Classical Composer Reacts to Blessed Relief (Frank Zappa) | The Daily Doug (Episode 214)

#Zappa #BlessedRelief
In this episode of #TheDailyDoug, we're listening to the sumptuous tones of Frank Zappa's Blessed Relief. This is the Steven Wilson remastered version of the original recording. It's soothing, wonderful, and profound. Enjoy!
Reference Video: • Blessed Relief
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[@zombiecart]

I had chosen this piece, before seeing this, as my exit music. I am dying of ALS and will be undergoing a medically assisted death later this month. It is perfect. Everything is as it was meant to be. I have loved Zappa and his music since Freak Out.

[@jamescollins618]

That's beautiful, man. Float on.

[@christophersleight19]

John 14:6 Heaven awaits, I am praying for you. Christopher

[@ulfingvar1]

Say hello to God from me, and I mean that!!!! Bless you!!!

[@christophersleight19]

Zombiecart, are you still with us?

[@zombiecart]

@@christophersleight19 yes I am bro. I go Sept 26

[@johnmuth3971]

"I should listen to the rest of the album". Yes, yes you should. Enjoy.

[@hermittraveler2163]

Yes! alongside Waka/Jawaka

[@LeeDixFreeman4]

Grand Wazoo is a master piece

[@steveschmitz2839]

Will never understand why Aynsley Dunbar is overlooked as one of Franks great drummers, he's incredible.

[@rodrigobravo1545]

Funny but true, I came to Frank after listening to Aynsley Dumbar on Waka Jawaka album since then I have never left.

[@blwilli30]

Billy the mountain!

[@simonagree4070]

He was overlooked because he chose to join some shitty money-oriented bands, after Zappa, that did not feature his drums.

[@corrosivealtars]

I heard the 200 Motels album before seeing the film and I am still floored at everything Dunbar is doing on that simple trap kit. Definitely underrated in the Zappa hall. But, the same is true with J.C. Black and Tripp III, as well.

[@steveschmitz2839]

Yep, and later, Logeman@@corrosivealtars

[@AndyGrazianoNYC]

Zappa is amazing because there's something for everyone. Classical, rock, jazz, instrumental, comedy you name it, he's done it better than most

[@peterfitton4529]

Absolutely. I can mostly take or leave a lot of his "comedy rock" output - I much prefer his "serious" jazz rock and orchestral compositions - but you're spot on, there's something in Zappa for everyone.

[@edwardglenn9310]

Agree, I am a rock metal fan but I really love Billy Cobham (saw him live, he’s amazing) and I like this loads but I really don’t like the comedy rock stuff. Glad I found this side of Frank.

[@OddworldAuto]

@@peterfitton4529 man!! I love comedy rock, it’s soo awesome, and Frank pulled it off beautifully!! Even if his novelty songs are just as intricate as these ones

[@wilhamcobly3805]

right

[@eduardocalvo9631]

OK. So you've done Inca Roads and this gem. You're ready Doug. When you think the time is right, you need to tackle The Adventures of Greggery Peccary (from Studio Tan), as epic (musically speaking) as it gets. Don't be fooled by the Loonie Tunes motif of the lyrics; a true masterpiece of 20th century music.

[@user-hq6bk4qb4s]

Yes! He should definetely react to that piece!

[@AndyGrazianoNYC]

hells yeah!

[@stevedotwood]

totally agree with the above statement - voodn voodn

[@songsmithy07]

@@stevedotwood😅👍

[@songsmithy07]

My sentiments exactly. A masterpiece, on my short list of amazing FZ compositions. Check out what I posted above, if you have the time... but first, ask yourself, "Is it okay that this waste of time is what makes a life for you?" ✌😎

[@ulfingvar1]

You should do an interview with Dweezil Zappa, he is one hell of a composer in his own right, and the way he keeps the music of his father alive is nothing short of amazing!!!

[@frankiezap]

...and by most accounts, a better technician on the guitar...if one can even imagine

[@ulfingvar1]

@@frankiezap I think Frank admitted that himself.. but I could be wrong

[@wingnutcz]

"I'm sorry I'm talking over Frank" during a Frank Zappa reaction video is the MOST honest reaction I have ever heard. Bravo!

[@Swingtools]

"Roxy & Elsewhere" as an album study would be brilliant. Doug - you seemed enamored with Ruth Underwood, her work on this album is INSANE!

[@chaosmos24]

I second Roxy. My favorite live album by anyone.

[@dakotasanson7945]

Fully agreed

[@pamnorris8954]

I love and have this.

[@CaptainKrimson]

I totally agree!

[@cravinbob]

Here, Ruth talks about Frank convincing her to make her marimba electric kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJWVn5l9i5aii9U

[@gj8683]

"Eat That Question" from this same album is a must-listen. Great George Duke intro and solo as well.

[@ianteichgraeber2157]

That intro sends chills every time. He should definitely give that a go next.

[@artiehauer1194]

I hear a few riffs from that and other songs on the album in George's solo in Blessed relief. Kind of a reprise of the whole work. As the Who. would label it, the Underture. It's a wonderful album. My first copy was on 8-track.

[@kushtokermcgee412]

Very good call. Just an Awesome track.

[@michaelabbott9080]

I was lucky enough to see this Zappa incarnation in UK on Sept 16 1972,at the Oval Cricket Ground in London..(4 days before my 16th birthday.) Never imagining that 9yrs later,as an assistant engineer at NYC's Secret Sound Studio I would get to work regularly with SNL/Blues Bros band leader,Tom "Bones" Malone who was the trombone/multi horn player in that wonderful Zappa band.

[@barrystanton6693]

I saw him on this same tour!

[@michaelabbott9080]

@@barrystanton6693 Tom Malone told me that joining his band was like going back to "Boot Camp"..It was like being in the Marine Corps..He constantly pushed you,never let you take your foot off the pedal and expected you to improve your playing very quickly under his leadership..But he wouldn't have missed it for the world...

[@barrystanton6693]

@@michaelabbott9080 I saw an interview in which Steve Vai said Zappa would email him his part and it would take weeks to master it. When it came to the recording session Zappa listened to it and said “Great; now play it twice as fast”

[@DrMackSplackem]

@@barrystanton6693 Snail mail as it was around 80-81, I believe, but, yes.

[@arttursh8324]

Although I saw him MANY times The Grand Wazoo is one Zappa ensemble I never got to see. I'm jealous.

[@danielemerson312]

The Grand Wazoo is one of my favourite Zappa albums. There are brief vocals at the start of one track, but the rest is instrumental, jazzy, beautifully played and really satisfying.

[@buddyhendershot]

Watermelon in Easter Hay - the recorded verion from "Joes's Garage" - it's SO BEAUTIFUL! Please do that one!

[@minty_Joe]

Give me the entire "Yellow Snow Suite" any day ("Don't Eat The Yellow Snow"/"Nanook Rubs It"/"St. Alphonzo's Pancake Breakfast"/"Father Oblivion"/"Cosmic Debris").

[@JohnLRice]

👌😂👍

[@minty_Joe]

Too bad this was recorded before or after Chester Thompson's involvement with the Mothers of Invention.

[@geenadasilva9287]

Cosmic Debris is a separate piece.

[@minty_Joe]

@@geenadasilva9287 Yep, but I throw it in anyway.

[@minty_Joe]

@Johan Hansén Essentially, ALL of side 1 of the vinyl album. :-)

[@ChasBeauregarde]

The whole album is exceptional. "Cleetus Awreetus Awrightus" is like Frankenstein trying to boogie, very funny but also a LOT of musical fireworks on that cut and the whole damn album! Side 2 of the original vinyl: 1. Cleetus Awreetus Awrightus 2. Eat That Question 3. Blessed Relief - The perfect trifecta! ENJOY!!

[@Matland214]

Looking forward to this one. The whole Grand Wazoo album is just fantastic. Frank was one of a kind.

[@barebowhunter1850]

Listened to this masterpiece today while I worked. Then Studio Tan, then Waka Jawaka, finishing up with One Size Fits All.

[@algojeff]

Mathieu, je viens tout juste de découvrir Sleep Dirt, moi qui me prétendait exégète du Zappa jazz, et je suis tombé sur le cul (en tabarnak à part ça!). Je ne pensais aimer plus que Eat that Question, Peaches, King Kong et autres Grand Wazoo, mais The Ocean is the ultimate solution et autres Sleep Dirt m’ont absolument sonné. Incroyables pièces. The Ocean est un jam où Frank, Pat O’Hearn, Terry Bozzio et cie surpassent toutes les limites de la virtuosité!

[@stephenyates5299]

@@barebowhunter1850 Nice! All amazing albums

[@TommiBrem]

I love seeing reactions by people who realize what's going on musically. They are rare, so thank you!

[@Ed-Topo-108]

This tune & Peaches were in the original “Real Book”. . Probably his most straightforward jazz piece ever. A classic.

[@chrisogburn8240]

Straightforward by any standard. Almost atypically so for FZ. It's pretty much head, solo, solo, solo, etc., head, fade isn't it. I think I remember a trumpet with a Harmon mute!

[@michaelhudson2912]

A nice tune but I wouldn't have picked it as his second helping of FZ. 'Peaches' would have been a better pick.

[@michaelhudson2912]

All of these reaction channels need to ask me instead lol

[@henryleitch]

@@michaelhudson2912 Isn't that the way. or maybe they should ask me instead...

[@stringemup5941]

Played this on my 2nd grad recital! “Chunga’s Revenge” was also in the old illegal “Real Book”…. Zappa said something to the effect that after the sonic bludgeoning of the rest of the album, that the last should be a bit of relief. So he titled it thusly…. More of a modal tune than tonal. Definitely tonal chords, but the progression moves more like a Miles tune….

[@altruistebikes5963]

The only song that would soothe my newborn daughter. Blessed relief indeed! Amazing tune!

[@redunzel77]

I'm not a musician. I wouldn't know an f sharp from a b minus, but I do understand that "every single note has a reason for being there and is played expertly and is played right where it should be". Beautiful music.

[@sjeanmacleod]

Very well put.

[@kfleetwood]

I suggest “G-Spot Tornado” from The Yellow Shark album. Zappa wrote it on a computer system called a synclavier, saying it was too difficult for humans to play, and so the 1st version appears on the Jazz From Hell album. Well, a German orchestra took up the challenge to play the “impossible” song with wonderful results.

[@martincox4520]

G spot first appeared on Francesco Zappa all tracks 12:51 written and played on the syncalvia. I saw the Yellow Shark performed live in London

[@iRenegade164]

If you’d like to dive deep, you simply MUST react to Joe’s Garage. The album is in three acts, and written as a screen play. It boils down to the story of a musician living in a time when music has been declared illegal. Having the lyrics at the ready is a must, and all us Zappa fans will love to hear your commentary! Cheers, Doug :)

[@raygunsforronnie847]

"We can jam in Joe's garage, his mom would scream and his dad was mad..."

[@gjacobson76]

We were playing the same old song...

[@ATLANTABOY527]

Spontaneous Sunday drive with gf now wife 1980 stop at the local cassette tape store purchase act 1 of Joe's garage take off on a country road unknown after driving quite awhile an listening to act 1 finish up I made an abrupt u turn to the surprise of my gf she asked what's up? I replied I gotta go back and get acts 2 and 3 which I did Joe's garage really is a masterpiece

[@stefanandersson6364]

Zappa's "The Black Page" is something you just have to listen to, it's completely crazy and known to be one of the most complicated piece of music to play.

[@andreamariawicker223]

Yes 👌

[@akahina]

Indeed yes. G Spot Tornado too...

[@nielspeterborgennielsen1386]

Was just about to write that.

[@OddworldAuto]

Black page no. 2 on baby snakes is just as awesome.

[@magezimagezi]

Zappa was In wheelchair this time when he did grand wazoo and waka/jawaka. He was thrown down to ochestral pit in gig and was injured badly. He did those big band recordings while he was recovering.

[@zaperfan]

It's great to see you enjoying the music of the amazing Frank Zappa

[@keithmccaslyn2527]

Doug I AM really grateful for the sincerity and respect you show for Mr.Frank Zappa's music, especially in this video listen. I've been into Frank Zappa s music since highschool,back in 1975! Love Zappa to this day !! I was fortunate enough to see him twice thanks to my good friend Frank L. A helluva bass player himself at the time of 17. Much appreciated,Doug!! A fellow musician and appreciator. Keith. I'm now 64. Good music seems to never get old. Peace love and damn good 🎶🎵🎶🎵!

[@alldayadventures5418]

This entire Album is off the hook...! The front Cover painting is exactly what the "Grand Wazoo" song sounds like...

[@stefanbranden4898]

Thanx for a beautiful reaction! Please keep on doing Zappa!

[@BrianBiscione]

I absolute love this track

[@parttime9070]

Zappa's body of work is vast, all his compositions are scored for the most part.

[@markvador6667]

FZ is a journey you'll never end... Amazing composer

[@davesaxonfields6752]

I picked up this album in my teens and dutifully played it at full tilt when I got it home in its entirety. I was completely, and still am, moved by this piece, a beautiful piece Frank left alone to be beautiful. I got down from my room after the album finished to find my parents stood in our hallway, they’d been for the weekly shop and came home as this track came on - it stopped them dead in their tracks. All they said to me as I came down the stairs was: What was that? We’ve just stood here with the shopping and listened to the whole piece. Think they liked it….

[@spikeybaby1735]

“ I’ve got to know what comes before this “ yes, that’s how we all got hooked. I suggest you do just that

[@zappafan-eu4wp]

Wonderful choice. I think the advice you got about "pick one" is apt. Enjoy the ride.

[@davetosch1970]

A Zappa song that you should appreciate is called "The Black Page #1" a piece known for being extraordinarily difficult to play. While I don't know music theory well, this is almost the case of the pen is mightier than the drums.

[@sinistre]

Not mightier than either Bozzio or Wackerman behind those drums…

[@u3uu3u]

I also have recommended the black page part 1 and part 2 from live in New York played back to back.

[@goldenboy140]

He'll act like he didn't read everything about it and be like "wait, are those,.....nested quintuplets? Am I hearing that right?". Lmao this phony did the same thing with Tool's Lateralus where he acted like he noticed they used the fibonacci sequence on first listen

[@luvIDF]

He wrote the Black Page because some in the group were complaining Frank's compositions were not challenging enough. One of doc's about Frank has Ruth playing it solo. Amazing!

[@adudzik]

​@@goldenboy140 I'll bite. At what timestamp in his video did he pretend he figured it out on first listen? He had read about Tool's use of Fibonacci before, and he recognized the point in Lateralus where it happened. That's something any music major could do because the pattern itself is easy to hear: each bar is the length of the previous two bars. I cannot figure out where you conspiracy nuts think he lied or did anything that required listening to the song beforehand.

[@bryaaker]

Just beautiful. He released the rehearsals as well.

[@joeyvesguerra]

This was so great!! Love your Zappa reviews

[@kennethbernard384]

Extended play of FZ's 'Yellow Shark' should get up on the Patreon poll sometime. German chamber group playing new arrangements/compositions from Frank, with FZ conducting at times, only a month before his death.

[@AndyGrazianoNYC]

YES! I would love to hear Doug's take on FZ actual "classical" compositions

[@imanointedone1]

Great to hear somebody else declaring the praises of The Yellow Shark. Beautiful Awesomeness. Every single note is perfect.

[@justherb666]

“Music is the Best.” - Zappa

[@kinomemusic]

That was great! I love watching these videos. Even though I've heard this album dozens of times you analyze it in a way I can't and it's really interesting to hear your insights. Thank you!

[@sethkaicer319]

I am spreading the word for you guys right now. Everyone who I am meeting on KZbin now knows of you.

[@iannidd]

Agree with Roxy and Elsewhere. A singular feel good and mildly complex tune I love is "Peaches in Regalia." Thanks for your attention to Frank🙏.

[@richardallen4552]

Gumbo Variations would be a good one to review

[@mrtyreus0]

That was an Echoplex that tilted your brow at the conclusion of George Duke's solo. Very fun machine to play with when combined with a Rhodes.

[@loud7070]

What a wonderful piece of music, a true ’blessed relief’. Thanks Doug.

[@aparise1]

He had so many amazing albums....this one is near the top for me. Back in my college days, I did a paper for my Jazz History class on Zappa. The professor loved it.

[@sledzeppelin]

I did Waka/Jawaka for my final Jazz History paper. :)

[@aparise1]

@@sledzeppelin Great choice!

[@williamhudson4938]

Thanks Doug. Although I have a very large Zappa library, we're listening to this for the first time together. This was sublime.

[@MrThomstark]

This is my favorite cut on The Grand Wazoo. The whole album is wonderful, but George Duke totally owns this composition. I miss Frank ...

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

and he wrote all this!!! pure Genius!

[@chakobsa]

don't miss the track "Eat That Question" off this record! next check out some 1970s jazz fusion like Return To Forever (with Chick Corea) or Tigran Hamasyan "Vardavar" live in Montreux

[@violinmke]

Or Weather Report - A remark you made.

[@Broccoli_Highkicks]

For a lot of notes, try Zomby Woof. Or Fifty-Fifty, with amazing solos by Frank, George Duke, and Jean-Luc Ponty on electric violin. Or The Black Page, originally composed for drums and so called because the sheet music has so many notes on it.

[@AegisThePaladin]

Doug, just search for Hermeto Paschoal, a great genius from Brazil that was a close friend of Miles Davis. "Pimenteira" is a great song!

[@bartdehaan-yf6em]

been a fan for fifty years still discover new tracks never gets boring yes he is missed so much grew up with his music tracks of live

[@stereoreservoir]

Love it love the music and the reactions, i appreciate that you even explain some background and of course break down the composition a little. loads more zappa please!

[@MusicLover-rt4bs]

Your comment about "every note has a reason for being there" is very accurate. There was nothing extraneous or unwanted. It was all planned and executed with a purpose. Frank describe music as air sculptures. This is clearly a sculpture.

[@brucecullenward7106]

I reckon this one of the few, if not only instrumentals that doesn't jump in with any surprises. Smooth as... using it for my funeral.

[@AndyGrazianoNYC]

haha, I said the same thing. great minds i guess!

[@strawbryminiwheats]

Incredible channel Doug, really enjoy these

[@dennisrichards4722]

When I want to clear my head of the crap I play to make a living, Zappa has always been my Blessed Relief. It is a delight to have such an insightful and well-informed view as yours. Thank you.

[@stevedotwood]

This one is in the Real book, along with Peaches En Regalia (You know, the Jazz Standards book) - Waka/Jawaka is also a great Jazz piece - more interesting than Blessed Relief I'd say - very Duke Ellington in parts. But still quite free in the middle.

[@wubbsdingus4320]

Waka/Jawaka has some of the craziest yet beautiful horn harmonies in it. It's insane

[@todd8155]

@@wubbsdingus4320 - Sal Marquez is awesome!

[@ljw5768]

Village of the Sun/Echidna Arf of You/Don't you ever wash that thing - from Live at the Roxy and Elsewhere is a must listen. Astonishing! The best Zappa band at their peak.

[@PaulLemars01]

THe 70s were such an amazing time for music.

[@Brian-tb1zs]

Doug, you know some stuff ! Such a pleasure listening with you and your input , 5 stars buddy ! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@chrisogburn8240]

I always enjoy the on the fly theory and analysis!

[@sledzeppelin]

Yes, listen to the whole album! And also "Waka/Jawaka" which is sort of a companion piece with mostly the same musicians.

[@anniedarkhorse6791]

Great. Another stunning Zappa work. Thanks for talking us through it.

[@scooterscottii]

Thanks for your analysis. You put a voice into the things I have intuited as more of a music theory novice but able to appreciate-from a listener standpoint I hope you keep doing these and thanks again

[@MikeFrame]

Grand experience hearing thru Doug's ears. Ainsley Dunbar had something special going on up the wazoo. Jim Gordon on Excentrifugal Forz is similarly special. F.Zappa appreciated good drumming and sure went thru many drummers.

[@Vita-a-stelle-e-strisce]

This music is so chill. I often listen to it. One of the best of Zappa. Doug please listen to Slightly all the time by Soft Machine!

[@chizzlechip]

The Moon in June! Preferably the Peel Sessions version!

[@fingers68]

This is one of my favorite albums, this tranquility ends what is a none stop blistering piece of work, the track is aptly named.

[@literallyshaking8019]

This song always feels like a warm blanket on a cold day.

[@jonathanbradshaw2665]

Would love to see your reaction to 'The Ocean Is The Ultimate Solution' from the album 'Sleep Dirt'. It's my favourite Zappa track and a real 13 minute doozy.

[@neilslade]

The BEST Zappa track EVER is IT MUST BE A CAMEL on Hot Rats. Period. I've met Frank, and listened to him since 1968.

[@russdesaulniers3112]

Oh, I'm so glad you chose this song. My favourite Zappa album, by far.

[@randyshaw2706]

I was wondering when you would get around to Frank Zappa! There is a gold mine of musical greatness in Zappa’s catalog. Thank you Daily Doug always fun to watch your’ reaction.

[@Arfshesaid457]

Even more remarkable, Frank made this album in a wheelchair after being pulled off the stage ad breaking his back.

[@chrisogburn8240]

Pushed from the stage to the orchestra pit between stage and seating.

[@clusterm2]

Breaking his leg you mean.

[@eduardoluisbaptista3297]

One of my favourite songs from Zappa. Title matches the music perfectly...

[@robertdugmore5190]

I've watched this video at least three times now just for the genuine reaction of peaceful enjoyment and intelligent analysis. Very nice.

[@audiolabstudios]

My friends and I were lucky to see this preformed at the Hollywood Bowl right after this album was released. Zappa was still recovering from being thrown into the orchestra pit in London. He only play guitar on three songs, the rest of the time he conducted.

[@denvergrantz2480]

Was the lineup known as The Petite Wazoo?

[@keriford54]

Good idea listening to the whole album, it's an excellent Jazzy work, I highly recommend it.

[@zykify]

As many have suggested you must listen to The Adventures of Gregory Peccary. Another song that is interesting from a composer's perspective is 'Andy'. It might sound like a pretty normal rock song, but the ways he twists and turns the motif would make Arnold Schoenberg start dancing.

[@zykify]

Oh Andy...

[@tpzid]

One of Zappa's most beautiful compositions. Nice that you analyzed it so nicely.

[@sukottora]

This is the first thing I played the evening I learned of Frank's death 30 years ago this year. I still get emotional listening to it even now. Information is not knowledge. Knowledge is not wisdom. Wisdom is not truth. Truth is not beauty. Beauty is not love. Love is not music. Music is THE BEST

[@GiacomoJimmi]

“Peaches En Regalia”-a masterwork.

[@sinistre]

Yes!!! For the life of me, I do not understand how *this* followed Inca Reads. Peaches en Regalia is not only one of the earliest, but it is also one of the most cohesive and beautiful Zappa compositions.

[@jasonread5017]

my favourite song of all music

[@Swingtools]

The studio version of RDNZL next, Doug! PLEASE!!!!!!!!

[@marcvanderiet5592]

You picked the right 1 from this album Doug. My absolute favorite, allthough the rest of the album is not too shabby either. Thanks!

[@vf7vico]

just stumbled on your channel. very much like how you respond to FZ's compositions, his great bands... hope you explore more in the future!

[@dustinbennett907]

Check out the Black Page...very different and complex

[@lauscho]

After "Inca Roads", this is a very conventional piece, so your next Zappa adventure should be the "Yellow Snow" suite.

[@gewijdebehaeghel6935]

Thanks for this. What a wonderful composer Zappa was. And, indeed, as you stated, the musicianship is awesome.

[@dominickdepaolo6668]

Thanks Doug, heading off go to spin this whole record now. 👍🏻

[@mdhj67]

Not a Zappa fan at all but really enjoyed this piece. Adding it to my personal playlist. Thanks,

[@randyhammill9021]

Yay! Grand Wazoo is one of my favorites!

[@jayrayhoossongsilivedby5444]

Thank you for doing one of my favorite songs.

[@brandonplaysdrum]

Great video Doug! Love Zappa!

[@MrEspo117]

Seen Zappa plays Zappa up in Saratoga last Monday. They were amazing. KING crimson was the headliner

[@chrisogburn8240]

Was Mr Keneally present? That dude rocks so much. I bet Mr Helvering would enjoy his music as well.

[@MrEspo117]

Yes he was ! He is absolutely amazing. Played synth and all the leads . Very underrated.

[@MrEspo117]

Leads on guitar 🎸 Keneally.

[@torftee2235]

Zappa Band (ZFT)?, unfortunately ZPZ is currently not active (Dweezil)

[@MrEspo117]

Zappa Band, consisting of lead vocalist and guitarist Ray White, guitarist and keyboardist Mike Keneally, bassist Scott Thunes and keyboardist/saxophonist Robert Martin, along with Zappa Plays Zappa alums Jamie Kime on guitar and Zappa archivist Joe “Vaultmeister” Travers on drums.

[@BrainiacFingers]

The Adventures Of Greggery Peccary is the one to listen to.

[@joergl562]

Yes, nice one too...the javelina that invented the calendar and drove a red Volkswagen... ...and "Billy The Mountain" too!

[@remcobartelink2856]

@@joergl562 Yes, exactly. In fact, Inca Roads, Billy the Mountain and The adventures of Greggery Peccary belong together in terms of conceptual continuity. Inca Roads tell about the Andes, but the vocal bridge after the guitar solo is almost the same as in Billy the Mountain. Considering the fact the Billy was a walking mountain, it could be that he originated from the Andes and came walking all the way to the area between Rosamond and Gorman. And of course he plays a role in Greggery Peccary again also.

[@DCXLVIXIII]

Several colleges including UH Hilo have a Zappa program as part of their musical curriculum, and a successful Zappa night for the public. Franks son Dweezil performed with the UH Hilo Jazz Orchestra on Zappa night in 2019.

[@daveleephoto]

Thank you for your brilliant and very enjoyable listen and critique. I've heard this music thousands of times and it is such a pleasure to learn more about it from a musician who can identify the key, structure, and intent of a piece of music. Frank, who is my favorite American Composer, was in a wheelchair during the composition and recording of this album, and it is a dramatic turn from the music he was writing and performing earlier. He'd been attacked on stage and pushed off the stage in to the orchestra pit, causing him to spend a month in a hospital in London before returning to his home in Los Angeles. He had a brief tour with this ensemble "The Petit Wazoo" which has been released by the Zappa Family Trust (now Universal Music). See also his "Waka Jawaka Grand Hot Rats" album for more!

[@sethkaicer319]

Doug showed Bob Dylan just how to look Chic in that leopard skin pillbox hat.

[@SuperXtoon]

Cletus Awreetus-Awrightus is also a great track from the same album!

[@andrewlamont3053]

I go back to that song every now and then & look at the album art. It feels like a musical barrage, or reposte, maybe

[@bobholtzmann]

I think this is the only album track Frank sings on!

[@JohnBrown-yo8ni]

Great stuff Doug, I cannot read notes or understand music in that way, but nice to hear that from you. In my young age I used to hear a lott of wild music (and be like that also perhaps), but when I was tired of it, I listentened the Grand Wazzoo. I never got tired of tha. For me it was classic. I am glad to hear you gone listen the whole record. I always did with so much inner joy.

[@joepalmer3795]

The song before this on Grand Wazoo, Eat That Question, is the exact moment I learned to appreciate instrumental music. And the fade into Blessed Relief. Probably my favorite couplet in the Zappa catalog.