Ella & Dweezil Zappa Peaches En Regalia

Special guest Ella Ferguson performs on stage with Dweezil Zappa and the ZPZ band for Peaches En Regalia during the "One Size Fits All" tour at the State Theater in Portland Maine April 9th 2015.

[@jamro217]

Dweezil Zappa is such an inspiration. Imagine how easy it would be for him to just be a rich loser. Instead, he lovingly worked to keep his father's music alive, bring out a talented young musician, and keep his band together. All with modesty. Not to mention the complexity of Frank's music. This is what people should strive for. Thanks, Dweezil.

[@richardbrucemusic]

He has my utmost respect, especially considering the difficulty the rest of his family gave him for choosing this path. Sometimes he even speaks like his father!

[@ivan1954lity]

Thanks Dweezil for keeping Franks music going on and on .......

[@dannylgriffin]

@@richardbrucemusic I agree. Ahmet has been an ass.

[@jameswarnecke2483]

Genius zappas. Talent and grace

[@dale1956ties]

@@richardbrucemusic I thought it was pretty freaky when I heard the first two words he spoke at the beginning of this video. "Right here..." he says "in Portland Maine" and I really thought the "right here" sounded just like Frank. Not so much the actual sound of his voice as the inflection he puts on the words. It really was pure Frank, to me anyway.

[@DeanAWhite-gr8eo]

No matter what anyone says, she may not be Jean Luc-Ponty, but Frank Zappa would be PROUD of this young lady! Three cheers for miss Ella!

[@shayneoneill1506]

Yeah, for all of Zappas famous musical grumpiness , he was always supportive of young musicians and gentle with the criticism when they where young, and advocated strongly for youngsters to be given a seat at the table of the music industry.

[@jackhambleton1392]

No cheers

[@lance31415]

You said what I was thinking. Really glad to see this video. We all start somewhere.

[@zombywoof1015]

Thank you. There's a lotta comments knocking the kid. Here's my imagined conversation between Ella and Dweezil. E: I think I may have missed a few notes. D: Don't care. You had fun, right? That's what my Dad's music is all about.

[@MikeFloutier]

Yup, I grew up listening to that album so this really took me back, so well covered - unsurprisingly, and so well done Ella!

[@Patataf]

I must be getting old. Just seeing and listening to a young one playing Zappa's music got me all teary-eyed.

[@benjaminfaranda4515]

This kid has some real guts to get up there and play such an acclaimed tune composed by a famously complicated musician. Oh, and Ella did great too.

[@4ctmam]

I see what you did there :D

[@michaelbrickley2443]

Benjamin Faranda, you’re funny...

[@Stierlitz]

I love this comment so much :)

[@venzenulon]

quite clever comment,Benjamin.

[@marlon-jl4ge]

Zappa was garbage

[@thepuzzleguy5989]

Anyone who can play Frank's music gets all my respect! And at such a young age!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Way to go young lady

[@cleodumas2581]

Yes, I agree completely anybody who can play Frank’s arrangements in music is definitely got my respects as a 40 year guitar player which I learned how difficult to play Frank’s music is

[@charlesharper7292]

You are right! I still haven't ironed out Frank's guitar work yet!

[@scotthayes9751]

Violin is an extremely tough instrument to make sound good this young lady has got the chops I hope she sticks with it she's going to be great

[@shayneoneill1506]

Double plus ona relatively quiet instrument on a rock and roll stage where everything is louder than everything else.

[@waynespeirs1024]

You are so right. Ever try and listen to a kid learning to play violin bring your earplugs. I remember a Jack Benny showwhere Jack comes on stage with his violin then he introduces this kid about seven years old he comes on stage with a violin almost as big as he is Jack says oh David I see you play violin do you play like me and David says no but I used to.

[@jephthah007]

I see some comments here along the lines of "she's not the greatest". Here's my perspective. I've been playing live for 30 years, probably 1,000 times in front of an audience. Playing on a stage this size, with so much going on, takes some getting used to. If this was me instead of Ella, I'd be happy if I did as well. I could tell she was a little nervous starting off, who wouldn't be. Great job young lady, and kudos to Dweezil for giving this girl an experience she'll never forget!

[@dstroviolin]

jephthah007 Yes. She did just fine, playing a really challenging piece in front of hundreds if not thousands of people. Thank you Dweezil for doing this, for not only keeping your dad’s wonderful music out there but also passing the torch to another generation. @greggferguson If Ella decides to really dig into improvised violin I highly recommend this guy-great musician/teacher/human: christianhowes.com

[@aylbdrmadison1051]

Damn right! I've been teaching, playing and performing for as long and there is a ton of things to consider that no one who has never done it has any idea of. Things such as room acoustics, monitor volumes, sound guys who don't care or pay much attention to their job, even if they like what's being played. Don't get me wrong, I was a recording engineer for a bit too, so I know most are good honest hard workers. But some, especially if they hate your genre of music, are the devil in disguise, lols. But I digress, the sound guy here is obviously good, or wouldn't have this particular job. But I can tell she is having a hard time hearing; her intonation was obviously better right until the band came in. As a guitarist we have it so much easier if we can't hear ourselves very well. A fretless instrument is much harder to play to begin with anyway. Then there are the butterflies, most people get them, and almost everyone gets nervous. I luckily haven't, but not only am I a legal alien, I've never been invited to play with such a band.

[@slickrockcreek1]

I totally agree, I don't understand why people feel the need to be so hyper-critical. She did a fine job playing a difficult piece in an unfamiliar situation and at least for me it added to the show. Also kudos to Dweezil for giving a young girl such a great opportunity.

[@jiblet6567]

I didn't see the negative comments nor do I care to. she did well enough to get Dweezil's approval and I doubt if any of the experts or critics are more accomplished musicians. I probably would've butchered the piece if I had been invited on stage.

[@dgcmusi]

I think she was fabulous...

[@Bradyvilleboy]

I've been listening to this stuff for over 40 years. It warms my heart to know it's still being played.

[@navek1]

So true

[@allwinds3786]

Me too, I first saw Frank at ISU in'79

[@ericcross7863]

Now this is the real deal.........I could be wrong but I see tremendous emotion in Dweezil's face,Frank wrote this for Dweezil and to see young people being introduced to Franks music is a joy

[@barrymccreary9565]

She did great let the ones who said anything bad get up and show us how great they arent

[@pheresy1367]

She nailed it. She captured the energy of the original... Loved it!

[@rogershaw8562]

Zaza Zaza Zaza

[@ChristopherFee54]

What a cool thing to do. She'll remember that for the rest of her life. Nice job, Dweeze.

[@francismartemucci9264]

So glad I 'd seen fz a couple of times in fact named my dog zap and my name is Frank I have the zappa does zappa DVD it's great,dweezil is a fantastic guitar player it's funny once I start playing zappa songs I can't listen to anything else

[@zombywoof1015]

@@francismartemucci9264 I too (only) saw FZ twice. When I get the 🐈 I want it's name will be Zappa.

[@losalfajorges]

Ella ! You got it , absolutely great job. Not many grown up violinists can play this very difficult piece. You did awesome and you have a long way ahead full of success I bet. And you Dweezil , you are the man here. You show such professionalism and warmth towards Ella that brought me to tears. Well done Zappas !!!! ♥️

[@manoftheworld-hk3jw]

One of the most beautiful songs ever composed!

[@AB-vn2jc]

She did really well, that piece looks hard on guitar I can’t imagine how it would be for violin.

[@noi5emaker]

You're absolutely right. It's making me cry thinking about the key changes. Violinists don't like key changes!!

[@adamdanko596]

Yes it was pretty cool , I went and seen the Hot Rats tour when he came to Winnipeg in Sept , title was a little misleading though , at first I was like , Dweezil and his daughter are playing together . No complaints though .

[@ARCADEBLOWTORCH]

One of my all time favourite tunes in the whole world. Its so great to see Dweezil keeping the music alive in such great ways!! Thanks Dweezil, and Ella you ROCK!!

[@curtisjscott]

That was beautiful on so many levels that I'm going to give the critics of miss Ella a break. They didn't think about it long enough before criticizing. Perfect was never the point. After 50 years of listening to the geniuses of my age, my biggest concern is that the fringe, the most out-there genius doesn't get lost to the wind. Miss Ella is gonna carry Zappa into the future. Thanks Dweezil.

[@grahamgynn8606]

this gave me a warm glow - well done to all these musicians - keeping it alive

[@privatediner5181]

How utterly enjoyable, and what a smashing bloke Dweezil is ....sounds spookily like Frank and can play . I saw Mr Zappa in Birmingham ( England) on his last ever tour ... what a loss, but what a legacy ! Well done Sir for keeping the music alive.

[@Locoandchooch]

As a guitarist I give anyone credit for walking out on stage, it's not easy for everyone. It's still hard for me. Kudos for this young talented girl.

[@Glendram]

Brought tears to my eyes, it has always been a favorite Zappa piece..... Ella.... You were amazing !!! It was perfect !!! :-)

[@ullihoffmann980]

Same to me

[@daveoh13]

wow! this is awesome! dweezil is a great person for doing what he's doing... exposing new generations of music lovers to great music... i really enjoyed this performance...

[@micerr]

Dweezil plays these songs with such love and attention to detail. Just so great.

[@jhandle4196]

I'm still amazed that Dweezil developed the skill to play his dad's stuff, but he did have good teachers. Eddie Van Halen dropped by one day and showed him how to play "Eruption." Even so, Frank's stuff is not easy to play. It's a blessing for all of us that Dweezil can continue the legacy.

[@BobPort]

This is just an excellent rendition of a song from 1969 that I still remember 50 years later. A great composition then and now.

[@Mark8395217]

Guys, listen up... good or bad, like or dislike... this kids playing Frank Zappa!

[@frankjasutis6669]

exactly..but you gotta like..the kid was phenomenal!

[@garyhenderson1717]

That's right she's like what 14 15 playing frank with his son wish I was you

[@trippbloodworth4217]

There is no negatives in this performance. She is young, she will grow.. If you could do better at that age.... Why didn't you....

[@philouze1815]

FUCKIN' A !!! Kids play FZ and that's all that matters, fuckies !! Oh, and she kicked ass, by the way.

[@Minotauro_di_Chieti]

.....*slaughtering Frank Zappa.

[@JTLaser1]

God, He sounds so much like his Dad!

[@jwillicka]

At times I think better, and his dad would be proud.

[@frankzappaspussy7362]

do you mean when he says "and the name of the song is.."

[@kingrobert1st]

Especially when he said: "Very nicely done."

[@montydaniels1054]

Or does his dad sound like him?

[@ekirenrut]

I think it's a bit of an affectation. He certainly has nailed Frank's vocal inflection and cadence of delivery. Sounds like he's studied the intro to Murder by Numbers from Broadway the Hard Way ; )

[@thedogefather]

dweezil sounds so much like Frank with his on stage banter. really amazing guitar chops as well. Keep remastering the archives please!!!

[@bobabooey7088]

Has a bit of the nasal tones we all miss

[@phogue1]

Fantastic, very cool Ella!! Dweezil is great for bringing you on, and you did a fantastic job. Keep playing!!

[@manoftheworld1000]

We lost Frank but thank goodness we have Dweezil. This is an amazing performance!

[@spooge33]

Amen Dude.

[@69voxbeetle]

Jesus, can you imagine what a thrill it was for her? I've always loved this piece and this one had me in tears. Nice Job sharing the stage, Dweezil!!

[@johnunderwood3132]

That was awesome. Frank would love her because she can read music and can probably play anything he wanted. Good job !!

[@IndyMagicMonthly]

One of the best versions of Peaches I've ever heard.

[@steenbreker60]

Taylor Martin Agree, agree

[@robertmancuso1883]

Really?

[@jmferris1138]

Fantastic performance! Hats off to Dweezil for inviting young Ella on the stage! Very encouraging to see FZ's son out there helping cultivate young musicianship in such a unique way. Gives me some hope for the future.

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

I have a 22 year old daughter who plays sings and plays guitar/trumpet. She's always been nervous about playing in front of crowds (other than her parents and friends)and this has really helped and inspired her. Congratulations, she did a phenomenal job!

[@the1realanalogman]

Dweezil is a marvelous musician and a really great guy! I can imagine how much this performance must have meant for Ella and she did a fine job! I'll never forget the day I got the Hot Rats album. I had practically worn it out within a week! I still have nearly everything of Frank's that was released on Vinyl and pretty much everything else too. Dweezil has done a remarkable job as custodian and perpetuating via performance - his dad's gargantuan legacy!

[@geoffpoole483]

+the1realanalogman A job that must be simultaneously rewarding and emotional for Dweezil. There's a great clip of him playing Watermelon in Easter Hay in London, 2013. Check it out, you won't be disappointed.

[@artmannify]

Awww man! Please tell me where i can find your uploads of all his great albums!? I also had a huge collection which got stolen from me.. i been crying like a "babysnake" ever since!! Just to be able to download the volumes of "you can't do that on stage anymore" for example would be so very nice!!! !-) Can you point me in the direction of some Zappa uploads?? !-) ?-)

[@blackwaterdogs4256]

This brought tears to my eyes....it took me right back to the "Hot Rats" days....you KNOW Frank was smiling down on this performance !

[@henrygarciga]

Sugarcane Harris toured with Hot Tuna while also playing on Hot Rats.

[@Angelum_Band]

Dude, for her young age your daughter is commendable! Thank you and Dweezil for exposing new generations to one of the best American composer of the 20th Century!

[@michaelbrickley2443]

Angelum Band, amen to that..

[@whiskeyriver4322]

I'm sure it's not easy walking out in front of a crowd, and tackling a Zappa composition, and doing it well. In a few years, I expect she'll be jamming as amazingly as Sugar Cane and Jean-Luc...........or who knows, maybe even Perlman and Grappelli as well. Well done Ella; hope to hear more of you in the future..........

[@geoffpoole483]

That was really impressive.

[@johnharris8393]

Yes and from me, being very picky at people trying to do Frank's music. But doesn't this girl nail it! Extremely well done Ella!

[@jgoledzinowski]

"Hot Rats" is my all the time favourite! Ok - along with Grand Wazoo and Waka Jawaka:-) but No1!! I'd name also beside Ponty/SugarCane Harris sax od Ian Underwood which gives signature!

[@publicdomain1103]

What the hell,. she rocks and I've been to Maine and seen Dweezil multiple times in person Seattle, he is happy and generous dude. Talented as all … She did me and Franks legacy an honor to witness as the torch passes generation to generation, the truly classic artists, who's timeless imprint leaves an indelible mark for prosperity.

[@NT-fo3me]

@James Smith Robbie Steinhardt

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Dweezil has a band of extremely talented musicians carrying on his Dad's music. But don't forget that this was Jean-Luc Ponty that did the original, and Ella is 14? Holy Cow, she looked nervous, but she nailed it. And that is the point of Dweezil doing this, helping pass the torch to a younger generation. Most FZ fans are like me and should be more worried about Hot Prunes than Hot Rats so any negative comments can be excused as constipation. FYI Jean-Luc was 27 and had a distinguished career when he performed this song.

[@JohnsOnStrings]

Congratulations to the young lady. She handled that like a champ. (And Dweezil continues to be on the short list of coolest people on the planet - the beautiful live video renditions he's creating of Frank's music... a gift for newer generations.)

[@MotivatedMetalworks]

Dweezil is a fine human being worthy of his father's name. Your daughter did a most excellent performance too!

[@adam872]

That was great. I love that someone as young as Ella digs a genius like Frank.

[@billysapp5582]

Just a FLAWLESS performance, she played beautifully, made me smile listening to it.

[@michaelvaladez6570]

This has to be one of my all time favorite Zappa songs.Dewezill kudos to you for keeping your father's legacy alive and bringing on stage Ella for a hand at this great piece of music.She did a fine job.

[@aylbdrmadison1051]

The beginning this video: you can so tell that's Frank's son _"There was all this sheet music and a lot of notes. You think she'd like to play a song with us?",_ lols. Totally spontaneously brilliant, I love it. ^-^

[@freddobber488]

Shes doing just fine . 😆go girl.

[@dougwoellner9216]

Dweezil Zappa is a brilliant musician like his dad saw him in Sydney with his band the same lineup he even signed my guitar and let me watch them rehearse great experience even got a photo nicest people you could meet

[@FreakazoidsAsteroids]

Wow, what a tune and gig to drop in on....and how young?!! Given the number of unison & parallel dots she's playing, this is an immense challenge for somebody without a whole bag of experience. To put it in perspective, even Dweezil messes it up a little! Massive respect and applause, Ella!

[@davidhughes4448]

How sweet and charming. So thoughtful of Dweezil to give her this opportunity. She will remember this performance forever. Her parents must have been overflowing with both pride and appreciation.

[@dbadagna]

Did she play this piece from memory?

[@dannydine5263]

Had to listen to it twice.You Go Girl.

[@volodymyrvsahdneek5065]

That was GREAT ! Keep going Ella ! Rock on !!!

[@GT-gq3zh]

Love that tune. Been an inspiration from the day I heard it the first time ages ago. And so nice to see Ella nailing it. Kudos to her and Dweezil!

[@bustoff5742]

I know Uncle Frank, has to be smilin' broadly! what an incredible combination! All my love to Frank and Dweezil! what exceptional skills over these many many years!!!!! thank you!

[@pamelapate9113]

AMAZING!!! so much talent!! and what a fantastic man for giving her this opportunity to be heard!!!

[@msaffar]

Ce morceau me met en joie profonde depuis plus de quarante ans !

[@pitchoun7385]

Excellent 😉😊

[@finnkdy]

Que f o r m I d a b l e.

[@BLzBob.7268]

Dweezils smile as she plays says it all. Young talent playing his dads' tune swells his heart. And ours. x

[@theresa42213]

Amazing Ella! So glad that young people are learning Frank's music. Thanks Dweezil.

[@MASHMU]

What a nice performance! It takes a lot of talent to play anything by Frank, and they nailed it. Ella Ferguson is a delight to hear.

[@dennisbellmore1614]

What a performance. Being there and then getting to see this video over and over. U can truely appreciate the whole dynamics of Ella,s.and Dweezils playing the same parts. Outstanding.

[@zksharpe2370]

My 1st introduction to Zappa and only now can I hear his protest in his music. We must love all walks of man and mankind

[@massimobernuzzi2594]

Young girl playing Zappa! No autotune. No platform shoes. There is hope!

[@johnbidochka]

She is well on her way. Good job, I expect we will see more of Ms. Ferguson.

[@zorkwork3841]

Love it and love thay Dweezil had the faith and confidence that this young woman "could do it"...What a wonderful experience to be part of that. I love that theatre as well-good memories!!!

[@baxternauset]

I was there that night. Really nice for Dweezil to bring Ella on stage and kudos to her for doing a fine job. She is just a kid so let's not compare her to Jean-Luc-Ponty folks. I met her Aunt and Uncle walking back to my car after the show. They could not have been more proud.

[@billlanier203]

This is how one tells that a song is immortal

[@absolutelypositively]

Thank you Ella, thank you Dweezil. What a beautiful version of a dazzling song. I love her enthusiasm and applaud her and anyone young or old who wants to explore the mind of the multi dimensional Frank Zappa. Thanks Dweezil for your outstanding contributions and the love you show your father's legacy. Frank would be proud. I'm proud. We all are. Ella, I look forward to watching your success. One day when you're touring please play Portland Oregon! You're from our namesake city! We're expecting you! Portland, Oregon 4/21/18...4:13 AM

[@JPTyler]

Bravo Miss Ella! 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@JonJon-sd1fp]

I loved it! Kudos to Ella, Dweezil and the rest of the band!!

[@ThePwebb]

I always felt like Frank sat up all night listening to King Crimson and The Grateful Dead, and when the sun came up he had an epiphany and composed Peaches en Regalia on the spot.

[@garryfauries2826]

That was out of sight man y'all ought to do some more of that kind of stuff I dug that thank you

[@ministrychicago1]

Absolutely AMAZING!!! LOVE Ella. :)

[@SynthoidSounds]

Very nicely done! Ella on violin, playing one of the greatest Zappa tunes of all time, with Dweezil . . . how cool is that.

[@debo8514]

Bravo! A young talent playing some intricate music. Frank’s stuff was no picnic. Great performance.

[@juxtaposeism]

Ella wait until Jeff Beck is calling you up ;-) great playing you nailed the phrasings and such perfectly

[@sawyerscott7360]

Awesome job Ella! i enjoyed that very much!

[@Dobie_Gillis]

This brought tears to my eyes. The music lives on. Thank you Dweez!

[@TheWinwil]

Great to see this music still being played. As for Ella. You are now a you tube rockstar with the first half million views behind you . A difficult job well done. Great timing and intonation and with the original vibe of the track being pulled off beautifully. . This zappa tune is not easy and i am not sure if there is a more difficult instrument than the violin. Keep it up and great things await you! For other young classical violinists out there. It can be really rewarding to branch out into other genres and amplify. It helps your classical playing and opens up new experiences and Ella shows you what is possible.

[@wilburbudz]

Pretty cool violin playing she is real good i get too see Dweezil play in Florida in Feb

[@soyounoat]

How this remained unknown to me for 7 years I can't explain, but is in fact excellent. Dweezil rolls new young talent into his labor of love for Frank's music much like his father did with his bands. Bringing this bright young talent onstage for a rendition of Peaches En Regalia, so I could view and hear it, just made this shitty June 2022 day a whole lot better.

[@alessandrorossini8704]

Precious diamond 💎 she deserves a long, happy and stimulating life full of love and colors and music and good vibes like this. 💖

[@luisaa72]

as a live version of this song that's my favourite!

[@davidheimark5440]

bravo ella, bravo dweezil. wonderful.

[@rudyo8409]

Just awesome" Thank you for sharing..

[@francislee9]

Brilliant!! One of my favourite Zappa songs

[@horstbaur7797]

I love the tune, I love Dweezil's attitude and I admire young Ella's skill and courage. I wonder - is she the youngest ever musician to grace a stage playing Zappa?

[@theolamp5312]

We lost Frank way too soon. He could be genius in any form of music he chose to dedicate himself to. Rock, Jazz Classical, R&B - He did it all.

[@leoconway6943]

That brought tears seeing her play that , at her age..R&R will never die!!

[@andywjackson1135]

Thanks for sharing,I enjoyed every moment 🎶🌈🤸🏄

[@bassplayer10]

DVD??? 🍆 I love how dweezil slowed down the tempo so she could play with them. Such a fine human he is.. And she nails it!! What a experience for a child.

[@noahmijo]

She’s a young girl playing a very complicated ZAPPA composed piece in front of an audience that largely consists of musicians who have very discriminating ears unlike a typical pop concert-she did a fantastic job she showed real showmanship courage to do that kudos to Deezil and the haters can as Frank would say fuck off

[@stephenzimmer6778]

so glad I stumbled on this!!!!!!!!!! the spirit lives on! he's smiling down on us!

[@cameronpatrickscott]

Beautiful, guidance, taken under the wing of fantastic human beings x

[@stazym69]

Knowing the "Professionalism" and History of Frank Zappa's music..... I'd say she did a fantastic job...... Dweezil is a gift to have the ability and talent to continue Celebrating his Family's Legacy! 👌

[@jonbbaca5580]

Probably my favorite track off Hot Rats, and a really cool, low key performance of it. I love it! More classical players should learn at least a little bit of Zappa

[@mussolinishead9916]

Fantastic. ....thx for sharing.

[@heintzreckons]

One of my all time faves. With the old bongo riff updated and cookin'. And Ella !!!

[@MarkLindell]

I hear Frank's voice saying "Oooh, look at her go..." I need help.

[@tekshield]

Wow this was so awesome, that was a really cool thing for Dweezil to do. Frank Zappa, such a genius, who wrote some of the coolest compositions ever. I am not a musician but It seems to be that Frank wrote music with the musician in mind, knowing that it would be challenging but also fun to play. This young lady did a fantastic job playing in front of a crowd. Talk about pressure.

[@michaelbrickley2443]

Steven G, google what some people think of Zappa as a composer. Or check out the piece he wrote Concerto for Electric Violin and low budget orchestra...some of the most amazing compositions of the 20th century in my and others opinions. Often his brilliance as a composer is overlooked because he was so focused on social satire. And many found some of his lyrics offensive.

[@abramson98]

Absolutely heart-warming on so many levels.

[@joechill1]

Are you kidding me? This young lady rocked.