the sound of this vid going over my head 😁 loved Frank for 44 years tho

[@roscius6204]

Good work

[@stereotyper7375]

Absolute gold. Thank you so much.

[@pepaez]

You're unbelievable !!! Bravissimo Tyler, even though I don't follow everything, I do get your phenomenal expertise. My coolest "Music Is The Best" salutations !

[@billymercey4654]

Awesome just another reason to hold frank in our hearts ❤️

[@TheUyotube]

Frank Zappa was one of a kind ….there will never be another

[@THETOASTYTOASTEROMEGA]

i know talk about a wild mind

[@enggopah]

I hope you do more of these on Frank's music. I am impressed.

[@thedearjohns]

excellent

[@loganperry]

Awesome video, not only a great analysis but also great visuals and editing. Subscribed!

[@DrMoe.Lester]

Great work, more please!

[@Michael69]

This was an amazingly well made video. Good work Tyler. I hope your channel gains traction and that you receive the recognition you deserve

[@fredrikbrandstrom7349]

Amazing video!! This is so well put together

[@domenicgalata1470]

He always ripped this up on stage. His solos on Montana are always interesting and mind blowing. The version on the album Road Tapes Venue #2 Helsinki 1973 is one of my faves. The band locks in on the solo section so tightly. Funk grooves and Frank dancing over top with a brain melting solo. Unreal.

[@MattLeGroulx]

Wow, amazing work!

[@panplayer]

I love this so much. I played the Black Page in college, and have always loved Zappa’s harmonic sense.

[@HrKCA]

A very good video

[@princequestly2218]

Loved every second of this. Awesome job. This was easily my favorite Frank Zappa lineup out of the bands he played with. I like all the others as well, but this is definitely my favorite

[@ModernGuitar]

That's great !! Thanks !

[@Idogomusic]

This is top-notch content. It must have taken you ages to make. Thank you

[@shamsbouteille1]

Great video

[@udomatthiasdrums5322]

still love it!!

[@yessirshakejunt]

I Truly respect the Creative & Fun way You show and edited this topic/song With so passion, like Frank with so many love and respect for music Real authenticity and knwoledge on what you're Talkin'! ♡

[@gtown150]

FZ brilliance. He knew exactly what he was doing and now we are all sitting around figuring it out decades later. Wrote every note by hand!

[@smorrow]

I mean what else would you write it with in 1972

[@bordersofelmet]

Learning so much from these, and the presentation is so well put together. I especially like how you're recreating the songs using a daw, because it really lets the listener hear clearly what it is you're drawing attention to in the music, and it also makes it easier to hear the harmonic and melodic underpinnings of Frank's music when you compare different tracks. Great channel, hope you keep it up!

[@TylerBartram]

Thank you so much! I have plans for many more.

[@Wh1ddee]

@@TylerBartramYes!!!!!

[@kennrayy]

Oh, what a joy to come across this video! I’m 61, discovered Frank in seventh grade and I’ve never looked back. I started out a drummer and went to the percussion Institute of technology (PIT) in Hollywood when I was 21 then morphed into more of a guitar player and haven’t quit. I don’t nearly have the theory down like you do but I certainly know these songs and love how you are dovetailing all of these signature riffs of his over many different songs - fantastic well done and you’ve earned yourself a new subscriber!

[@michaelturner4755]

I don't know who you are or where you came from but this is incredible and I want more!!

[@BetterCallJohn]

I can call this channel "home". Thank you, you have a new subscriber.

[@Porkobosso]

Loved this Breakdown. I have always been a Zappa nut. In mid school I asked my music teacher what grade I could get if I played a zappa song on guitar. She laughed and said I get top grade. End of semester I was so proud I had been practicing -watermelon in easter hay for half a year. it was time. I played the song with minor error in zappas speedier parts. I think I played every other note that made sense in the fastest parts and it still sounded great. All the key note of the solo and bends were there. She looked at me in disbelief and then shrugged of and said it was nice but not a zappa song. I asked what she mean and she repeded that I would have gotten an A if it was an Zappa song. So she lowered my grade and didn't speak too me directly for the last year after that. Im still to this day confused of what happened. sorry for the rant. but it all came back with this video.

[@Conceptual_Continuity]

I'm so glad I discovered your channel

[@dougdrazga4461]

Subscribed. My "Eureka" moment with Frank years ago. I was always blown away that there's so much unison playing in the bridge -- side note: Ruth Underwood is from another planet. I had no idea all this other insanity was hiding here. This is a brilliant dive into one of rock's greatest lineups.

[@stony2494]

Woah, usually after dissecting something it should seem easier to understand. After seeing the results explained wonderfully, I’m still blown away at the complexity of FZ’s music and the explanation 😎👍🙏♥️ thanks

[@MH-hp7cz]

top notch

[@vineflower]

What a brilliant examination. Bravo man! incredible

[@wjamyers]

One minute in and I'm totally hooked, subbed, doing background research... WOW.

[@SlapaDaBass0]

Incredible work man wowwww