A Breakdown Of Frank Zappa's "Montana" Interlude

Examining the bridge of Frank Zappa's "Montana". You know, the high vocal interlude that Tina Turner & The Ikettes sing? Let's take a look at the compositional techniques.
Follow me on Instagram: / tylerbartram
Stuff I talk about in this vid:
0:00 Intro
0:37 The Band
2:01 FZ's Recording Techniques
4:45 The Harmony
10:25 The Melody
17:24 Word Painting
22:05 The Melody (Repeated Notes)
24:40 The Melody (Three Note Groups)
28:31 The Melody (Last Cycle)
33:04 The Melody (Unique Rhythmic Language)
38:48 The Form
39:10 Unsung Contributions
41:08 Outro
Stuff I reference in this vid:
Montana (Sydney 1973, this is legitimately one of the best FZ solos I've ever heard) - • Frank Zappa - Montana ...
Ike & Tina Turner Hits à gogo (1973) - • Ike & Tina Turner Revu...
Frank Zappa: Apostrophe(') and Over-Nite Sensation (Classic Albums) - rb.gy/fxvyjm
Frank Zappa: Dub Room Special - rb.gy/we6bma
Frank Zappa: Roxy the Movie - rb.gy/qac05d
FZ & MOI in Sweden - • Frank Zappa & Mothers ...
Tina Turner & The Ikettes (I Want To Take You Higher) - • Video
FZ 1975 Lecture - • Frank Zappa Lecture 4/...
Bob Ross Theme Song - • Video
Montana (unknown venue 1973) - • Frank Zappa - 1973/05/...
Montana (Switzerland 1974) - • Video
Sperl Galopp (Strauss) - • Johann Strauss - Sperl...
Monty Python Gallop - • Best horse-back riding...
Montana (Roxy 1973) - • Frank Zappa ~ MONTANA
The Torture Never Stops (London 1978) - • Frank Zappa - The Tort...
Dickie (Austin 1973) - • Video
Dumb All Over (Santa Monica 1981) - • Frank Zappa 1981 12 11...
Montana (Denmark 1977) - Get this one on Zappateers!
Montana (Manchester 1979) - • Video
Montana (San Antonio 1984) - • Video
Montana (LA 1984) - • 1984 07 21-22 Los Angeles
Mr. Bean Hiccup - • Mr. Bean - WORST Time ...
Charlie Brown Football - • Lucy & Charlie Brown K...
If you want to listen to the outro song in full - • Video
I'm available for zoom/skype lessons. Feel free to shoot me a message if you want to learn guitar, bass, or theory stuff either on Instagram or at [e-mail].
If you want to donate to help me make better vids: paypal.me/TylerBartram556

[@dweezilzappaworld]

Love it!

[@montanajoe4636]

the dweeze!!!

[@vinceleonberger5362]

So do I ...

[@thaistabem]

Me too!

[@claytunes]

One of the best albums ever.

[@eliesiegal]

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.

[@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

[@Bocman1]

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

[@ejb7969]

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

[@trevorlindsey580]

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

[@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.

[@stephenbouchelle7706]

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

[@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.

[@hackupboulders]

This is a dissertation Dr. Bartram. Congratulations.

[@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.

[@pepaez]

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

[@TylerBartram]

Thanks! Here is the full version if you’d like to listen kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6qcY6OGiK17ras

[@DaveDurango]

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

[@mu99ins]

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

[@juamachin]

Need more of this

[@portwain]

You deserve Dweezil Zappa as a subscriber. Brilliant job.

[@AndyGrazianoNYC]

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

[@Dweezil1996]

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

[@a_missippian]

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

[@derekpavlic]

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

[@jubilman]

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

[@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!

[@infamousT]

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

[@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!

[@fasteagle9959]

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

[@mattdowie92]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@ornleifs]

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

[@TylerBartram]

Thank you!

[@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 .

[@stevew2724]

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

[@djbabymode]

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

[@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

[@avantagonist]

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

[@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?

[@billymercey4654]

Awesome just another reason to hold frank in our hearts ❤️

[@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

[@jeremyguitar6425]

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

[@thedearjohns]

excellent

[@nairnloon]

Great googly-moogly, fantastic upload, many thanks.

[@mikehahaha2962]

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

[@POODLEBITES]

EXCELLENT!!!! Well done. Love your graphics too.

[@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 !

[@udomatthiasdrums5322]

still love it!!

[@wjamyers]

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

[@vineflower]

What a brilliant examination. Bravo man! incredible

[@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.

[@panplayer]

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

[@rick-ry3kj]

Instant favorite! Outstanding!

[@ModernGuitar]

That's great !! Thanks !

[@loganperry]

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

[@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

[@victotronics]

Great analysis. Thanks for putting that together.

[@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.

[@enggopah]

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

[@andrewbroughton65]

This is awesome 👌 Thank you so much

[@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!

[@linuslauterbach2975]

Wow! Thank you very much for your analysis videos. Looking forward to more!

[@philcremer4709]

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

[@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

[@alexanderkalinchenko4038]

Mr Tyler Bartram, you are a beast! Kudos and many thanks for the effort!

[@simoncroft]

Superb job! Thank you Tyler. I will be pouring over this for many months to come.

[@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.

[@DrumCorpsClips]

I'm so glad I discovered your channel

[@fredrikbrandstrom7349]

Amazing video!! This is so well put together

[@chrismcwilliams2778]

Great job!

[@TheUyotube]

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

[@THETOASTYTOASTEROMEGA]

i know talk about a wild mind

[@rauldossantos6542]

Really great material! Thanks a lot

[@migueldospachangas7716]

Dang, this is swimming in the deep end. At the point where the bamboozlement of my level of theory begins to end. U can understand, but barely grasp. You have'm mighty good ears, for a cowboy. Keep up the good work Kemosabe, The people I hang with swim in the baby pool, and really don't swim, just stand and splash. Controlling the splash, the contour, the glisten in the sun lighty light - that's the quality cheese. Mortals cannot slow the splash down, like the gods

[@BlackWhirlies]

Excellent Tyler - very well put together. Thanks!

[@Hyperiss]

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

[@jimmydonlon6762]

The prevalence and permutation of three-note figures in this piece is a good illustration of how FZ liked to use theme to establish continuity. Great video.

[@jameslabs1]

I respect the work you put into this. Thanks. Very inspiring

[@murderingdave5086]

This is such an interesting video! I've loved this music for years and it is so nice to see it theoretically broken down. thanks for posting!!

[@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

[@yagotrillo]

Certainly one the most interesting videos I've ever watched on KZbin. Thanks!

[@zenithurofn821]

This is simply an amazing analysis!! Well done!! Please more!

[@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.

[@joeypruitt6002]

This is awesome! So much work put into the theory and the graphics!

[@Evertzeevalkink]

What a great analysis! Really well presented as well. Love that you throw in musical examples from his other tunes to make a point. Please keep it up!

[@ganazby]

Brilliant analysis of a fearsome tune. Thank you for your hard work and insights. Bravo!

[@stitch3163]

Very fine analysis, Tyler. Cheers for that.

[@anthonystaffen3983]

I am loving this Zappa content

[@csweet207]

Amazing skillfully researched & produced video! You are the FZ of FZ breakdown videos!

[@Jibbuns]

absolutely amazing work on this video - hope to find much more zappa on this channel!

[@palomalopez4308]

Just brilliant analysis,Tyler! The best spent 45 minutes in my life!Thanx!🥇

[@andyyouell5037]

Wow. Thank you.

[@angieparnes83]

Dude, this is off the chain! Bravo, great job.

[@thisklik]

GREAT!!!

[@milesdavis69420]

Absolutely incredible content. From the music to the presentation. Unreal. We're unworthy!

[@SoundSeeker2024]

Excellent

[@wildizer]

This is outstanding! Subbed. Big FZ fan here. Watching / hearing your deconstructions is a glorious pleasure.

[@_tiagorossoni]

Thank you for your awsome work, these masterpiecies, full of treasures, deserves this kind lovely view like yours. Please continue!!! Music is the Best!!!🇧🇷

[@OverdosedOreos]

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

[@achiller1424]

Thanks for this fantastic analisys, another dozen of views and I will understand some of it :).....no seriously thanks a lot!

[@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!

[@SamMcGarrityIsOnYoutube]

Dude, where has this channel been hiding?! So good

[@justinsmith2530]

Montana is probably my favorite Zappa tune. So heavy. Great video.

[@jakedonaldson837]

Brilliant work. Would love to see more.

[@michaelturner4755]

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