Frank Zappa: Peaches en Regalia SCORE ANALYSIS & REACTION | The Daily Doug | Episode 341

[@joshuab9226]

I was lucky enough to play this song on stage with Dweezil when he came to perform with my university jazz orchestra for our annual Zappa tribute concert

[@JavierRamirez-wu5ru]

Way cool homie!

[@Toddobvious]

That sounds like fun!

[@carloslerma914]

Lucky duck 😮

[@soyounoat]

That is truly inspirational. You deserve to be proud of being a part of that performance. Frank is a great influence on many great musicians, a pure artist. I hope you take music to undiscovered places.

[@RemcoLamberts]

I might have seen this footage, was this the Zappanale 31, Hilo Jazz orchestra?

[@MattKrogmeier]

I keep challenging Doug to try "The Black Page" - but I do look forward to this one. FZ is a genius.

[@chrisogburn8240]

I keep bugging him as well. Once he did respond, "Is it good?" I didn't quite know how to respond. "

[@surfdigby]

I'd like to see how he responds to Approximate.

[@roguetoken5640]

Can you guys bug him to check out Pound for a Brown too? Lol thanks.

[@3moons29]

Hear hear!! I’d like to see his reaction on Gregory Peccary 😁

[@hyperboloidofonesheet1036]

​@@chrisogburn8240 The musicianship is especially good. The drummer deserves a platinum medal.

[@fenderchamp8241]

The Grand Wazoo is a terrific jazzy instrumental album. Very underrated.

[@todd8155]

Fender Champ - One of my favorites! (It was a second hand guitar, there was just enough room to cram the drums in the corner over by the Dodge, it was a 54...)

[@3moons29]

I very much agree! I love it as much as I do waka jawaka!

[@todd8155]

@@3moons29 - Yes, Grand Wazoo and Waka Jawaka, both superb! Also available are the albums Wazoo and Imaginary Diseases. While not as consistent, they do feature the Petite Wazoo band and as such are unique. I like them, YMMV....

[@gj8683]

Doug should do "Eat That Question" from The Grand Wazoo album. For one thing, George Duke is in it. (Hint)

[@noelhalvordson6465]

One of my personal favorites!

[@steveford8999]

I think I've been listening to this album since 1969. One of the greatest rock albums of all time.

[@surfdigby]

The "octave bass" was a regular electric bass guitar, recorded at half speed so that when played back at regular speed, it was an octave higher. It's essentially just an alternative way of recording a regular guitar solo, but Frank did it this way as he liked the timbre of the thicker strings. The saxophones, flutes and keyboards were all recorded as overdubs by the brilliant multi-instrumentalist Ian Underwood.

[@shyshift]

Another thing to thank the genius Les Paul for.

[@mattosborne1366]

Shuggie Otis playing bass for some reason too..

[@profpep]

I think some of the very staccato keyboard parts were done in a similar way.

[@alanhaynes418]

I've always thought that the 'Octave bass' was a normal guitar played through an octave divider, or recorded at double speed, so that it plays back an octave lower.

[@jblock41]

The Octave Bass is a real instrument with 8 strings-/not a doubler, not a special recording, just a live bass player doin' his thang.

[@lcbcreative]

New to Zappa. I have never understood less and enjoyed myself more! Glad to be broadening my musical horizons.

[@johnmichel4865]

It's a whole new world. Welcome!

[@spooge33]

I'm late to your party but, jump in!! Something for everyone. Been listening since the mid seventies. I've grown with FZ in my 62 yrs.

[@GoodCorporateRobot]

I've been listening to this song for 40+ years and I have not once felt tired of it. It's such a beautiful piece. One of Frank's best compositions IMHO. Nice reaction Doug!

[@soggytom]

"Peaches En Regalia"- the gateway drug to all things Zappa and Mothers.

[@thepostapocalyptictrio4762]

Fortunately, after this, I was able to go to Zappa rehab, but unfortunately, got hooked on Captain Beefheart😢

[@kerrylee4633]

​@thepostapocalyptictrio4762 Try Dr. John for your withdrawal.

[@thescrewfly]

@@thepostapocalyptictrio4762 Nothing unfortunate about that!

[@osculus]

You're right about Dweezil's band. If you haven't seen any of the "Zappa Plays Zappa" concerts on video, I highly recommend them all. An entire night of Dweezil playing his father's music with quite a few alumni of Frank's band, all of them just completely nailing any piece they play. Brilliant stuff.

[@spooge33]

Absolutely!!!!!!! Have seen Dweezil a few times. Amazing stuff.

[@LosAngelesClassicRockOrchestra]

FZ deserves to be regarded among the greatest American composers. Bernstein, Copland, John Williams, Ellington, Monk, etc. - also, Billy Hulting (from LACRO) in Dweezil's version!

[@bwana-ma-coo-bah425]

never going to happen, they are more interested in Elvis.

[@chrisogburn8240]

Maybe of his era if not strictly for his being American, at least in a classical sense. One might reasonably his more uh... Orchestral stuff as having more in common with Vares or Stravinsky than Copland... In my dumbass unschooled opinion.

[@raygunsforronnie847]

@@chrisogburn8240 From years ago I recall comparisons of FZ to Bela Bartok, and that Bartok was one of the composers FZ had an affinity for. I think your comparisons with Edgar Varese and Stravinsky are spot on.

[@BirdYoumans]

@@raygunsforronnie847 Frank himself cites Varese as one of his early influences.

[@raygunsforronnie847]

@@BirdYoumans Cool! Thanks for the confirmation!

[@adamelliott18]

One of your best reactions Doug. Zappa's catalogue is humungous and could keep you entertained for as long as you want. 🙂

[@BirdYoumans]

As is usually the case, a great piece can be done effectively in many different arrangements. You gave 3 nice examples of it being done in a somewhat "large" style. And by the way, the son does the father proud. I'm sure Frank must be smiling from wherever. But here is a version of it that just blew my mind because it is only three guys doing it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqSteXWAasysqZY I had the great honor of filling in for Tom Fowler in 74 when he broke his finger on tour. Got to play with George Duke, Chester Thompson, Ruth Underwood, Napoleon Murphy Brock and of course Frank. Got to record with him at Caribou Studios in Colorado and enjoyed it all immensely. Peaches and Inca Roads were two of my favorite pieces of his. Ruth does stuff on Inca Roads that no human should be able to do with mallets. Frank was truly unique as a composer and in time, and it's already happening, will be remembered as one of the great composers. It may have been labeled "Rock" at the time, but it was certainly orchestral in nature. Some of it I called orchestrated chaos lol! Not to mention, he did write for orchestra as well. He was always very straightforward, but kind and friendly to me. I loved him. He left us way too soon. I often wonder what he would be doing now.

[@andylane3739]

No lie - great story!

[@lars-akearonsson4772]

See section Band here: en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Size_Fits_All_(Frank_Zappa_album)

[@johnskelley6710]

Great story. Lucky dude. Got to play and hang with F.Z. this song always like a colorful bowl of assorted fruits.

[@BirdYoumans]

@@johnskelley6710 Never thought of it that way but Yes!

[@TheSteelDialga]

Oh wow, Bird Legs! Love your work on Sleep Dirt. I enjoyed reading your comment

[@michaeldowson6988]

Zappa ran his band like it was an orchestra, and he was only composer/conductor. The band members were his employees of sorts and played his compositions only(he did do a few covers - look up his cover of Whipping Post), but he composed music to highlight their skills. He wrote stuff for percussionist Ruth Underwood that is incredible

[@kkamysekable]

I saw frank do whipping post on the pier in 1984. It is my favorite version of that song, and in my opinion better than the Allman Brothers.

[@BalefulBunyip]

Thanks for playing that orchestral arrangement of Franks work, what fun and it sounded great! Almost conventional. I saw Steve Vai and Dweezil play "Peaches en regalia" live in Melbourne, "Zappa plays Zappa"

[@matsandersson-espling7659]

The "octave bass" is a sped-up bass guitar. There is some double-speed percussion as well on the Hot Rats version. Ian Underwood plays (as far as I can identify the instruments) flute, soprano & alto saxes, clarinet, piano, electric piano, pipe organ and electric organs. Shuggie Otis, who plays bass, was 16 years old when this was recorded.

[@ClichéGuevara-2814]

Napoleon Murphy Brock, on sax in the last version. Absolutely proper. Hell of a Mother.

[@geraividet]

I thought I recognized him

[@davidblake5415]

Dweezel’s band had several of Frank’s musicians in it

[@johnnyfrederick01]

Yes. He also does a lot of the vocals for both FZ and Dweezil. He played with Frank a lot

[@jpcolindesign517]

Frank Zappa a stone genius. It just shows me how much people in the arts (I am a Visual Artist, Writer, and emerging Musician) seem to be able to appreciate ALL the arts. True classical fans tend to love Jazz and Jazz fans tend to love classical. With all due respect to classical musicians, however, Jazz musicians seem to be able to PLAY ANYTHING you put in front of them and love it. Thanks for the GREAT reaction! Truly enjoyable!

[@surfdigby]

The tenor saxophonist with Dweezil is Napoleon Murphy Brock, saxophonist/flautist/singer with the early-mid 70s version of the Mothers of Invention. He featured on the version of Inca Roads that you did a video on. Keyboards, flute and groovin' alto sax are played by the wonderful Scheila Gonzalez, who was stationed about 10 feet in front of me when I saw Dweezil in concert.

[@MartinScoresEZ]

Scheila is an absolute monster of a musician. Totally with you there.

[@Hersenman]

I got a fistbump from Scheila after she totally played me off this earth in Gumbo variations. Truly amazing musician, looking forward to the next gig.

[@tkmjees]

I have seen Zappa Plays Zappa live twice and I have to say that I have fallen in love with Scheila Gonzalez both times. Wowzers.

[@jaubrey543]

Don’t forget Stevie Vai. And is that Adrian?

[@taituts6963]

Yes, looks like Adrian @@jaubrey543

[@estebeer]

I didn't expect an analysis. This is one of my favorite Zappa's song. I started to hear Zappa with this song. Thank's! And I think that the best orchestra Zappa's performance were the songs "Dog Breath Variations/Uncle Meat" at the Alte Oper, Frankfurt. He made the arrangement by himself. You could find the video here on KZbin or in the album "Yellow Shark". It was the last album befor he died and it is orchestra music.

[@swimszoots]

We played this in my high school stage band. Lots of fun.

[@markjohnson7910]

We did “Son of Mr. Green Genes” in our high school Jazz band. I had just recently picked up Hot Rats and was starting my Zappa journey.

[@Canine77]

Loved it! More Zappa please. How could anyone ever become tired of listening to Zappa.

[@JustMe-vk4fn]

:D "Whoa, there's a lot going on". What a perfect description of Zappa's musical talent. :)

[@jeffryphillipsburns]

Not particularly articulate, in any case.

[@JustMe-vk4fn]

:) Oh, I bet Zappa enjoyed alliteration as much as you and I do... :D Fun, isn't it?@@jeffryphillipsburns

[@2wayplebney]

Bits of this tune are majestic, and bits are comical (as in Carl Stalling cartoon comical - I'm referring to the funny fast note sequences here). Who but Frank could combine the two and still leave you with your jaw on the ground? I appreciate that you showed the orchestral and Dweezil versions - both excellent.

[@somedude5414]

Liked for the Carl Stalling reference!!

[@2wayplebney]

@@somedude5414 good man!

[@garymbg]

The band Dweezil was with at the time was: Scheila Gonzales (keys, saxes, flute, percussion and vocals), Aaron Arntz, (keys), Napoleon Murphy Brock (sax, flute, vocals), Pete Griffin (bass), Jaime Kime (guitar), Joe Travers (drums), Billy Hulting (mallets, percussion). Steve Vai was a guest on that tour and played about 5 pieces. Dweezil’s current band retains the genius Scheila Gonzales, and an even tighter band (Kurt Morgan (bass), Ryan Brown (drums), Adam Minkoff (vocals, guitar, keys, percussion and various other instruments). The most recent keyboard player was Kevin Bent but not sure who will take that chair in the next tour. Hope that helps. Peaches is my favorite piece of music. But there is so much more Frank for your to explore. Black Page deserves your attention but get the chart so you understand the title. Love your show

[@mrfranksan]

Yes. The Black Page chart. For sure. But don’t overlook Black Napkins.

[@shyshift]

Peaches En Regalia is pretty basic for Frank Zappa. Try to figure out Echidna’s Arf and Don’t You Ever Wash That Thing? From Roxy and Elsewhere. Jazz From Hell would be really challenging or the amazing Drowning Witch. The Adventures Of Greggary Peccary is absolutely insane.

[@JoriDiculous]

Black Pages, St. Alfhonso's Pancake Breakfast (Rollo Interior), Ship arriving to late to save a drowning witch (they could newer get this one right live for some reason)

[@progperljungman8218]

Yeah, and the totally underrated, wonderful, wonderful Sleep Dirt with instrumental bangers like Regyptian Strut ❤

[@shyshift]

@@progperljungman8218 The Ocean Is The Ultimate Solution

[@DavideBaroni]

Echidna's Arf (of you) is totally marvellous... I spent a whole afternoon on it with a friend who is a jazz musician, dissecting it bar by bar. :-D Well... HE dissected it. I just enjoyed the whole process :-D

[@stevedotwood]

that would be really something for Doug - Or even The Black Page (The Easy Teenage NY version) Complicated as hell, but so beautiful.

[@Njal55]

Zappa is simply the best. Love from UK.

[@michaelparks3106]

Check out "20 small cigars" from the Chunga's Revenge album. Like "Peaches" it's a simple piece that is just infectious. I've been a Frank fan for a long time and have probably seen him on a dozen or more occasions. He was always a consummate professional and it was always amazing how tight his arrangements and band were. Unfortunately, only his silly cash cow songs like "Don't eat the yellow snow" or "Valley girl" made the radio, so most people have no idea of the breath of his talent.

[@jacobcallais5718]

Also “little umbrellas” from this album. Great melody and unusual but catchy harmonies.

[@alanhaynes418]

Even "Don't eat the yellow snow" has a lot to recommend it!

[@Multi_Purpose_Weirdo]

If you think of "Peaches" as a simple piece, I tremble to think what you consider complex!!! It's a great tune, makes me laugh with mad delight every time

[@michaelparks3106]

@@Multi_Purpose_Weirdo By simple, I mean easily accessible for non-Frank fans. Nice toe-tapper melodies.

[@Multi_Purpose_Weirdo]

@@michaelparks3106 That makes perfect sense. This piece is Frank doing a melodic jingle his way.

[@davemcclelland3164]

Ed Palermo's Big Band does a TON of excellent Zappa music variety. A must hear for you Doug! A New York based ensemble still very active today. Cheers from Seattle!

[@ralphmarrone3130]

I second this suggestion! Ed Palermo’s arrangements are wonderful!

[@ChromaticHarp]

The Ed Palermo Big band is still going? I saw them in the early 80’s, the were playing Zappa music back then, what a great band!

[@xxxYYZxxx]

wow thanks for reminding me of Eddie Palmero's band. I know they have live recordings on etree and maybe Archive? great stuff

[@ritchtaylor3831]

You could do Frank everyday and I would watch EVERYDAY!! Named our dog Zappa for a reason. The man could do everything.

[@tuomolahti8096]

Bullets cant stop it, rockets cant stop it, we may have to use nuclear force

[@freezademusic7745]

Sadly, on February 19, Gary Brooker passed away. We owe him a review of the Procol Harum concert in Edmonton, Canada, in 1971. That work marked generations until today.

[@doctorpatient519]

[sighs] no! another great rock voice taken from us ... Brooker's vocals *and compositions* were so very important to that "Procul Harum" period and Rock in general ... I'm gonna go find "A Salty Dog," listen and smile and shed a tear and thank Mr Brooker for sharing his wonderful talents with us ... saw them in '72 (?) at the Village Theater, NYC -- they opened with "Shine On Brightly"

[@jonasolsson2256]

Well there is a lot of great reactions so I’ll just say, GREAT reaction and keep the Zappa songs coming. You are really inspiring, thank you!

[@Doug.Helvering]

Thanks so much, Jonas, we appreciate you!

[@memelordmark7532]

@@Doug.Helvering, trust me. Happy the Man was heavily influenced by Zappa. I've recommended them several times and if you check your chat's on the last few Sundays you'll see that several others have as well. I understand that they are fairly obscure. They do have fans though. I also understand that you would prefer to get a high View count on your episodes. I'd just like you to add them to your musical vocabulary. If anything for reference & discussion purposes. Thanks for this reaction. Zappa was such a talent. 😎

[@chrisogburn8240]

@@Doug.Helvering I provide some yt scores for the Black Page.

[@ChromaticHarp]

There ARE. I’m sorry, but it seems that bad grammar has become the norm these days.

[@Shaikoten]

I want to sincerely thank you for breaking down the score on this piece. I don't really know how to read music, never sought any sort of formal training, but seeing something I've memorized note for note on paper with someone explaining it helps my understanding massively.

[@oliverhetzner9879]

One of the best pices of music I've ever heard. I have so many versions of this song, and all are filling me with joy while listening. Thanks for analysing this.

[@jpmnewyork]

I loved this so much, I used it as the opening theme for my college radio show in the mid-70s. And it never gets old, though I do.

[@howieg7547]

I totally love how much you really get the extraordinary talent that was Frank Zappa, modern-day composer, and the body of work he gifted us. In Frank's own words, 'music is the best' and his phenomenal output, humour, ability to encourage the musicians he hired to reach levels of versatility, dexterity and ability that surpassed their own limitations, and in so doing create legendary musical art, that takes some beating if at all. That you've selected three versions of Peaches en Regalia to showcase the diversity in his music and the skills of musicianship required to do justice to such magnificence, serves to show how tuned in you are to the nuances in performance that make Frank's musical expression across a range of genres such a rewarding journey of discovery. Added to all that, he was a bitchin' guitarist, right up there with Jimi Hendrix imo and I don't say that lightly, being a huge Jimi fan!

[@DonHG32]

Peaches en Regalia is a classic Zappa performance piece. He brought the house down whenever he played it. An all time great piece.

[@bélalugrisi]

Really miss Uncle Frank! NEVER miss a chance to see Dweezil's band!! Thanks Doug!

[@shemanic1]

1969 was such a great year for superb innovative music. Hot Rats has been in my collection since it's release & is in my all time top 10 albums. I listen to Peaches en-Regalia often. Great breakdown.

[@gerarddion4859]

Thank you for your reaction to this lovely piece! Frank Zappa- such a unique and interesting songwriter! I was blown away the first time I listened to this song!

[@aaronwentzel6174]

Awesome reaction Doug. Frank was an absolute genius. Thank you! More Zappa Sir, please.

[@delpage1]

Nice Doug. I got ahold of the Hot Rats album when I was 10. I used to like to listen to Peaches on Sundays for some reason when I was a kid. Still love the tune. Probably heard it 1.5 million times. Thanks for reviewing.

[@EvandroPJchannel]

Hello from São Paulo, Brazil! Loved this analysis Doug, this is the ringtone on my cell! What I love about FZ is that no song is like the other!

[@bobmeyrick8264]

An album worth investigating is "The Zappa Album" by Ensemble Ambrosius, a Finnish group who use Baroque instruments. No "Peaches", but some challenging Zappa tunes, including ones he wrote for the Synclavier such as "G-Spot Tornado", which were thought to be beyond the capability of human musicians...

[@christopherlawley1842]

I will do what you suggest

[@EmptyGlass99]

Doug, you are always so cheerful and engaging. Brightens my day up! Plus I'm a big Zappa fan so that's a bonus. Great flat cap, by the way.

[@Doug.Helvering]

Thank you! Reading your comment has absolutely brightened my day, it means a lot. Thank you for your support, we appreciate you.

[@alldayadventures5418]

Many small and local ensembles learn and play this tune, and many do it very well. It is a great tune for an advanced crowd too.... History says Zappa played it at many of his shows as the opening number.

[@christopherheckman7957]

This is one that my friends in Nebraska and I do, with me on the bass (Mike plays keyboards, Steve plays guitar). Basically (no pun intended), I just follow the harmonic movement and try to keep up. I don't think I ever play it the same way twice. 8-) We also do "Watermelon in Easter Hay", which also works well in a 3-part setting.

[@alldayadventures5418]

@@christopherheckman7957 Send us a link to your Video if you have one...

[@christopherheckman7957]

@@alldayadventures5418 I don't have any videos of me playing live, but I do have a piece I've composed, here at KZbin.

[@Islwynpaul]

My favourite Zappa track and it will be played at my funeral.......because there is nothing in this to challenge nor offend anyone...a delightful and enjoyable piece of well written well played music...

[@zykify]

I love the inversions and excursions and the variations of the basic theme in Andy. It fits right in the pocket of The Adventures of Doug Helvering.

[@jeffcullen6412]

Brilliant review, Doug. I’ve been listening to Frank for 50 years and he never ceases to amaze me.

[@rafaelfernandeslopesdeoliv1700]

G-SPOT TORNADO FROM YELLOW SHARK G-SPOT TORNADO FROM YELLOW SHARK G-SPOT TORNADO FROM YELLOW SHARK That's what you need.

[@BrianMillerConcerts]

Napoleon Murphy Brock is the black saxophone player in the version with Dweezil Zappa and Steve Vai

[@donkensler]

I adore Zappa, so when I saw this one I had to watch! I'm a fan of the version from "Live at Fillmore East", which also has Howard Kaylan and Mark Volman (aka Flo and Eddie, aka The Turtles) doing "Happy Together". Also check out the duo doing "Penis Dimension" (a parody of genital anxiety) from "200 Motels", also from Zappa in 1971. And as a former french horn player, thanks for the shoutout to the horn players on the orchestral version. Oh yeah, Doug, I dare you to do an episode on PDQ Bach.

[@DavidNWalker]

Frank Zappa music is like an acquaintance who comes over, kind of smells funny, says inappropriate things... but makes everyone smile and is somehow brilliant.

[@SirPulga]

Peaches En Regalia! This is one of my favorites from Zappa and the tune that hooked me to the maestro. Amazing song!

[@mitchellpeters2471]

Listen to Zomby Woof with Dweezil and Steve Vai from the same concert you just watched of Peaches. The band is Zappa Plays Zappa.

[@andyzehr9839]

Phish does a great cover of this with a heavier guitar presence on the lead part (by Mr. Trey Anastasio). 12/1/1994 is a fine example. Great reaction / analysis!

[@katzpdx]

Yup. Trey has said many times that Zappa was a huge influence on his own music composition style. They used to cover this in the 80s a lot. I think I saw them perform this about 7 or 8 times in 87 to 89. It was really my true introduction to Zappa.

[@kurtkish6970]

THANK YOU! Long Live Zappa (especially his instrumentals)

[@grahamhowes6904]

I’m not hugely into Zappa but HOT RATS and WAKA JAWAKA I just love - I’m just not on his sense of humour wavelength so when the ensemble just plays I’m happy!

[@PunguinYoga]

I'm with you!

[@stevedotwood]

I get you. I love his instrumentals so much. Waka & The Grand Wazoo, and his contemporary stuff

[@mosesbacke2311]

Well, as the man himself pointed out, most of his lyrics he put on because the american audience didn't buy albums without a human voice. Most of his output is actually instrumental. And I think that if you listen to "Shove it right in" on You Can't Do That on Stage Anymore vol 6 you can forget about the lyrics if you want to and just listen to how good Volman and Kaylan sings (they are never better) and appreciate how sensitive that performance actually is.

[@mikecarr6466]

Hi Doug, thanks for Peaches en Regalia which has been with me since the early 70's and I loved the difference takes on it. It has been my ring tone on my phone for as long as I can remember, and is always a pleasure to get the early bursts of Frank's Music. Hot Rats was a great album and Gumbo Variations might be one you may have tried, but another classic. Keep up the great work Doug, fascinating stuff that as a Classical and rock fan I get the connection, especially on your Pink Floyd instrumentals, and ELP stuff.

[@mannyfragoza9652]

Doug, thank you for playing Frank Zappa's music, he was a big influence on my playing

[@derangedband]

its weird how many youtube videos might be something i will have on in the background whilst i do other things but these videos completely grab my attention! i cant imagine how cool it would be to have Doug as a university lecturer. I've been waiting to see this reaction for ages! I love this song!

[@timcardona9962]

Great tune but I, like others, would certainly hope that we could take it up a notch. Here we have access to a composers' analysis and we're still throwin' the light stuff at him when there is so much wonderfully complex music that would make his head spin lol

[@craigmitchell5501]

Ive been playing lowly rhythm rock n roll guitar for 30 years, & ive been recreationally listening to this song for 26 years & i have no clue WTF just happened, but u sir, are amazing....good lord. LOL.

[@rk41gator]

Nice choice. Love the original along with the other renditions. It IS infectious and enjoyable to hear over and over. A happy tune with nice layers and counter-melodies and SO Zappa.

[@alternativevoice2541]

You mentioned this being suited as a film or TV theme. The tune is currently used as instrumental background music on the BBC London radio programme presented by Danny Baker, as well as the Elis James and John Robins show on BBC Radio 5 Live. It was also the theme tune for the early 1970s BBC2 show One Man's Week.

[@nuclearspacerhino]

Yaaaay, more Frank!

[@CH-rz6sl]

I am so excited that you’re doing a score analysis of Zappa’s works!

[@tuomolahti8096]

Frank composed this one for his son Dweezil, beautiful. Joy expressed like this. Dweezil has his fathers sound so well.

[@soyounoat2814]

"It's got a lot of personality" I will agree with this statement. I have known this piece over 4 decades, and it continues to transport me to a unique place. Like a living entity in 3 dimensions or maybe 4, it is a brilliant work of art.

[@johnpfaff1419]

The third is from Zappa plays Zappa, a phenomenal set list with a great band. That same concert film has "Eat that Question" with a jaw dropping sax solo.

[@BrianMillerConcerts]

Excellent! I have been meaning to officially recommend this song in your Discord for Patreon supporters. Glad to see you are going to discuss it. YAY!

[@bobby666666]

Drowning Witch from You Can't Do That On Stage 3 would be a good one to react to. On the Dweezil version, the male sax player is Napolean Murphy Brock. He was part of Frank's band in the early/mid seventies.

[@MrEnEffet]

Yes, drowning witch is so…so…great.

[@bobby666666]

@Billy White Jr. I love it too.

[@soggytom]

Doug- I'm glad you played that orchestral take . You touched on an important point that I don't recall having seen mentioned on your page yet (probably missed it). That, to my ears anyway, one of the core tenets to prog is that it easily transitions from rock band to orchestra, giving the music new scope and vision (that "Song For America" rendition excepted). In 1993, The London Philharmonic did "The Symphonic Music Of Yes", with Steve Howe, Bill Bruford and Jon Anderson singing on a couple of songs. With minor alterations, you'd think it was written for orchestra in the first place! It's all good, with several triumphs ("Heart Of The Sunrise" is magnificent). Just throwing this out there.

[@soggytom]

And don't forget "Magnification", the last Yes album with Jon Anderson. Since they had fired Igor Khoroshev (cough) from keyboards, they replaced him with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra. This album isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I find it magnificent from end to end and believe Doug would have a field day parsing any track on the album.

[@ThePresidentialTouch]

Great choice! There's one that only hardcore Zappa fans know of, and I'm sure you would be just tickled to hear it. Check out "Thirteen", from the live album series called "You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore". It's somewhere in the first six of ten albums in the series. Happy hunting, and love your videos!

[@Peter_S_]

"It's subdivided 5:8 into 4:4 if you want to clap your hands...." 😂 You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore Vol. 6 (Disk II)

[@KlausJLinke]

I'm arriving from the opposite shore ... always loved the wild and funny stuff, but now apprectiate the more symphonic pieces too.

[@peanjo6666]

There are only six albums in the YCDTOSA series.

[@adamgordon315]

Phish just covered it last night in Mexico. Played it fairly often in the 90's.

[@JacobTell]

This is one of my all time fav Zappa compositions. So clean and interesting, a masterfully written and executed piece. Just saw Phish cover Peaches in Mexico a couple weeks ago, PHINALLY! Been chasing that one since the late 90s, and it was the quite perfect way to open up their 4 show run in paradise.

[@sledzeppelin]

Shuggie Otis (bass) was primarily a guitarist and also the son of Johnny Otis. Shuggie's had a fine career of his own.

[@legionofprog]

Yes ... and Shuggie was all of 15 years old when he recorded "Peaches."

[@jackwezesa1081]

Shuggie was only 16. He also wrote Strawberry Letter 23.

[@brodie6222]

This was fun, thank you sir.

[@angelomoshopoulos4369]

Frank Zappa RIP was the original shredder. Doug, check out Zappa's "Montana" live with guest guitarist Rachel Flowers. If you don't know Rachel. She's a prodigy of music. She lost her sight as a young girl. Her interpretations of ELP are amazing. You'll be amazed though her playing Zappa on guitar.

[@tixximmi1]

Yes guitar, keyboards and flute. She truly is amazing. And she's on the video "Proclamation". (Official Fan Video)

[@michaelfuria4257]

absolutely!

[@2hurricane11]

Magnifico, grazie.

[@noelhalvordson6465]

I would love seeing you analyze some of his more contemporary/orchestral compositions, such as pieces from his album (The Yellow Shark) which was his last album released during his lifetime.

[@mnemoniusmaxim8402]

One of my all time favorites.

[@Rupert14]

It is often overlooked that the future great Shuggie Otis (son of Johnny) played bass on this, when he was 16, l believe. He went on to release a couple of classic solo albums in the early 70s which have been re-released on David Byrne's Luaka Bop label. I asked Mike Keneally if he had any idea how 16 year old Shuggie ended up playing bass on this track and unfortunately he didn't. An interesting Zappa mystery.

[@scino55]

Frank was a big fan of Johnny Otis (as you can tell by the facial hair). I expect it was just a matter of Frank seeking Johnny out, Johnny introducing him to his son and Frank thinking the kid was good enough to hire for a recording session.

[@Rupert14]

Yes, l would think it was purely happenstance, perhaps with Johnny and/or Shuggie showing up at that particular session. As meticulous as Frank was about his music, he could be equally impulsive. It could have been a simple meeting, then the kid mentions he plays bass, Frank asks him if he wants to sit in on a song, and boom, he is the bassist on one of Zappa's best known recordings.

[@steveford8999]

Oh, went to see FZ when it was the Mothers of Invention in Philly. Afterwards, bushwahing with a bunch of guys about guitarists some dude wanders up and says "the GOAT is FZ. " "Oh yeah? How do you know?" "I'm in the band." It was Jimmy Carl Black "The Indian of the group."

[@greatsilentwatcher]

If you'd like another hit, here's Zappa's "Watermelon in Easter Hay": kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGTcdmWEdsmBgdE. Check the time signature more than the chord progression. This was not only covered by Frank's son Dweezil, but an arrangement for the European small classical ensemble, The Big Note. Sit back and enjoy.

[@congahead3813]

This song is perhaps Frank's "deepest" - as in introspectively . Never get tired of hearing it. (And I heard it when it came out..)

[@MarkLKahnt]

It was also included in the Mexican movie “Y Tu Mama Tambien” as a closing denouement. A perfect fit for that stage of the movie. He was wondrous with his instrumentals, and could be hilarious with his mocking lyrics of the overly self-important.

[@mikebailey1226]

The guy playing sax on the last clip is Napoleon Murphy Brock. He is also a Zappa alumnus.

[@Lestowash]

Ed Palermo's version and the 'We are not Alone' are worth finding...great man with timeless music. I miss ya, Frank.

[@mosesbacke2311]

Moggio or Tink Walks Amok would really challenge Doug, don't you think?

[@todd8155]

M Dwabes - I didn't realize the Ed Palermo had a Zappa album. Thank you! What a treat!

[@Lestowash]

@@todd8155 he has done a few

[@BengtLindblad]

Ed does lots of Zappa. How I found him mid-90s at the Bottom Line in NYC. Never gets old.

[@honnimotte]

I just find your channel - LOVELY!! I love Zappa since i was 15 - for over 40 years now. And I never get tired of listening ti his music! So glad you like it too!!

[@todd8155]

There is still one more version that you really should listen too, and would make a very good reaction video IMHO. The arrangement, and the shear joy of the performers, the full multi-ethnic ensemble that is the Berklee School of Music is a treat indeed. I have been a Zappa fan for over 50 years, and this is one of my favorite renditions. You already are familiar with Inca Roads and Peaches at the least... Berklee Frank Zappa Tribute - Waka/Jawaka, Inca Roads, Peaches en Regalia, Zomby Woof kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGWXmmCDgKuDapI As always, thank you for the Zappa Analysis and Reaction. I never tire of hearing more about Frank!

[@Dan-dg9pi]

Thank you, Doug. Frank is often thought of as complex and funny, which is certainly true. But some of his themes are just plain beautiful and there is room for that in music too! This theme is gorgeous and it is interesting to see three different arrangements that all groove on it. I also learned a ton about the song through your analysis. Wonderful.

[@fredmirandadiaz1111]

Amo ver tus análisis. Me gustaría tu opinión en "Alien Orifice" & "Sinister Footwear II".

[@thomasdavis442]

the opening "its the daily doug "..is in the key of Emajor .......love the charts dude !!!!,,,,,Thank You !!!

[@sethkaicer319]

Doug showed Frank Zappa how to be a Dancing Fool.

[@solarwindlass]

You have thousands of hours of Frank to explore. He was a star factory, a nebula. When he died, the world was suddenly a dumber place.

[@frankpentangeli7945]

Technically speaking this might be Zappa's second solo album, but that's really a bit misleading since six of the seven other albums he released before this one were attributed to Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention, which were really HIS albums anyway. So, to me, Hot Rats was actually Zappa's eighth album.

[@kushtokermcgee412]

Doug, Thanks so much for bringing the joy of Frank’s music to so many people. I hope you keep exploring his catalogue and making us Zappa fans so happy. Pls consider doing a piece based on Eat the Question. Lots of great orchestration. A wonderful piece. Thanks for all the hard work.

[@damian108]

Do a Zappa tune weekly pls :D

[@brettmarlar4154]

I've seen Dweezil a few times. Starting with the tour from where the last version came. This was the 1st tour where he did the "Zappa Plays Zappa" thing. To really sell the audience on the idea he brought in alumni players Napoleon Murphy Brock to sing and play trombone, Steve Vai on guitar, and Terry Bozzio to sing a couple if songs and play drums. The woman playing alto sax on this one, is the only person still playing with Dweezil.

[@klaashalma8572]

I agree with some of the former reactions: Zappa is so much more than the `easy' pieces and the 'really lots of fun' pieces you featured until now, Doug. To stay in the middle a bit, take 'Wild love' and the song it bleeds into 'Yo mama' for instance. Yes, its 'Sheik Yerbouti' y'all...

[@tedbertier9454]

I AM having a good ol' time watching you watch/listen to this, thank you very much. Thanks Doug.

[@jeffbrett7849]

I agree with the commenters here....Zappa has sooo many beautifully complex orchestral pieces that someone of your expertise should really jump into. Examine THE YELLOW SHARK CD....there is soo much more meaty things on it! why "flirt" with Peaches....?

[@surfdigby]

Because Peaches is a classic, and it set the bar for much of what followed.

[@sealisa1398]

First heard this on WNEW-FM 102.7 NYC in my teens in early 1970. A life long treat and favorite. Frank is the best. So appreciate this analytical undertaking. Thanks.