How Ruth Underwood Came To Work With Frank Zappa | ZAPPA | Altitude Films

[@AltitudeFilmsOfficial]

Do you remember what your first Frank Zappa song was?

[@bertilknudsen]

I was 13 years old when I heard Who Are the Brain Police? in 1966. Life was never the same.

[@UserUnknownWhy]

Big Swifty.

[@torontotontos7085]

Joe's garage

[@ChuckSchickx]

Not sure which song...but Overnight Sensation was the album. Thanks to my older brother! Mind blown 🤯

[@marcotulio2137]

Camarillo Brillo was my first Zappa song and Over-Nite Sensation the first album.

[@ChuckSchickx]

For me, Ruth's sound is as much a part of Zappa's music...as Frank's guitar solos. Instantly recognizable and powerful.

[@bobspatafore1696]

Agree 100%

[@mosesbacke2311]

The Rollo part in the Don't eat that yellow suite is maybe the piece of music I've heard the most times. I absolutely agree with you.

[@frankiezap]

She gets more unbridled joy out of playing music than anyone I've ever seen

[@kevincampbell2032]

Frank was exceptional at recognizing the unique talents an individual musician had, and then writing pieces to let them help both the music and the musicians. Ruth,we love you

[@darrylguerrant5101]

Love Ruth Underwood, she's an awesome musician. Much respect to the lady.

[@Chromexus]

I bought Freakout at age 13 because I liked the cover. I played it, thought "weird but nice" , noted the "List" of influences and started to listen to some of them like Dolphy, Varese etc. A short time later the Mothers came to my town's university Union building auditorium. They had recorded "Absolutely Free" but it had not yet been released. The concert was cheap so I went. They played pretty much all Absolutely Free stuff- a 40 minute version of "Call Any Vegetable" sticks in my head , featuring 2 drummers , Bunk Gardner, Zappa and another guitarist, soloing collectively for 10 minutes etc etc- also an incipient version of King Kong- of course, back then , there was no such term as fusion or jazz-rock. LIke Ms. Underwood, when I left ( the concert stretched 5 hours) I was completely disheveled , My life was never the same after that.

[@tixximmi1]

And I do a Eric Dolphy Memorial BBQ every year.

[@lesliehayton2929]

Yeh I can remember talking to Ben Watson who wrote a book on Zappa , who said the same , and so did I , best wishes !

[@mikeremarcke3118]

Ruth made Zappa's music greater~!

[@sheldoncooper8199]

Probably the Best 3 Minute Video about Frank Zappa i ve EVER Seen thanks Ruth.

[@martinstent5339]

To all the Zappa fans here: Don’t forget to come to the Zappanale festival in Bad Doberan Northern Germany this summer. In fact, every summer. It’s THE place to meet with thousands of Zappa fans and celebrate his music.

[@chrisf153]

She was and probably still is absolutely amazing.

[@andybaldman]

Not anymore.

[@a2ndopynyn]

@@andybaldman - Why not? What happened?

[@REM1956]

Love Ruth. Quite the musical monster in her own right. You don't end up playing as well as she did/does without giving your life to it.

[@ChuckSchickx]

She definitely devoted her life to music...and to have the courage to play with Zappa... she's an icon!

[@reiddixon9708]

I like Ruth! From 8 track till now.

[@doctorauxiliary]

aaaaah... that is some rich, real-world drama right there. I love it!! & that is ruth friggin' underwood!! brilliant!!

[@Topsy_Krett]

Nice interview clip. Now may we actually know how Ms. Underwood came to work with Frank Zappa?

[@Abernis]

😊

[@Royale_with_Cheeze]

The allure of Frank's early music to other musicians speaks for itself. Both Ian and Ruth approached Frank to audition for his band, circa 1967, before he really had name recognition. They weren't looking to get in with a famous band for cache. They wanted to be part of that interesting sound that was appealing to them as musicians.

[@brianhammer5107]

Completely untrue. Frank Zappa's first album, "FREAK OUT," had made a huge splash in the music press. All three MGM albums sold pretty well for pop records, with "... MONEY" especially so. When Ian Underwood approached The Mothers, they were well-known.

[@Royale_with_Cheeze]

@@brianhammer5107 I agree with you that all three Verve (MGM) albums were big for The Mothers, but Ian joined up even before they recorded Absolutely Free. They weren't yet really huge when they were playing the Garrick, where Ian and Ruth first encountered them. I'd say they really hit their stride with Money. I'm just saying that Ian and Ruth, Ruth especially, saw them at the Garrick and knew there was something special going on there in music.

[@brianhammer5107]

@@Royale_with_Cheeze No. He joined prior to the recording of "Money," which I should not have listed originally.

[@Royale_with_Cheeze]

@@brianhammer5107 I stand corrected. I thought he played on Free. The use of Holst's the Planets in Invocation and Ritual Dance made me think of Ian playing on that. But I still think both he and Ruth didn't join them *because* they were a big hit sensation as much as they saw a new force happening in music and wanted to be part of it.

[@jollyjoker888]

Cache me IN !

[@brucekuehn4031]

I saw George Duke talking about his experiences with Zappa. Lots of serious rehearsals before going on the road. Then he said that once you got into the Zappa groove, it took months to get your brain out of it again. He had a successful career afterwards, but always spoke highly of playing with Frank.

[@MrWaterpumpkin]

My own world has been shaking up, too. We all love you, Ruth!

[@MrMightyslim]

Cause Ruth is the best! Most fave Zappa alumni.

[@notreallydavid]

alumna!

[@Roger-r7s]

She was doing some pretty amazing work on stage trying to keep up with all the complexity of the multi polyphonic lines of vibraphone, marimba, tympani, bongos, kettle drums, various gongs, bells and chimes, and she had to move from each of those instruments like a frenzied crazy person! I know that those were some very challenging compositions and improvisations to play and Ruth has always enjoyed her time in Zappas band but I hope he paid her the value of her labor in the contributions she made to his live stage act.

[@jeffdawson2786]

Wonderful clips. Ruth was integral to my favorite Mothers incarnation.

[@einbertalstein1394]

Ruth is such a teriffic human being. Thanks Ruth ❤

[@Actanonverba01]

Amazing little story by Ruth, That's Ruth!

[@alexanderkalinchenko4038]

What a great person , what a,great musician! Endless,respect to Ruth!

[@jackfarrell4727]

I heard her play with Zappa at the palladium, I went to both shows with class mates from Waterbury. They recorded " live at the palladium" I am guessing 1976.

[@doeshumorbelonginmusic5799]

Ruth and Frank was the ultimate win/win situation.

[@Rondo2ooo]

She did the right gut decision. Potentially, from an anonymous and sad triangle player in the orchestra pit to the unforgettable Ruth Underwood with Frank. Well done, Ruth! And thank you!

[@jamesabrams6908]

A great tribute by Ruth

[@Dave30867]

Ruth stood out for me in most of franks early songs 💖💖🌹🌹💎💎🧨🧨✔✔

[@radiomindchatter7994]

We love Ruth!💚

[@bluetopguitar1104]

Such a great and creative person. Thank you Ruth, your playing with Frank made a big difference. I have always admired your energy and great vibe.

[@ZOOTSUITBEATNICK1]

loved fb's music from the first listen...loved listening/watching Ruth in the band equally...

[@reiddixon9708]

Unreal! Love your stuff! Hard to play and nobody can copy. Great 8 track tape! Still got the album!

[@fredrictengstrom9522]

Beautiful music is hard 2 get through.I still do.Think u do 2.Frank I loved

[@marcelopretto3473]

LEGENDAS,POR FAVOR!!!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@richardhanechak2177]

Excellent. Thank you for sharing that with us. I heard and felt the passion in every word you said.

[@eisenhertz]

love this women!

[@freddystaelens]

On Ruth, on Ruth…that’s Ruth!

[@emanueltadeuborges1628]

It was from the live album (LP!!) "Just another band of LA". First I heard "Call any vegetable" and then, (the second was in fact the FIRST, like Ruth described: a strong and definitive impression): "Billy the mountain"!!!! And so I was for ever CAUGHT by this ZAPPATOLOGY!

[@sr.gateau]

Early 80s school trip to Mt. Lafayette, a friend passed me his Walkman headphones and I heard Dumb All Over. What kind of music is that? It's Zappa.

[@JayMSinger]

I'm kind of embarrassed to write that as a teenager I bought "Freak Out" because the cover had Frank with pink hair. I would say "Absolutely Free" was 'it' for me. I am so glad I heard Frank's groups many times (though I didn't get to the Garrick.) "The present day composer refuses to die!"

[@DrJohn493]

Thank God Ruth got out of that classical straight jacket and became a vital part of my early appreciation for the music she helped create with Zappa!

[@jj3710]

I remember seeing Zappa at the westside pier in NYC in the early 80's. I believe it was sponsored by Miller beer.

[@frozenbeefpie]

I fell in love with Ruth the minute I heard her play with Zappa! And I'm still in love with her! What a great musician she is! Ruth do you want to marry me?

[@nesseq]

You got to wait in line. Sorry pal.😂

[@mosesbacke2311]

Every time Ruth speaks about the Garrick Theatre experience you know that she really talks about the kick of her life time. The Mothers changed her life. She knows that her legacy is that she was the percussionist in some of the best Zappa band's and she is absolutely fine with that.

[@johnycoloradonovo7148]

Merci Ruth😔

[@chrisembry115]

Thank you Ruth for your bad ass musical contribution.Yo are the bad ass musical composser. You can walk with the bad ass es because you are a badasss.Thank you.

[@ingomeyer4153]

I was fourteen when I listened to We are only in it for the money in a record shop on headphones...I never heard anything like it, such unique and mind blowing...It was my kind of teenage socialisation, and I took it with humour...I am still trying to be a Rock'n Roll guitarist 😊

[@danielduesentriebjunior]

Ruth played in some of Zappa's most important and successful pieces, and accordingly I would expect and hope that she is also now financially in a corresponding position!?!

[@carbonc6065]

Ruth!

[@URWHTUIZ]

THAT"S RUTH!!!

[@gostrum1]

@@URWHTUIZ The one and only!

[@simonagree4070]

Ruth is one of the smartest, most sensitive people to ever play Zappa's music. Just my humble opinion, but I'm sticking with it.

[@tomn9094]

Zappa's music is still terrifying stodgy old professional orchestra boards.

[@kevincampbell2032]

...on Ruth. On Ruth

[@kjc4414]

....da dada da dah.... That's Ruth!

[@MikeJamesMedia]

"Ladies and gentlemen... Watch Ruth!"

[@moi3557]

God bless Ruthie!

[@starmersbarber]

What a wonderfully interesting person by the sounds of it!

[@zapp442]

I love Ruth.

[@waltgzerod5565]

To Quote the Great Ruth Underwood, "I am the slime from your video. Movin' along on yer livin' room floor"!! Sing it, Darlin'!!

[@ReactorsReactions101]

heard it on the Doctor Demento show. Don't Eat The Yellow Snow

[@robbrown3543]

Love it.

[@elborko6821]

I love Ruth-something about New York girls went out and married one best thing I ever did. Saw Frank over 20 times---- Thanks

[@AngelHadzi]

Where can I see this film? can I rent it or buy it?

[@Royale_with_Cheeze]

The film is ZAPPA by Alex Winter (of Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure fame) and can be streamed and or bought on some services.

[@tonyennis1787]

I love Ruthie

[@Rex.Vanrynn]

IT'S ZAPPA!

[@BobRenda-x8o]

I am wondering if Ruth Underwood was Ruth Cohen who in the 1960’s was a jazz camper at the Lake Shore Music Score in Center Harbor, NH founded by Glenn Brown? My father was a woodwinds teacher there for four straight years…Mr. Chick Renda.

[@longde]

Ruth Komanoff

[@blur5725]

can i find that piano clip anywhere?

[@tomallen5837]

Look up: Frank Zappa - Oh No (Piano Solo) .... look it up right here on the tube of you ;-). There's a piano player that is replaying it. If you look in the notes of the link can you locate it, I believe The pianist says the song comes from the album, Lumpy Gravy..

[@frenkcirillo1974]

bellissimo

[@fostercathead]

That's Ruth!

[@Abernis]

"Doesn't sound like any music you're supposed to be playing here.." 😁

[@kjc4414]

..."That's College Rhythmmmmmm"....

[@nothing-b2n]

Ooohhh yes

[@nothing-b2n]

Oohh yup ruth

[@muchospantaloons]

and ruth herself was one and only ;)

[@brianjacob8728]

It's Zappa. Nuff said.

[@WWAWHTR]

It’s Zappa.

[@anthonyfesta7010]

“That’s RUTH!!!”

[@thoosedeloose]

Numero Uno

[@jollyjoker888]

WOW , I , too , would sneak in the practice rooms at U-M School of music , to play my" Vulgar " Rock and roll riffs ...TOMMY , Shady Grove , On the Threshhold of a dream ...In the hall of the mountain king ...Never got busted by Officers , but there WAS this ONE person , who would copy me in the Next room ...

[@henrikbunkenborg6743]

The Roxy band was the best.

[@jfergs.3302]

So she was a fan ?!?! So where was the part on how she came to work with him...

[@samuelbanya]

It's Fusion

[@bodegabonsai7069]

how did she come to work with him?

[@jkorshak]

FZ and the Mothers had a residency at a theater in New York and she saw a show and became a regular concert attendee. FZ found out she was a trained percussionist and invited her to play with the band.

[@lilacvelvet4]

give the gong player some

[@charlesarizona]

Movie clips do not enhance Ruth's interview.

[@richinoable]

The more I hear, Juliarred sounds like a bot factory.

[@alexglezarch]

You did not answer the main question at all.

[@jacomans9078]

It was interesting… but really doesn’t say how she came to work with Zappa, just that she was inspired by him…you need a follow up…I was robbed

[@esteban1487]

Brilliant, but she votes left. 🤦‍♂️

[@duledule1127]

How you categorize Bach, Bethowen, Mozzart etc. You cant. Bach is whole posybile music of his time ... or Bethowen s... Stravinsky s...or ZAPPAs!!! He is definition of the 20th century music .. THE LAST CLASIC COMPOSER AND MOTHERS WHERE THE FIRST NON-SYNPHONIC, REAL CONTEMPORERY SIMPHONIC ORCESTRA.

[@kjc4414]

...."The modern day composer refuses to die"...

[@T.fellaman]

What a beautiful women in all respects.

[@Maffelus]

Who did what?

[@nightshadegatito]

George Bush did 9/11 (inside job)

[@davidmenasco5743]

I think Zappa spelled all that out on Apostrophe. And maybe 200 Motels too. And Joe's Garage. Oh, and, well if you *really* want to know who did what, try Over-Nite Sensation.

[@JayMSinger]

I'm kind of embarrassed to write that as a teenager I bought "Freak Out" because the cover had Frank with pink hair. I would say "Absolutely Free" was 'it' for me. I am so glad I heard Frank's groups many times (though I didn't get to the Garrick.) "The present day composer refuses to die!"