Frank Zappa - Black Napkins (REACTION) with my wife

[@skulmoski1]

I bought this album around 1977 when I was a teenager; I have been a fan ever since. Keep shining Frankie.

[@stephendenning5943]

Frank Zappa......Watermelon in easter hay. Is one of his most beautiful guitar solos.

[@richardkafka5625]

Frank is an acquired taste. An underrated guitar player and composer. A true musical genius. Terry Bozio on drums. Steve Vai played with Frank Zappa and says how awesome Frank was to work with. Every guitar solo was different, but the rest of the music is well scripted.

[@alancumming6407]

He's not underrated in any respect. What a put down.

[@kethughes8266]

Frank Zappa was hugely influential in Eastern Europe especially the then Czechoslovakia so much so he was made ambassador to the west for culture and tourism.

[@alancumming6407]

Nearly made ambassador until the US government stepped in.

[@tx0h]

there is also a zappa monument in vilnius, lithuania.

[@christianpcassidy3753]

Frank was an amazing artist/musician, and this is one of my all time favorite instrumentals. Thanks!

[@ziusthefirst5387]

Zappa Baby! Oh what you guys are in for...May God be with you.

[@grandwazoodebris1015]

Zappa was complicated dude, and I'm not expert enough to explain it. But I think of him as a composer and an improviser. He was a workaholic, borderline genius that understood rock, modern symphonic, jazz, doo-wop, ... etc genres. And he could write freely, and play freely in these different genres. So he was much less bounded than almost everyone else. He'd write very precise music and leave spots for improv, and you'd get stuff like Black Napkins. Huge catalog, impossible to explain. Strictly Commercial was album w/ bunch of his radio played songs. I always like Shut Up and Play Your Guitar, a bunch of live guitar solos similar somewhat to this song.

[@peterbartolomeo5542]

Zappa is equivalent to the Great Grand Master of the 60 s and 70 s and 80 s. He is the most creative of all in that era in Rock n Roll Jazz Blues Fusion ..you name it. Every band member of his varius bands was a gifted master them selves Frank was also a classical music composer .....bonafide Composer held in extremely high esteem

[@DWHarper62]

EVERY guitar solo Frank Zappa plays is different even though a melody can start the song...Zappa said "Well I'm specialized. What I do on the guitar has very little to do with what other people do on a guitar. Most of the other guitar solos that you hear performed on stage have been practiced over and over and over again. They go out there and they play the same one every night and it's really just spotless. My theory is this I have a basic mechanical knowledge of the operation of the instrument and I got an imagination and when the time comes up in the song to play a solo, it's me against the laws of nature. I don't know what I'm going to play. I don't know what I'm going to do. I know roughly how long I have to do it and it's a game where you have a piece of time and you get to decorate it and depending on how intuitive the Rhythm Section is it's backing you up, you can do things that are literally impossible to imagine sitting here but you can see them performed before your very eyes in a live performance situation."

[@erikahlander3489]

More Zappa! All songs are different, sometimes very different, from each other. All genres. Usually mixed. It takes some songs - or pieces - to grasp what its all about.

[@blankreg3858]

Frank Zappa is his own genre. No matter what album you choose each song is a different experience.

[@kevinogracia1615]

Every Zappa solo was and are different. Peace on earth.

[@matthewoconnor5838]

A genius but it needs a little getting into,just an amazing guitarist and brilliant offbeat sense of the world.love him.❤

[@waltercrain2910]

i hear that going right into "torture never stops..." it's ingrained.

[@thomasvieth578]

Keep going with Frank Zappa!!!!!!!!!!

[@zappafrank1]

Frank Zappa music is like a movie for your ears, you must pay attention.

[@alldayadventures5418]

This was LIVE, along with the Title Track Zoot Allures. Which is also an instrumental.

[@timfeeley714-25]

"I write and play music for myself, my soul intended audience" - Frank Zappa

[@DWHarper62]

You want to see Frank in action? Go to "Muffin Man" live where he let's it all hang out and you are front row center for his guitar... You can also see a "Black Napkins" version from the same video "Baby Snakes", a full length concert video but both those songs can be found on the KZbins...

[@willieboy3011]

Zappa had some hits with "Yellow Snow" and other funny ones then in the early 70s. However, I discovered this song much later. I like it the best. Excellent guitar of a Jazz/Rock blend.

[@scotttrainer9704]

Frank wrote the part for every instrument. So every beat, note, chord, etc came from his mind.

[@Royale_with_Cheeze]

@scottrainer9704 Not entirely true. Frank only wrote out the tricky parts to songs, calling them "inserts." For basic tunes, he just sort of hummed what the song should sound like, told the band what key and tempo, etc. For the impossible parts, they were written out for all the band members. His own guitar solos were never prewritten, always improvised live on stage, as this track comes from Osaka, Japan.

[@richgaluppo4417]

They got black napkins at a Holiday meal one time at a crappy hotel somewhere in middle America, thus Black Napkins. It is one of FZ's signature tunes. Plenty of live FZ to see.

[@MikeEnglund-ih1zh]

The Yellow Snow Suite is another great choice to react to.

[@Joe-t4j4p]

I'm glad you stumbled across FZ. His music is the best. The very best. Please, stick with it! He's got over 70 albums and they are all different. I like you guys.

[@EdwardGregoryNYC]

Yes, seeing Frank live was indeed an experience.

[@kellydelay18]

Zappa is to music what Dali is to art

[@moshpixel_8408]

Great to see you checking out Zappa! Terry Bozzio on drums, there's no one else like him. Since you appreciate the drumming, blow your minds and check out:Terry Bozzio - Slow Latin / Klangfarben Melodie or Terry Bozzio - Samba Ousado

[@bookhouseboy280]

Here's some essential songs displaying Frank's wide-ranging creativity and eclectic genius: "Peaches En Regalia" - An intricate, melodic instrumental with jazzy undertones and catchy hooks. "Montana" - Complex yet direct and funky, the tight ensemble cuts loose (especially Frank with a scintillating solo). "Don't Eat the Yellow Snow" (suite) - A humorous and adventurous tale told through vivid storytelling that combines clever wordplay with a catchy chorus, and that's just part 1. "Watermelon in Easter Hay" - A beautifully evocative and haunting instrumental piece, highlighting Frank's emotional depth as a guitarist. While these songs are among Frank's finest, they're just a starting point for exploring his vast and diverse discography.

[@Joe-t4j4p]

During a live Halloween simulcast (the first one ever) in 1981, Frank was asked about a quilt that was made for him out of women's panties. The interviewer asked what Frank would do with it. He responded, "well, we could make soup..."

[@MikeEnglund-ih1zh]

Frank Zappa had the finest musicians in his bands. Frank wrote every note and he expected perfection. The drummer here is Terry Bozzio. Lot's of weird time changes in Frank's music. The song that do have lyrics are all comedic and frequently profane.

[@somersetcace1]

I agree with her. The drums in this track are brilliant. However, it's also one of my favorite pieces of guitar work he ever did, and that's saying something.

[@astocrabman2099]

I've been a hardcore Zappa fan since about 1977, although I first heard Zappa as early as 1970, my collection of Zappa is measured in days, there is so much to explore, my most favorite song is Black Napkins and it was a delight to watch your faces as you listened to this.

[@larryhelmeczy4320]

Very surprised that you are doing a Zappa reaction. Zappa fans tend to be fanatical and faithful. Started listing to him 1966 and mourned his death in 1993. He was an excellent but unique guitarist/composer. On guitar, he was composing more than just playing guitar licks. Someone you like, Steve Vai, started out in Zappa's band. He has a huge wide ranging catalog: rock with funny/silly/offensive/sexual lyrics, social commentary, jazz, 20th cent. classical , albums with nothing but guitar solos.

[@stevedotwood]

I had to subscribe, I mean: Zappa!

[@NickTubeless]

Mega! - Zoot Allures is a fantastic album

[@kevinkendrick9063]

I had these albums back in the 70s. Frank was a genius, obviously.

[@absolutelypositively]

There are many videos of Frank and the Mothers of Invention here on KZbin. Check em out. The mid 70s band with Ruth Underwood, Chester Thompson, George Duke to name a few, is a peak. But Frank has many peaks. And many a musician who went on to have stellar careers. Inca Roads off the album ‘One size fits all’. Is outstanding. His guitar solo on that will blow your mind. I say that because……..to this day it continues to blow mine.

[@davehagi9883]

Welcome to the world of Zappa, I will let everyone else fill you in with his history....all I will say is........Virtuosity gone mad......Peace.

[@calvinkrogh]

You will like the concert video of Black Napkins from 1977.

[@aretelivingarts]

I love this song!

[@garya7893]

Inca Roads is the song that got me in to him Give it a try

[@robertogallego7796]

Zappa,desde mi limitado conocimiento,era un genio, más de un millar de canciones grabadas,y puedes encontrar canciones musicales, como esta,locuras psicodélicas y canciones con letras completamente irreverentes... tuvo la valentía,y la fortuna,de ser completamente libre con su música

[@robertsuitsjr6117]

Be careful where you dig, the Zappa rabbit hole is about as deep and complex as you can get.

[@MrWaterpumpkin]

Great to re-listen this fantastic music with you. Thank you for the reaction! You have A LOT to hear from FZ, but if you want to see that connection between music itself and the live performance on stage, try for instance Muffin Man from NY 1977 or Inca Roads from 1973.... Try Zomby Woof, try Holiwday In Berlin, try Filthy Habits, try Waka/Jawaka.... Enjoy!

[@BrockHagen]

Welcome to my world.

[@arnesaknussemm7294]

You Should Watch a live One, like Inca Road or Montana from the live "a token of my extremes". Zappa Is pure Genius, everchanging, Always with great musicians (the best you can find). After Pink Floyd and King Crimson Is my fav artisti of all time.

[@DWHarper62]

The song title is derived from one of Zappa's experiences he describes here “Black Napkins is a song I’ve had for year or more but it was finally named last Thanksgiving when we were having this horrible Thanksgiving dinner in Milwaukee. Sliced turkey roll with the fucking preservatives just gleaming off it, and this beat-up cranberry material. The final stroke to this ridiculous dinner was the black napkins, sitting next to the dishes. That really said the most about the dinner.”

[@RalphSpoiledsport]

Live is often preferred with Zappa, but the studio albums will supply you with the foundational motifs.

[@christianpcassidy3753]

R.I.P. Frank Zappa

[@SimonRHoule]

If you want to see the guy on the guitar as he's perfornimg... Muffin Man live New York (A MUST SEE), Whipping Post live at the pier, 1984... Start with those two!!

[@rarebond8102]

After Joe's Garage, all is clear. Recommend Joe's Garage.

[@alancumming6407]

Air sculpture of the most exciting kind. Ya Hozna.

[@ryecroftdave]

You said you wanted to .. so please watch this, for another live performance of Black Napkins. Every solo her did was improvised, so they're all different. Possibly less busy, certainly better to see a video as well as music.

[@Grithron2]

No-one's mentioned the fact that this is a heavily edited version of the actual performance. In the complete Osaka version of Black Napkins, not only is the guitar solo longer, but there's an alto sax solo too. It may or may not be available to you here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZSQpIyPYsh-o6Msi=bir1sfildsQxT-Da&t=2052

[@Liisa3139]

I have had this record since it first came out, but only now I noticed how deeply bluesy this piece is. I mean, of course it is obvious, but I have mostly just listened to Zappa as Zappa, like he was a genre of his own. Suddenly this long solo was soooo emotional. I miss Frank so much! He was not a cold calculating genius; a genius yes, but with a warm heart. You can hear it here, clearly.❤

[@DanLaTour12]

The one thing Zappa was good at was surrounding himself with other greats, Steve Via was a teenager when Frank took him under his wing. He influenced many, many artists.

[@zex7689]

Very catchy

[@zappafrank1]

Check out the Erie version of Inca Roads.

[@rogeriobaptista7084]

Hi guys welcome to the Zappa rabbithole. Black napkins is not the best song to begin the Zappa journey. With well over 100 albums to discover and arguably one of the best composers of the 20th century, I am certain that you are in for a treat. His music is so complex and difficult to execute, he had to surrounded himself with the very best in the business. By the way he discovered Steve Vai (one of your favourites,I believe) who played in his band for a few years. Keep an open mind and enjoy.

[@latheofheaven1017]

To me, this version of Black Napkins is just about the pinnacle of rock guitar solos. Passion angst, firey improvisation and a huge, huge tone. You can hear the 4x12 cabinet shaking, and the valves saturating. But what I equally love about the track is that it was a vehicle for so many different solos. For instance, the 'Make a Jazz Noise Here' version is really about the saxophone and flugelhorn solos, and Frank just takes the refrain at the end.

[@DWHarper62]

Zappa didn't discover Steve Vai, he grew him in a lab...

[@KM769]

Try this Zappa songs: Montana, Don't eat the yellow snow suite, Cheepnis, Peaches en regalia, The Grand Wazoo, Waka Yawaka. Zappa made more diversified music than the rest of music business together.

[@tx0h]

do more zappa, genius.

[@richardwirt3193]

You can watch the live version of this Just look up live

[@andrejusaleksejevas9218]

🙂🙃😙 👍✋👋

[@randybaker6042]

Not my pick for an intro into Zappa but great song and good to see him on the channel. When I'm turning people onto Zappa I start with San 'Berdino. Nothing like a little country funk with great lyrics and vocals. Besides, She lives in Mohave in a Winnebago, his name is Bobby, he looks like a potato is one of the greatest first lines there is. 🤣

[@stevieray1507]

Excellent tune!

[@dromadrosis]

if you want moving pictures of Frank Zappa, may I recommend you my favorite: Muffin Man live at the Paladium. There is nothing better (IMHO). Enjoy

[@BrianWhitney-e3y]

I wish you would listen 2 the live 28 minute version recorded in NY.

[@RichieG]

You can see this song (Black Napkins) done live in NY from '77 here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYa8ZGt8eb5ma9Esi=MkVnmvrKblgdP9O9

[@philiplangenhorst9851]

What a difficult start - an instrumental. Maybe you check out a song with vocals. "Flakes", "San Ber´dino" or "Camarillo Brillo" for example.

[@raytrusty8618]

Ok..here are some real styles of music to listen to..........Aladdin Sane from the album of the same name by Bowie.....Sweet Jane from the lou Reed Rock'n'roll album....and Marquee Moon from Televisions first album............Mega tracks for you!

[@sammybeck7794]

Y'all should react to The Torture Never Stops from the same album. You might appreciate Frank's idiosyncratic creativity.....then again, maybe not. You either like Frank Zappa or you hate Frank Zappa. Those who don't understand the genius of Frank Zappa aren't really all that musically inclined in my opinion.

[@ManuMasson]

Ah ben zut alors ! 😉

[@RichieG]

Here's another great FZ video from '77 live in NY: "City of Tiny Lights" kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3PFeWl7qLN1d7Msi=OkVLiORVEiK1u3nT

[@mega00760]

never got Zappa being quick on guitar and weird isnt enough, plenty of great guitarist who can actually make a song that connects, good job though

[@weeroop]

Watch Live video of 'inca roads' pretty please

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

If you are new to Zappa, you definitely have been thrown in the deep end of the pool. Perhaps to get your feet wet, maybe you should have started with Dyna Mo Hum or Bobby Brown and then wade in water.

[@Joe-t4j4p]

Second comment: You said you wanted to see him live--Here's a concert in NY in 1977-- HARD ROCK kzbin.info/www/bejne/fni5ZKyMbtZnh5Y

[@OdetteDickens]

You need to be broken-in properly. "Inca Roads" studio version.

[@frankpotter5936]

You missed the beginning note so you kinda messed up the melody behind the song.

[@jamespuleo3269]

Why call it "Black Napkins?" Because that's a better title than, "Dm7-Ebmaj7 Jam." Maybe not the best choice for a first-time listen to a FZ song. Try "Peaches In Regalia."

[@georgerikken]

Please ..only .....keep focussing on balkan accordion music....

[@antoniocarlin5026]

Over 100 albums recorded... This is not a "good song" to begin in Zappa World...pd.- only John Zorn recorded most albums that Zappa :p

[@FVZCB]

Genio

[@rafaelgarciafernandez478]

La cantata del diablo en concierto diabulus in opera de Mago de Oz 👍👍

[@robertospatola777]

Leggendario

[@julienmarquet8612]

Zappa is like ac/dc, satriani, steve ray vaughan, etc....great for 1 song, but annoying after the 2 song😂zappa wasn't a great musician, he was arrogant, persuaded he was better that the other musicians, because he was able to write and read music, 😂 Hendrix, Page, Gilmour, etc... were idiots for him, because they didn't know how to read or write music😂😂😂😂😂But, they're legebds, zappa, just known by guitarists😂i never liked that guy....he's annoying