Drummer reacts to "Watermelon in Easter Hay" by Frank Zappa

[@Royale_with_Cheeze]

As you've read countless times about Zappa's guitar playing, especially in live performances, he just went out there with no idea what he was going to play. He just went out there and let his imagination take him wherever it did. THIS song, however, is a rare exception where he actually "wrote" the solo and rehearsed it enough to play it as nicely as you're hearing it. He said of this tune that it is his signature song and that nobody outside of the family is allowed to record it. Dweezil played this in some of his Zappa Plays Zappa tours. There's a video where he's playing this and tears are streaming down his cheeks. Knowing he's playing this beautiful, haunting composition and missing his father. Very poignant. R.I.P, Frank.

[@L33Reacts]

I can imagine slightly that moment. My dad was a really good guitarist and I can only imagine playing something he wrote and loved into existence for the world to see. The emotions would be overwhelming. Especially with something as beautiful and profound as this track

[@paulwhite7972]

Check out the video of Dweezil talking about Eddie Van Halen. He tears up talking about him, apparently he was the first person to call when Frank died. Its very touching

[@kellydelay18]

Zappa is to music what Dali is to art

[@jlrp9929]

Absolutely. And the best exemplification of your comment is Zappa's performance in Barcelona.

[@salmonetesnonosquedan8345]

Is not

[@L33Reacts]

Great comparison. I'll also add my reply from the chat, it's gorgeous and horrific at the same time. Lots of cognitive dissonance. It's wild what he can do with just a guitar.

[@windyhead7960]

​​@@salmonetesnonosquedan8345Yeah. Zappa was better without being edgy.

[@craigfazekas3923]

"Arguing about music is like dancing about architechture- it makes no sense..." ~FZ

[@somersetcace1]

How to take two chords in 9/4 time and make a masterpiece out of it. Aside from the solo, the subtle addition of instruments and sounds in the background is so well done.

[@kenlawless7247]

I'm guessing you are going to be shocked by this one. There are endless facets to Zappa, but this one is a little less common. The simplicity and beauty of this is stunning.

[@zappafrank1]

This tune will be played at my funeral per my will.

[@ripvanwinkle2002]

im going with "lucky man" by ELP

[@xane4101]

Likewise!

[@geob3963]

This one & Lullaby of London by the Pogues for me.

[@everthop8112]

The same here

[@vorisha]

Turn of the Century by YES

[@wowwhywow]

If you were alive, and listening to music when this came out.... and you hear it today... It makes you cry.

[@timfeeley714-25]

Always leaves me with the feeling that I just experienced and had one of the best days of my life, a day out of time, one of those days that becomes part of who you are. I read or heard in an interview with Frank, him say that this was his favorite song of all the songs he'd written.

[@pleasantvalleypickerca7681]

A masterpiece. One of the most beautiful guitar solos ever!

[@jeffmartin1026]

All these years later and this song still gives me chills. Easily my favorite Zappa tune, and that's saying a lot.

[@josephgonzalez6070]

The director of "Y Tu Mama Tambien", mixed in NYC, requested to use a piece of this tune for the credit crawl of his film. Frank left us all by that point, so he had to ask Mrs. Zappa for permission. She said only if you play the whole song complete. Thus the 9 minute credit crawl. He put everyone and anyone he could to fill the credit crawl. Thank you, Mrs.Zappa! Beautiful & soulful gift.

[@lassekristoffersen5906]

Never out of fashion

[@Manni59]

In your two videos today you showed two sides of FZ, two of many. "Trouble Every Day" is from the time (66-69) when Zappa was labeled "the unconformist enfant terrible of rock music". Quote (Zappa): "They say it's trash, but they don't hear the chords!" "Watermelon" shows the pure musician, the guitarist, the composer., the genius of his art.

[@xane4101]

I think I've listened to this piece perhaps at least once a week since its release, and it still tears me up! Zappa Lives!

[@L33Reacts]

He sure does... what a dude. RIP Frank.

[@hansvandermeulen5515]

Full title is Playing A Guitar Solo With This Band Is Like Trying To Grow Watermelon In Easter Hay. One of his greatest studio solos as well as the only studio solo in the Joe's Garage set. All the others were xenochronized from live tapes with his isolated solos.

[@GoodCorporateRobot]

There’s a reason it’s called the Zappa universe. It’s endlessly unique and beautiful. Glad you finally got to this one. Thanks for keeping the Zappa coming!

[@fzmoifzmoi2575]

Joe's Garage acts 1,2 and 3 should be listened to from beginning to end non-stop...... This will give full contextual meaning and emotion of the entire opera

[@lw1zfog]

whilst following the libretto for maximum ‘grokking’ ... as with Thing Fish

[@chrisstewart4611]

Can bring a tear to a glass eye 🎸

[@lw1zfog]

potato’s weep from their’s at the mere mention of this piece

[@hoppers13]

Sublime. I’m so glad I’m a really old guy; I got to hear all this as it came out. You are a power for good in this Planet of the Apeshit by bringing the best music to a new audience. Bless you, bro.

[@lw1zfog]

blessings on you dude

[@pascalsimon9780]

Music is the best...This is not rock, not pop or classical, not jazz...This is Frank Zappa music!

[@allanalogmusicat78rpm]

Are you shadow-quoting Corey (R.I.P.) Haim from the Rip Rense Top Story video?

[@sonicart1808]

A beautiful piece by Frank, loved your reaction sir as always.... you feel when you listen! Apparently Frank had smelly wrists when performing this and Vinnie Colaiuta had to take 5 halfway through.

[@timjefferson2137]

Dweezil once said that this was the best thing his dad ever did (musically, of course).

[@SpaceCattttt]

One of Frank's most beautiful tunes. And it was very special to him as well, considering that he asked that it not be played by anyone (except his son, Dweezil) after his death.

[@jazzzman8050]

Other gorgeous Frank tunes…Blessed Relief, 20 Small Cigars, Little Umbrellas, Oh No>Orange County Lumber Truck, Black Napkins, Zoot Allures…

[@trashandcheese3636]

next stop after Black Napkins and Zoot Allures is the short-lived Sleep Napkins

[@cully465]

Absolutely. And Sleep Dirt...

[@geob3963]

The mix on this is phenomenal. That reverb splash thingy on the the snare & cymbals is so cool.

[@ElCentralScrutinizer]

Little secret...I've been buying Frank's albums for 40 years and have about 90 unique titles, much of which is from liver performances. I have the original "Shut Up and Play Guitar" triple vinyl. Only played one...to put on audio cassette.

[@ZONEPRESSLLC]

A masterpiece

[@BarbershopTenor]

Been a fan of this particular song ever since I first heard it. Especially the moment at 5:39 just kills me! Such a masterpiece - like so many others of Frank's 😁👍🎼🎵🎶🎵🎶🎶🎵

[@stevenparker4684]

If you're interested, FZ's son Dweezel will be touring in 2024, I have had the pleasure of attending Dweezal's tour in Toronto about 10 years ago. Dweezal does an amazing job of bringing his fathers music back to life

[@pontus6]

I saw him 2020 50th for hot rats was cool

[@phillipjensen5201]

Seeing him in Portland for about the 5th time. So stoked

[@pontus6]

@@phillipjensen5201 I was in Leeds great night son of Mr Green was great he did a brilliant job

[@zappafrank1]

Got my tickets!!!

[@buddygripple7512]

You should check out the album Burnt Weeny Sandwich next if you want more of the ethereal, contemplative Zappa. It's one of the only times his music was beautiful without being ironic.

[@gablen23]

My first Zappa album, and definitely my favorite too.

[@andykelly4056]

He makes the guitar notes hang. And it’s beautiful

[@Tomanot9Juanma]

That watermelon is the sweetest of them all!

[@NathanDarvish]

One of the most beautiful passages of guitar work ever done. Thanks,'

[@andykelly4056]

You finally did it. Frank showing a rare side. That he can not only make you laugh with his music, make you surprised, but if he wants to he can draw an emotion out of soul

[@phillipjensen5201]

I was lucky enough in 2008 to see this whole production as a play in LA. The only time it's ever been produced. So weird and so awesome. This song was made as a video showing him playing it rather than anyone else doing it.

[@FaceBat]

Ruth wasn't in the band after 1976. She was replaced by Ed Mann.

[@ScottFoster-o4u]

The great thing about being old enough to have experienced this time in music is the fact you could actually afford tickets to shows. Artists made their money on record sales so tickets were relativity cheap. I paid 7.50$ to see the Stones the first time. Managed to see Frank numerous times including this tour. Stones, Zeppelin, were high dollar tickets. Most shows were 3 acts and 5.50$. Of course I didn’t make as much but still the cost was far less. Fortunately the last show I attended was The Raconteurs and it was free. My cousin was Patrick Kellers drum teacher starting at age eight to about twenty. And that was a killer show

[@e.nowbodhi144]

I always thought this was the 9 minutes where FZ let his innermost feelings show

[@stevedotwood]

Could be Ed Mann on Vibes/Marimba. The "sitar" is a Coral electric sitar

[@DannyD714]

this song conjures moments of reflection. the first time i heard it i was looking through old family photos and started crying. amazing what music can do.

[@shemanic1]

BRILLIANT. So glad you got round to this & this version is the most pure. One of my all time top instrumental tunes. I cannot get enough of it. Thanks Lee. For more instrumental Zappa try "Zoot Allures" or "Sexual Harassment in the Workplace" from his "Shut up & play the guitar" album.

[@Frustino]

The whole triple album is one of his best, this is last but one song about Joe and his band at a time when music is banned.

[@robinreiley1828]

Frank could create truly Beautiful Music when he wanted to. He once called.Music "Sculpted Air" in an interview. He would spend àlmost every waking hour that he wasn't recording or performing, writing musical scores of the incredible sounds in his head. How many thousands of pages of great music are in his estate, that have never been played

[@steveaitch729]

find the clip of him playing this live. 🎵🎸

[@PhilPastor]

Great reaction, Lee. Joes' Garage isn't for everyone (like much of Zappa's music), but I think it's brilliant.

[@fostercathead]

I would hope than when you get a chance, you could listen to the whole album. In order. Songs do really fit together.

[@lw1zfog]

the polyrhythmic intensity of ‘Packard Goose’ from Joe’s Garage melts minds

[@glenndespres5317]

Finally! This one is up there with Gilmour for emotional impact and playing ability.

[@lw1zfog]

above & beyond

[@diegoka7943]

jajajajajajajajajajajajajajajajajajajajajaja

[@mariotessier4880]

Every times it play couple of days in my head!

[@toddmitchell7542]

Another favorite, Thanks 😊

[@scotstevens5263]

Great song, Franks guitar playing is extraordinary fantastic. Your mind will just take off to another level. I think u will or have enjoyed picking this one out. Have a grand day

[@L33Reacts]

Yup if you let your mind wander here, you will go all kinds of strange places 😉

[@SPKdesign1]

All 3 Acts are worth listening to as a complete thing if you find the time, but for me this is the best track.

[@Steve-cs2xd]

Also from Joe's Garage listen to Keep it Greasy.

[@larryhelmeczy4320]

Main contributors : Bozzio on dms (with an interesting reverb on the snare) and Ed Mann on perc. A very unusual effort from Zappa in that it is a departure from his usual cynical personality. It's beautiful and heartfelt.

[@williamschrom1584]

It's one of the best, all-time greatest guitar solo ever!!!

[@williamschrom1584]

The imaginer, imagined one hell of a song.

[@DrStrangelove3891]

I've started clicking on songs Lee reacts to, that I never heard before myself, because I trust the musical taste of this community.

[@L33Reacts]

I hope you enjoyed it, my friend! And I agree, this community will never steer you wrong. Good music wanted!

[@DrStrangelove3891]

​​@@L33Reacts I sure did! Just like you said, this was a different side of Zappa. I have to admit I never took a deep dive into his work. I know Bobby Brown, Yellow Snow, Flakes, so I considered him to be a funny, goofy songwriter, never knew he could play a solo like this.

[@dennismccormick7521]

I feel this song represents the realization of our death, struggle, then peace and acceptance of the inevitable.

[@kenlawless7247]

The closest Zappa piece I know of is "Zoot Allures" from the album (what a coincidence) Zoot Allures. Less dream like, but still a softer 4 or 5 minute guitar piece.

[@DougSkaggs]

Outside Now is a natural next album choice for this album. D

[@alldayadventures5418]

Great Tune... according to Frank, this was one of his most favorite strumming and played it very often on tour. Being the conclusion to a 2 hour Rock Opera, the narration at the start of this tune would not make any sense to someone that did not listen to the story as a whole. (the whole 2 hours) (Yes.. a slight - sleight) The entire 2 hours is a rock opera like none-other. Floyd's "The Wall" and Tull's "Thick as a Brick" are the only 2 others I know of that tried to create a comprehensive story. Lee, invest in the time, and spin these at 22 minutes each and in order like intended by the Author, you will appreciate the tunes a lot more with the proper context. The Background Music (or narration melody) and music for each worded segment is the best of the best from Zappa's mind. Joe's Garage "Act 1" was an introduction album to many Boomers. Anyone that owns Act 1 knows every word for every song. Because it was played over and over... because of it's awesomeness. In Act 1, you learn the start of the story between Joe and Mary while Joe was trying to start a band. On the Bus, is a great instrumental taken from a live performance, and Lucile closes out Act 1 and is probably the best tune on Act 1. Act 1 is heavy on telling Mary's Story and what a Tramp she was. Act 2, turns the tables when Joe goes to Jail. Hence the tune... Keep it Greasy. Rock On Dudes...!

[@timjefferson2137]

More comprehensive theme albums: Roger Waters' Amused To Death and Pros & Cons of Hitchhiking come to mind. I know I'm forgetting some epics, but that's how it goes, I guess...

[@imanointedone1]

I have always felt that that solo was Frank honouring Dave Gilmour, by doing Dave Gilmour better than he can do himself 🤣

[@Lexwell_Lavers]

Great!

[@michaelpotts2964]

Zappa in 9/4. Awesome!!!

[@PaulMurray_writer]

Here’s the clip of Dweezil playing through the intense emotion of knowing what he was playing was the pinnacle of his dad’s work, the most beautiful guitar solo ever written or played. Just sublimely magnificent kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWOxdJyEgMl2j7csi=cuAU8OVXm4UYn5b9

[@raytrusty8618]

Young dude.....if you want tracks where the drummer works for a living.....check out the Wizard by Black SABBATH.....or Cosmic Dancer by Marc Bolan T Rex.....man these guys worked a track to perfection....

[@Jimbowlcoach]

Have you done Black Napkins? If not check it out.

[@tinicum54]

Little House I used to Live In is worth a listen.

[@trashandcheese3636]

But best heard in the context of the full Burnt Weeny album, n'est-ce pas?

[@sirjackfalstaff]

Any comments on the time signature?

[@wolftracks9010]

"If the artist can't sing the song he wants to sing, release the record he wants to release, and earn the living he is entitled to earn from doing what he loves, then he is cheated, and the audience is cheated, because they don't get to hear the best work of the artist - only that which he is allowed to release." - FZ

[@chitownlee]

I'm pretty sure it's in 9/4 time but I've heard other theories.

[@lw1zfog]

always figured it to be 4.5/2 ! 😂

[@chitownlee]

@@lw1zfog 😆

[@brewstergallery]

Freaky Franky Fridays

[@L33Reacts]

Always! My favorite day of the week.

[@wowwhywow]

You really really really... have to listen to the albums Acts 1 2 and 3 in order

[@lw1zfog]

C20th masterpiece

[@saturninebear]

Cook-a-rule-oh. Coll-a-You-Tah.

[@JB-Deadskins]

You're jumping into the middle of the album, or really towards the end, so you have no reference for the story up until now.

[@L33Reacts]

It was a request.

[@JB-Deadskins]

@@L33Reacts I understood that, but you should really listen to the whole album so you understand the context

[@ElCentralScrutinizer]

I think you'd really like the song "Po-jama People". I'll jump on Patreon and put in a request (you deserve it).

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

Maybe listen to some country and western by Frank. I think a good start is Lonesome cowboy Burt.

[@jessem470]

Music is the Best Check out Packard Goose

[@craigfazekas3923]

Not Ruth, but Ed Mann. Ed was NO SLOUCH, either. Even compared to Ruth.... 🚬😎👍

[@CH3NO2Semonious]

I would like to see a movie review of Zappa's "200 Motels" rather than you just hearing the soundtrack. Out of order, it just doesn't make sense. And it's a movie about doing drugs while touring with a big rock and roll band, so it's a bit confusing already! I got to see it in the theater when it premiered. Hello from Halloweentown Oregon.

[@scottpaterson1349]

if i had a beard like you i would shave it off

[@ElCentralScrutinizer]

Who me?

[@pontus6]

Cyborg is the best track

[@trevorsanders5303]

It’s Syborg NOT Cyborg 🙄🙄

[@pontus6]

@trevorsanders5303 good what . You look silly for pulling me up

[@pontus6]

I'm not very good at spelling 😕 thanks for pointing that out

[@thescrewfly]

It would be nice if Ruth was on every album, but unfortunately she isn't. Other percussionists are available.

[@WilliamWiest1959]

Ed Mann

[@matthiasmeuren137]

You do not know how to pronounce 'Vinnie Colaiuta'? You cannot be a drummer...

[@L33Reacts]

I can't pronounce a lot of the names I read. Lol

[@Artificialintelligentle]

Sloppy Colai is his name. Mr reverbed kit fraud of joes garage.