Frank Zappa- The Ocean Is the Ultimate Solution (REACTION & REVIEW)

[@jimhardiman3836]

Patrick O'Hearn is a vastly underrated bassist and one of my favorites. He describes how he came to record this track: "I was on tour with saxophonist Joe Henderson. We were playing a week of dates at a club in Los Angeles. Terry invited me to drop by the studio where he and Frank were working - they’d start around 6 p.m. and go ’til around 6 a.m. So, one night I dropped by after the last set with Joe. I had my upright bass with me, it was the middle of the night and I didn’t want to leave it in my car parked on the street. So I hauled it into the studio’s foyer, looking for a place to stash it, and it just so happened that Terry and Frank were standing there on a break having a coffee. Terry introduced me to Frank and within a few minutes Frank asked me if I would be willing to play some upright bass on a track that they were currently working on. I enthusiastically agreed and was ushered into the studio, whereby the engineer begin setting up mics and getting a sound. In no time at all, the tape was rolling and I was improvising to a very interesting track: tempo changes; key and time signature changes; unusual transitions. It was unlike music I’d played before and it was pretty damn fun! Frank seemed satisfied with the results and asked me if I played electric bass guitar. I told him I did but that I didn’t have my electric with me. He asked me to come back the following night after I was through at the club and lay in some bass guitar. I asked him if I might have a cassette of the track. One was made and I stayed up the rest of the night and well into the day making a chart and trying to learn the piece. I returned the following night and we recorded the electric bass guitar. Frank and Terry came out of the control room and approached me in the studio. Frank asked me, “Do you need a job?” - my tour with Joe was ending and I had nothing else lined up. I said, “Yes, I do.” Frank extended a handshake and said, “Congratulations, you’re hired - effective immediately.” It was good fortune, and a great opportunity."

[@rk41gator]

WOW. What a fantastic story. Truth is stranger than fiction. But playing with Joe Henderson could have been an audition right there. Henderson is a giant. And yes, this bass is bad!

[@stonebringer1]

By the way, sometime in the future Frank Zappa will be considered one of the 20th century's great composers.

[@wowwhywow]

and here's what Terry says about the song... Actually what happened was me and Dave Parlato and Frank jammed at the Record Plant for about 35 minutes-filled up two reels of tape. And Zappa, out of all that material, edited it down to about 13 minutes. And he played it on a real interesting Fender 12-string that had a Barcus Berry in the neck. He had the bottom strings turned to Major 7ths . . . I think he had every string tuned to a different interval, so it was like a Major 7th then a Minor 7th. The next ones were, you know, a tri-tone Major 3rd and a Minor 3rd. And he had the low strings panned left, and the high strings panned right, and the Barcus Berry panned centre; he had this glass-shattering 12-string sound, it was really unique. So we just jammed. And then he . . . Patrick was playing with Joe Henderson at the Lighthouse and I went to see him play one night. He was staying at my house. I brought him home. And he had this big bass in the car. He didn't want to leave it in the car, so he brought it inside. And that was how Patrick auditioned for Frank. You know, Frank said, "You play that thing?" Patrick said "Yeah!" He goes "Whip it out" And he put him in the studio. Patrick had already played a gig at 2 or 3 in the morning and he had to play 'The Ocean Is The Ultimate Solution' as sort of an audition. So he got the gig, and played great bass through it. And Frank put an electric guitar solo on there. It was fun.

[@alldayadventures5418]

"Sleep Dirt" is a Sleeper Album... Very under-rated and EVERY TUNE is some of his best work....! Have listened to this one 100's of times since the 70's.

[@progperljungman8218]

My favourite! Glad to find there's more than I who fully appreciate it!😊

[@78zappaf]

I like both versions of this album, the original mix and the Ryko CD version with added vocals.

[@richardronco494]

I've loved this album since high school (1983) especially this song.

[@swirll360]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!! This was priceless. Your facial expression were worth the year and a half wait. This was the song my college roommate (shout out to Ira and thanks) played for me when I said Frank Zappa was a joke because all I had ever previously heard was Montana and Don't Eat The Yellow snow suite. The entire song is brilliant but when I heard that guitar solo I realized that Frank just didn't talk the talk he walked the walk and then freakin ran. This also showed me he could without flinching lay down a beautifully melodic extended jazz fusion track with a traditionally melodic flowing guitar solo which he rarely does. I think he's like Einstein in they way Einstein was bored in school because he was so far above what he was learning, Zappa is the same way in his relationship with music. He can do musically what everyone else does without breaking sweat but that was boring to him. The timing of you playing this is perfect as well because you have some other Zappa music under your belt which helps since Zappa is a genre of his own an requires some brain remapping to enjoy and appreciate his music lol. I'll end with this, I've always said that Zappa needs to be listened in 2 ways. Initally taking in the lyrics and the music together, then just separating them. The music in this song would have been overshadowed if Frank added his typical satirical, odd and often comical lyrics. I've come to appreciate his lyrics, they act as a counter to the intricate music and may just keep people listening when they might have turned way. Listen it's kept people talking about him for years so it has worked. Thanks so very much JP again for playing this and mentioning me. I have gotten so much pleasure seeing you react and feel what I felt when this song was presented to me, it really was in a musical sense life changing. PS: watch Alex Winters documentary about him, you'll be fascinated and gain even more appreciation for Franks genius.

[@hklinker]

Ron, you were the one who persisted, right? Well, thank YOU!

[@swirll360]

@@hklinker yes I was but JP was gracious enough to play it...after a year and a half of friendly cajoling 😋

[@jayburdification]

Frank Zappa, Terry Bozzio, Patrick O’Hearn. A “Thrash Jazz“ power trio like no other.

[@shipahoy8832]

Zappa prime era = Mid 75- early 78.

[@aarongonzalez7482]

one of the most exciting Zappa pieces... and that's saying something! Patrick O'Hearn's bass performance is unreal!

[@ganazby]

Absolutely Incredible ensemble playing, topped off by one of the most soaringly beautiful and creative guitar solos I’ve ever heard.

[@SpaceCattttt]

One of Frank's most incredible guitar solos. Never heard anyone play like this anywhere else. And since you liked this, I can recommend "Filthy Habits" from the same album. It's another instrumental, albeit very different.

[@alantraish3368]

63 now so loving this album since I was 19 in 1979 when I was an FZ fan of about 3 years. Saw him live 5 times all in England. Incredible album along with all his back catalogue I ordered at the time. Thank you for the music Frank RIP

[@GoodCorporateRobot]

Been a long time I’ve listened to this one, and it was as good to hear as ever! Organized chaos! Bravo on a deep dive reaction!

[@josdurkstraful]

I can imagine Frank having said: "Let's kick some Mahavishnu ass"!

[@theuglycrows3416]

Not to forget, Zappa's improvisations is a picture of the moment. Not knowing where it's going to end up! But what a great talent in impro. Under-rated guitarist!

[@frozenbeefpie]

All about that bass! And that bass drum !

[@JustJP]

Definitely!

[@richardronco494]

This was my favorite song in High School way back in 1982-83.

[@rodneygriffin7666]

There is a reason why Frank Zappa is called a genius.

[@daveking9393]

"thrash jazz", loved that description. enjoyed it. thanks

[@leddygee1896]

Thanks for the shoutout, JP!! That track is a freak of nature...

[@popeyeman69]

Start every day with Frank

[@drumsybatabamboom8022]

This was Patrick Ohearn's audition!! On a 150 year old stand up bass!!!

[@akirk1573]

That is truly awesome.

[@MisterWondrous]

Outstanding. A new favorite. Love that section you teased out. There is a classic and breathless drum solo by the teenaged Bozzio from Baby Snakes well worth the visit. Never heard Zappa cook a guitar like he did on this piece. Music really is the best.

[@egapnala65]

17:40 Having the band do two different things at once is not uncommon for Zappa, he sometimes had a number of different time signatures going on at once. An earlier extended jazz workout "Little House I Used To Live in" (the "Burnt Weenie Sandwich" version) does the same thing (and features some pretty wonderful Blues violin work as well). He was a big fan of the composer Charles Ives who would superimpose 15-20 different time signatures.

[@markdavis7345]

I think Frank called it an "Ives Collision," like two marching bands passing each other on the street.

[@pilesovinyl]

Thanks for covering this. I'll remind you again for one I want you to do, Cleetus Awreetus Awrightus from the album The Grand Wazoo. It is incredible.

[@bartgoldstein8339]

got this album the day it came out.i blew out my Harmon Kardon speakers with this piece.

[@shorty8650]

A masterpiece in every sense of the word.

[@JustJP]

Its so good

[@toda304]

Great Review , All Zappa reviews are appreciated.. a Supreme Talent.

[@timfeeley714-25]

I've always loved this entire album, the song Sleep Dirt is a rare acoustic treat from Frank, he plays a Martin D-18S and is accompanied by James "Birdlegs" Youman

[@progperljungman8218]

Wow! This is one of the awesome tracks off of my favourite album (from so many fantastic ones!) by him. Wonderful reaction and analysis. Please do the full album 🙏

[@stevious7278]

This track makes me think of Weather Report and Return To Forever for some reason.I know it isn't Stanley Clarke on upright bass; but he hit the strings as fast as the speed of light. I've been a fan of Frank since 1974, but have never heard this before... Outstanding musicianship as usual. But what else could you expect from the incomparable Mr. Zappa.

[@sonicart1808]

It's interesting that the sections where it sounded like there's 2 different bands playing is something that as a drummer we run over in our minds almost like your pushing into the rhythm yet its either faster or slower than the actual tempo, its hard to explain but that's how this felt to me anyway, 3 master musicians at work here... throughout Franks catalogue of work he was always seeking to disrupt and work against the 'expected" route a song would normally go, it's like he hated predictability and sought to push and find his own voice every time. Loved your reaction JP you had and astonished stank face at times which was funny... thanks for another Zappa classic. BTW I highly recommend "Filthy Habits" next from the same album which happens to be the first track .... it's awesome!

[@jfergs.3302]

Now this's the ticket. Coming after this afternoons Soft Machine effort, it's like day following night. There was no drifting off half way through this beauty. Great musicianship throughout, but for me, that bass(es), yowser.

[@dhfenske]

This was fascinating for me to hear this piece. It is helping me discover what music I like and what I don't like. I seem to have a sort of a "threshold" for "rhythm and melody that I like". I've figured out that I definitely don't like free jazz. Not enough rhythm and melody. (Or maybe the rhythms and melodies in it are so complex that I don't recognize them.) I fell in love with some Zappa music because it has some rhythm and melody but it seems to me to toy with going over a sort of a brink into a realm of NO rhythm and melody. It still has some and frequently jumps around to different ones, so it really entertains me. Examples of this are on "Make a Jazz Noise Here": The Black Page, T'Mershi Duween, and Dupree's Paradise, (Justin, there's a long song Saturday set!) and also Royal March, Bartok Piano Concerto #3, and Sinister Footwear. I was blown away by these and kept playing them over and over and over for a period during the aughts. Another example is a bunch of the material on Dream Theater's Images and Words. So, I found this piece interesting because it seems like it is just a tiny bit over on the other side of my threshold. It feels to me like I just can't quite find any rhythm and melody in it. I totally respect it, though, and anyone that likes it. I'm glad you enjoyed it, Justin.

[@progperljungman8218]

Try Regyptian Strut from the same album

[@MrWaterpumpkin]

This is not the music that makes "the ears lie back in an easy chair", so you you sit back jaw-dropping after all have heard...

[@MrOrontea]

I learned recently that this was a 40 something minutes jam between Zappa, Bozzio, O-Hearn. Bozzio said: Frank announced "I am going to play a rhythm guitar solo now"... Zappa edited the 40 mins down to this … well ... monstrosity. The guitar solo is overdubbed I think.

[@rk41gator]

The drums are also insane by the way! Terry Bozzio. I too thought of Chester, so I had to look it up. Great Review! (and yes, yes, yes; thank you Ron)

[@markofrontz1343]

The many faces (phases) of Frank. Liked it when it came out, and I think it holds up well.

[@frankaviza6362]

Has always been among my very top favorites. I played it every week on my Zappa podcast.

[@andrewmantle7674]

Well done J.P. You did well sitting through this, I was waiting for it to end so I could hear your analysis. I love everything Zappa. I really appreciate the individual performances of all the players on this track but as a piece of music it has never floated my boat. I think it was one of Frank’s “Oh I can do that” moments, like Teenage Wind was off You Are What You Is. Teenage Wind appeals to me more though, I find it more listenable. The stand out track on this album is clearly Filthy Habits. Dark and Sinister with Frank’s perfectly controlled feedback. Nice reaction though. Keep up the great work.👍

[@stevedotwood]

No room to breathe (and I'm a big Zappa fan for as long as I live, esp. his jazz-fusion tunes)

[@geneleonard4368]

Patrick O' Hearn was in a interesting prog instrumental group called" Group 87" i recommend their albums highly especially their self titled debut " Group 87"

[@michaosanna]

Mr. FZ's attempts to be Mr. John McLaughlin - and he got it!

[@rk41gator]

Funny I was also thinking of Mahavishnu.....the bass (Patrick O'Hearn) is channeling John McLaughlin.

[@sylvaindupuis5595]

Never heard of that album. He made so many that it's hard to know them all. Great find!

[@Cpayne30]

This album is a must listen! A good portion of it features the same musicians as One Size Fits All.

[@sicko_the_ew]

Blisters blistering everywhere. If you ever get in the mood for listening to just solos by Frank Zappa, *Trance Fusion* might be the one to try. It's not very coherent (since they just extracted guitar solos from various songs) but sometimes that doesn't matter. Link is meant to be to a list of a playlist. kzbin.info/aero/PL8klFiOgynWAub7nrRRyp3f0Kd2S8lI7Q

[@richardronco494]

Interesting you mentioned sounded like Mahavishnu Orchestra because they backed up the Mother's in early 70's and Zappa was really impressed with them and thats why the Roxy band was formed with 2 drummers .

[@JustJP]

Interesting! Didnt know that; ty Rich!

[@richardronco494]

@@JustJP if you check out the Zappa Drummer's video that features Terry Bozzio, Chad Wackerman, Ralph Humphreys, Chester Thompson and Ruth Underwood. That story is told about the 2 drummers and Mahavishnu Orchestra. I saw Mahavishnu Project open up for Project Object (Ike Willis) at House of Blues in NYC in 2002. Phenomenal Show

[@rk41gator]

Such a crazy underrated guitarist is Frank (not by his fans however). Zappa's band was a master's degree in music.

[@webkahmik]

OH YEAH! Now we gettin to it.

[@GregoryHughey-z8z]

Try some "Zappa Plays Zappa" with Frank's son Dweezil and his fabulous "band" including Steve Vai and Terry Bozio . . yes, they are both alive !!

[@Christoth2012]

LOVE ZAPPA!

[@alnitak208]

Amazing track !

[@leoscone4036]

Sleep Dirt is a special Zappa gem, released as one of several albums put out just to fulfill a record contract and move on. He had that much music "laying around".

[@jamescastelli]

While it may have been to "fulfill a contract," this and a couple other such albums were originally intended as a long album called "Läther" which eventually was released as intended.

[@jean-pierrebolduc2837]

A masterpiece (in a same kind of way, try "The adventures of Greggery Peccary").

[@Wayner71]

Frank is an acquired taste. I like some of his music but not all. When I was younger I thought he was a counter-cultural comedian and satirist first and a musician second. Like a kind of musical Cheech and Chong. I now realize that comedy, tragedy and many other situations are present and coexistent in Zappa-world. The Frank riffing is by far the best element of this track. It is somewhat like Mahavishnu. Frank used to say that he was in awe of McLaughlin's speed as a guitarist. McLaughlin said that Zappa was a very good musician but also a dictator in his band. I find that a very interesting observation.

[@jaybird4093]

I like the fast/slow contrast, too. Concealing Fate, Part 1 by TesseracT uses it throughout the piece to great effect.

[@-davidolivares]

I’ve only mentioned several times the album, dooo the album, although, you did the money shot first. Sleep Dirt and Studio Tan, so good.

[@webkahmik]

No, we're not doing Greggary Peccary, I wish we were. FZ

[@-davidolivares]

@@webkahmik Why the hale not?

[@ChuckyChives]

@@-davidolivares It was FZ’s response to an audience member when asked to perform Greggary Peccary. It’s on the Does Humor Belong in Music DVD.

[@-davidolivares]

@@ChuckyChives Ok, I could see it being very difficult. Haven’t seen that.

[@jamesadkisson7510]

That choppy scratchy guitar at the beginning believe it or not reminds me of Gang Of Four. You listened to their big feedback noise song but many of their songs have an odd timing choppy guitar.

[@gilbertsalinas4522]

nice Meze 99s, love those cans!!!

[@DWHarper62]

The BEST reaction to this song... I was literally laughing out loud...

[@JustJP]

Haha ty David! :D Glad you enjoyed

[@mgman6000]

I thought you were going to do tangerine dream when are you to do it

[@hklinker]

I’ve wondered whether the guitar, at the beginning, is maybe taped and manipulated …and spliced back into the track.

[@Alix777.]

Please react to Drowning Witch, City of Tiny Lights or I'm a beautiful guy 😗

[@gubbenpersson]

Music is the best.

[@maruad7577]

I don't want to be salty but has this been watered down? You shore?... okay now that I have actually listened, I am impressed.

[@deepermind4884]

IS Frank playing a mic'd unplugged electric in the first part? THAT'S something you never hear... 🤔

[@meistergedanken4790]

That's exactly what I was thinking. And he's strumming it as hard as he can, lol.

[@hklinker]

Derek Bailey probably does that.

[@stonebringer1]

🎸🎸🎸1/2 I own nearly 50 Zappa CDs and they have their ups and downs. This one is not one of my favorites. The last half guitar section is the stand-out section. I am one of the "shut up and play your guitar" fans which he does on most of this song and that is why the last half I do like. But he has many better numbers. Check out the live Spanking Stevie duet with Steve Vai. The long version on youtube.

[@madmkdog651]

2nd favorite FZ album, right after Uncle Meat

[@chaosmos24]

Not sure I have ever seen someone reacto to anything off Uncle Meat which is a shame. Maybe King Kong, but that is it.

[@HippoYnYGlaw]

I saw Frank but it wasn’t an M Twas a Z. Tales of the Unexpected please from 1979. Do the whole of Side One. You’ll be entertained. And that JP, is wot a lot of music should be 4, shirley? This? Adventurous Musings to say the least. Clean late 70s trippin before the polish of 80s production synthesised everything. Do the Neurotic by Genesis has the same tempo?!?! Nah not really, im just remindin u not to neglect the b sides, ok? Thanks. Yhis was Fresh . Like a Daisy.

[@Jiffy_Squid]

brown shoes

[@jamespaivapaiva4460]

See you soon in Alabama Bay, Mama's gonna wash it all away! (bastardized & plagiarized from M.J.K.)While "Weasels Rip My Flesh"(snarky little ferrets!) hope you & yours are well and at Peace.

[@chrisstewart4611]

Frank was shit scared of the orchestra

[@a.k.1740]

I am totally hermetic to this kind of stuff which sounds like an instrumental marathon. I feel like I'm hearing the Mahavishnu Orchestra at its most frenetic moments. Not for me.

[@billhawkins1236]

Apparently, I'm going to need to take a reaction channels sabbatical, every channel I click on lately has Frank Zappa something, something. Sorry, not a fan.😵🤔😬

[@jimhardiman3836]

KZbin is not an airport. You don't need to announce your departure. But goodbye anyway. 👋

[@billhawkins1236]

@@jimhardiman3836 of course you misconstrue my meaning, which is I'm taking a break, not saying goodbye. Just because I'm not infatuated with Frank Zappa doesn't require you being rude.

[@jimhardiman3836]

@@billhawkins1236 are you still here?

[@billhawkins1236]

@@jimhardiman3836 you betcha. 🤪✌️

[@billhawkins1236]

I missed my flight ✈️.

[@filthwhistle]

Bought that when it was new. Studio Tan, Sleep Dirt, Orchestral Favorites were the three albums he put out in rapid succession to get out from under scumbag Warner Bros.Thay are phenomenal albums. However!!!!!!!! AVOID THE CD REMIX VERSIONS WHERE THEY ADDED AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL SHRIEKING FEMALE VOCALS, and changed the order of the songs.