Steve Vai about Frank Zappa

[@niekdouwes8957]

This song is actually on the 'Frank Zappa meets the The Mothers of Prevention' album and it's called 'What's new in Baltimore'. One of the most beautiful instrumental songs of Zappa if you ask me.

[@dylano3133]

The guitar solo is one of my favorites

[@clivejackson9841]

Mothers of Invention.

[@schuldina]

@@clivejackson9841 no, the album is called “frank zappa meets the mothers of prevention”. 1985. the original mothers of invention band wasn’t involved.

[@clivejackson9841]

Thanks i thought i had all the mothers albums. live at Fillmore east was my favorite. Then Zappa Apostrophe. The nancy and mary music part 1 2 and 3.

[@Gk2003m]

Nope. It’s Black Napkins, and the band playing it here includes Terry Bozzio on drums and Patrick O’Hearn on bass. This might even be from the NYC show at the Palladium that Vai referenced earlier…. I had the pleasure of being at those shows, the ones that yielded the Zappa In New York double album. I’ve seen Zappa many times in my life, and I think that particular lineup was the best he ever had. And boy could Frank play. Might have been just slightly less technically proficient than, say, Blackmore, but Frank was literally the only rock guitarist of that era who could play a 12 minute guitar solo and never quote himself in it. Staggering level of creativity.

[@rdickinsondickinson]

Frank was playing to the edge of the universe.

[@eugenestandingbear6516]

He kept coming back to us , blowing our minds then taking off into uncharted territory only to return to share with us. Master of unforgettable melodies.

[@deadreckoning292]

We’re all so glad you get it, guy 😉

[@mightymartianca]

A big part of Zappa's talent was picking talent. Some of his bands over the years were among the most accomplished groups of modern music musicians to grace a stage, and even many of them say playing his music was among the most challenging work they ever did. Zappa was the musical version of a great general.

[@tomzanone2324]

Fripp-like

[@vonjunzt4130]

auditions. difficult auditions.

[@Nedwin]

Ruth was amazing too!

[@robertf.sellarole1182]

Zappa, as ALL of his chosen musicians will testify, was wonderfully ruthless in his perfection of anything musically transcribed. I don't throw the "G" word around much..... Einstein, Churchill, and people who know music, Zappa. Salute'.

[@jimcampbell8061]

Did you hear the one about Jeff Berlin receiving charts that were actually meant for a guitarist but learned them anyhow? He played them perfectly for Frank

[@IHSchwingo]

Plays a brutal solo -> grabs something from the audience -> keeps playing Plays a brutal solo -> high fives a couple of guys -> keeps on playing Plays a brutal solo -> calibrates the flux capacitor -> keeps on playing What a guitarist.

[@CyprusAve]

Not only that but this solo like most of his live solos was improvised on stage

[@guyfawkes9951]

Frank called guitar soloing an act of spontaneous composing on stage in real time. But my favorite thing he said about his solos was "Sometimes I like to wiggle my fingers and see what comes out".

[@guyfawkes9951]

Which Frank freely admitted it sometimes did! But even when it sounded "off", it was interesting.

[@macausey2932]

genius

[@muraruv]

True genius indeed!!!

[@chrisvalleqatsi]

This makes me want to play and quit playing at the same time.

[@bcancun123]

Chris Valle this makes me wanna quit my job and take music seriously again.

[@jonasdamion1627]

Chris Valle lmao so true

[@Megamare1]

Exactly very bittersweet

[@mojolightnin6846]

Chris Valle I know exactly what you mean.

[@Dont_stay_long_k077]

Chris Valle /// That makes perfect sense 👍 genius ..FZ

[@frankophiliac2912]

I always feel like crying a little bit when I watch Frank play.

[@LeeDaHitman]

+Frankophiliac Damn I felt like crying too. He played the shit out of that guitar it was beautiful

[@bobgreen8142]

@Jeff Dittburner absolutely right Jeff. Not only that, he created, composed, arranged and directed whole slabs of music from this same cosmic place. I know it's an overused word, but I believe FZ truly deserves to be called a genius.

[@sea6bear]

Franks son gets very emotional when he plays Watermellon in Easter Hay live….One of the great all time guitar solos!

[@willkoestner4159]

Likewise. Doesn't get me sad. Think he overwhelms a part of my brain thats woefully under stimulated on the day to day.

[@gurugee2112]

It does make me cry a bit.

[@redhead5150]

People remember Frank Zappa's crazy songs and thought he was weird/crazy. But, They didn't take time to realize how great a musician he was !!!

[@6teeth]

+redhead5150 The impact on the music industri,critism of diff aspect of life and society.Thoughts of future endless discussions with music critics, which at that time was a big task. I think almost all critics were against frank. Thumbs up frank.

[@DoomKid]

+redhead5150 A genius even beyond his music, his stances on politics, social norms, religion.. The dude was really damn smart.

[@octofish]

Listened to "Studio Tan" in 1979, over and over. Game changer. That's the year radio was abandoned and hand picking music started. Bought everything this guy ever recorded along with dozens of bootlegs. Frank was a dots-on-paper composer, a conductor and a musical genius. Saw him live in 1980. He's the only one in both the Rock n Roll and Jazz halls of fame.

[@TheTestingGrounds]

From Freak Out on it was easy to see he stood head and shoulders amongst his peers.

[@brucebenderman7577]

yeah i grew up in the sixties and remembered him as an innovator not a musician but watching now i realize he was an excellent musician

[@jacobburns3493]

Vai throws out :50 like its nothing, but that is one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard. Zappa seriously was a genius.

[@mrclamcookie1277]

wasnt irt just magical like so different

[@discernment8963]

Jacob Burns ,Without question, no musician will argue that point either.

[@atomsk1972]

Agreed, that piece is beautiful.

[@brucesamuelson9313]

The piece Vai played became "What's New in Baltimore"

[@scottatkins870]

Zappa where did he get that he was unreal and in a lot of ways nobody could touch him!

[@evalex71]

That is a beautiful piece Vai plays

[@EmptyGlass99]

It's called "What's New in Baltimore"

[@williamlosch]

@@EmptyGlass99 YESSSS THANK YOU

[@SlimzProductionz]

It´s so adorable how Steve talks about Frank, it´s really something so nice, like a sort of father figure (well, Frank is in some way Steve´s mentor, but still). It´s so adorable, I love the amount of respect and admiration he has for the man. And even, for someone like Steve Vai to say something like Frank Zappa having outperformed him and his usual gang of guitar gods (Guthrie Govan, Joe Satrianni, Malmsteem, etc.), that´s something really strong.

[@VeggiePower303]

Frank Zappa is the New Father of modern Music. He has brought something to this Earth that was not here before. We should all be so talented to do the same ourselves..... And now you can see classical orchestras playing Frank's music. He is not over, he is going to live forever in our hearts and ears. I have been listening to Frank Zappa for over 45 years, never gets old.

[@alexdevisscher6784]

Steve Vai is such a modest man. In terms of technical skill, Vai way outgrew Zappa, but he never stopped looking up at his old mentor.

[@christurnblom4825]

I love those rare moments in a a jam session. Like your souls are working together in the same consciousness. That was fucking beautiful.

[@jimchumley6568]

Chris Turnblom While listening to music all areas and hemispheres of the brain are alive like in no other circumstance.

[@jimchumley6568]

This is really true. I play harmonica and i love inventing new sound and song. Unfortunately alot of times when jamming with friends and alone i cant get the same exact tune nor notes. It always comes with the moment from my soul. Im not a master by no means but love music and how the soul sings though its waves of creativity. Some moments are never captured or repeated again. You can hear some of my jams on utube. One such jam is with Eric Clapton (not live, just playing in the background to a new song on his latest cd) Its under Jimmy C and E C

[@theblockchainbastard9117]

Old comment, but you know what's up.

[@mr.jazzbodkelsey58]

That's the one! 🤘✨️

[@weeooh1]

Pure genius. Zappas solos were always musical above all else. No aimless shredding, just intricate, emotive, brilliant playing that lifts many of his songs, esp the instrumentals, to new levels. That was Black Napkins on Halloween night at the Paladium.

[@grindstone25]

@@orlandopockets6372 just because something is played fast doesn't mean it doesn't have any feeling behind it.

[@SkwisgaarScampini]

Define “aimless” shredding

[@weeooh1]

@@SkwisgaarScampini aimless shredding usually involves showing off speed and trying to hit as many notes as possible with the aim of impressing others with ones 'nimble fingers' at the expense of musicality and what best complements the song. We can call them 'stunt guitarists'.

[@SkwisgaarScampini]

@@weeooh1 The reason I ask is that some fail to see the difference in “mindless shredding” as you call it, and extremely high level playing….can you give me a few examples of what you would consider mindless shredding?

[@weeooh1]

@@SkwisgaarScampini this type of shredding. The type thats played for its own sake rather than contributing to the musicality of a song: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWisYqageMl1las

[@anouman9883]

That song was actually released: it's called "What's New in Baltimore?". Amazing song; check it out here on KZbin.

[@A_J_2000]

What a legend thx 💖

[@marcelomag5174]

Two guitar masters,!

[@raboratory]

I'm pretty sure he's talking about that particular session, as 'What's new in Baltimore" was already a classic during this interview.. However.., that sound check of zoot allures, is probably the white whale.. But this maybe comes close?

[@sagasitches6730]

thanks! does vai know it was released?

[@sagasitches6730]

terry bozzio was in his own world

[@stephensylvester1398]

The Black Napkins solo from the Palladium concert never fails to bring tears to my eyes. He is so in love with his playing, and it has an emotional power that takes your breath away. I wish I could do something that I love so much like frank did. God I miss him.

[@jonasdamion1627]

Stephen Sylvester my thoughts exactly. I well up at the points where the passion erupts out his hand .. like the human spirit expressed through notes. it's the same feeling I get from Jimi hendrix

[@extremereclusefallows5779]

Zappa just loved music. Nobody was going to put him in a box. He played rock, jazz, classical, funk and anything that came to mind. He was always creating and learning. He always chose the best musicians and most of them became famous as a result of this huge collaboration with Frank. His music required precision and a whole lot of creativity. Performing out of the box.

[@surfdigby]

The Baby Snakes version? I love it. That was the piece that hooked me and made me realise that I was going to be a Zappa fan for life.

[@dopeylsd25]

@@surfdigby He did a series of Halloween shows at the Palladium in NYC. Check out Black Napkins Halloween, Palladium

[@dopeylsd25]

@@surfdigby kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYa8ZGt8eb5ma9E

[@beekay5914]

Adrian Belew and Zappa together-that's a lot of virtuosity, and Terry Bozzio drumming with joy and abandon-wow.

[@theresa42213]

Yea, with Tommy on keyboards, and Scott on bass, and Ed Mann on percussion. l wonder what year that was? lt had to be after 1977, because that's when Tommy joined the band. :D

[@fuganetti]

In the Zoot Allrues solo in this video I believe that is Patrick O'hearn on bass.

[@theresa42213]

fuganetti Patrick was incredible!! l recon that some people think he was almost as great as Jaco. Frank sure know how to pick em!

[@fuganetti]

Couldn't agree more!

[@scottricklaroque7428]

No doubt, I am a HUGE Crimson fan as well, I bought 2 copies of Discipline in Vinyl because I knew I would wear 1 out and I wanted to have one in case they stopped making them, because there was strange, alien talk of these tiny discs that would hold whole albums on 1 side. My dad was a Corp of Engineers Electrician and said it was going to happen and he was never wrong so... I never heard anything about lasers and digital recording though. But I should have figured, lol

[@SonicDykstra]

That little tune that Vai dishes up in three segments (all from Zappa) is really something. Futuristic and nostalgic all at once. Definitely a genius.

[@DCReal93]

So its not like anything in particular? That's even cooler thats its just like a riff he had in the holster and taught Steve

[@vladoxbit]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmXYiGirn6yIr80

[@machineresolve485]

@@DCReal93 The lick became a part of "what's new in Baltimore" if you want to hear it in context.

[@DCReal93]

@@machineresolve485 I have now heard it and this video made it just slightly more magical. Something about how Steve plays it though I don't know man just hits

[@starmorpheus]

@@DCReal93The official track sounds like the intro to a kids show. The way Steven plays it makes it sound like the sun is going down at noon and all you can feel is impending doom. He definitely made it more mystical with his playing. Loved it.

[@cdrpaige9486]

I have been a Vai fan for 30 years but never checked out Zappa till recently. I can now clearly hear the influence on Vai. Zappa's personna overshadowed the music; you have to know music to fully appreciate Zappa.

[@justdev8965]

Music isn't known. It's felt!

[@diamondmidnightgardener]

You can hear the influence Frank had not only on Steve's guitar playing but also on his song writing.... two of the best people to have graced Earth

[@superdave2112]

Steve Vai is a first class act, and Frank Zappa - just like he said: Genius.

[@kennethward4985]

Even in Steve Vai's newest music, the influence of Zappa never leaves him.

[@theallseeingmaster]

Being a veteran of many rock and roll concert performances, both as an audience member and a stagehand, by a plethora of the best artists of my era, I can confidently say that I have seen many outstanding inspired performances but the most mesmerizing compelling thought provoking concert I have ever attended was Frank Zappa around 1973; I walked out of the hall stunned by the performance I had the great fortune to have to have attended. My ticket money was very well spent that night.

[@stevenschoen398]

+theallseeingmaster Yeah, and I bet you payed like 7 dollars for it. In 73 no rock shows were over $10. In 1977 I saw Pink Floyd on the animals tour in Boston Garden for $7.50. Sorry Off topic, but you know what I mean?

[@theallseeingmaster]

+Steven Schoen Yes, I indeed know exactly what you mean. I think I paid less than $10 American to see Pink Floyd at Ivor Wynne Stadium when they were promoting Wish You Were Here (1974 or 75 I think). Great show. My buddy and I were hit by one of the rockets they launched (the fucking thing chased us) at the end of the show (a little off course I would say) and his pants caught on fire. One of my many great memories of my well spent misspent youth.

[@4to88strings]

+theallseeingmaster ticket money?? What was it, like 5 bucks?!

[@4to88strings]

+theallseeingmaster ticket money?? What was it, like 5 bucks?!

[@theallseeingmaster]

I think it was about seven bucks but seven bucks was top dollar then. In real terms, the cost was about two and a half to three hours labor after taxes; I was quite young.

[@UselessShyte]

I have to admit.....after hearing those guitar parts one by one I had a sense of what the song might sound like in my head.....and what it became was TOTALLY different......that was the beauty of Zappa......take a beautiful piece of music and throw a wrench in it and make it ZAPPA beautiful........I never stop being amazed.

[@calebbohrer3757]

Those were different songs. The one Vai played is called What’s New In Baltimore and the live take is a song called Black Napkins

[@furiousinsects6386]

Glory to the Guitar God Zappa ☺️🥰💜

[@MetalGuru965]

Black Napkins (the song Zappa was playing in the video) is by far his best song, especially because it is .equally applicable to both rock and jazz. It's unfortunate that he is remembered mostly for the satirical music that got all the airplay. His music was so much more than that.

[@cooliestguy45]

There was Fappa (funny zappa), Rappa (rock zappa) and Jappa (jazzappa)

[@samizdat7258]

@@cooliestguy45 And Cappa (classic Zappa)

[@wider7998]

@@samizdat7258 pappa (pop)

[@marckroll9544]

Agreed, ‘Black Napkins’ is a great song.

[@e7thstar]

I'm sorry. He made those shitty satirical songs. He only has himself to blame....and he sucks at the guitar. Vai was being nice. He also thought he was a great guitarist BEFORE Joe satriani thought him to play the guitar well....then he realized zappa sucks ass

[@copykon]

I had no idea, Frank was a mad genius. That riff Vai, played, so inspiring.

[@Heink2tube]

Steve says: " Frank....just...plays the guitar like I never seen everybody in my life" True story bro!!

[@misterb4307]

That's a pretty good endorsement from a cat that plays like nobody else either.

[@SuperDiddzz]

Steve Vai is mostly alien on guitar so i make you right.Pretty sure Frank was not of this world either.

[@jean-lucbersou758]

+M BondPerhaps he means that Frank played as a superior rare talented Musician far above majority of non musicians guitar players ! ....including sterile vituosos !

[@vickamhazi]

Heink2tube does anyone know what version of what song is the one that plays right after that? :)

[@notsoaveragejoe93]

sounds like Black Napkins

[@aintgonnahappen]

Unbelievable. I'm a bit ashamed that I have JUST started listening to this amazing man. Wonderful stuff.

[@tampawakos]

From one Zappa Freak to a new Zappa fan: listen to "You are what you is" album entirely but read lyrics as you go. when you get to the song "Dumb All Over" sit up and pay close attention!

[@aintgonnahappen]

John K Thanks! I'll listen tonight.

[@garveypollard4070]

if you want some great live zappa, i recommend listening to Anyway the Wind Blows his show from 78 at the hippodrome in paris. My personal favorite live album.

[@aintgonnahappen]

Garvey Pollard Thank you! Will do. I cant get enough of his music and just his personality/genius.

[@garveypollard4070]

highlights of the album (imo) are city of tiny lites, keep it greasey, why does it hurt when i pee, cosmic debris, inca roads, andy, wet t shirt night, dead girls of london..but they are all great.

[@ziggyzappada4554]

Steve Vai... a genius, taught by a genius!!

[@Joepepelombardo]

Keith Hall Very true

[@mrmapegothe13th]

Keith Hall True indeed. Would you look at that, three Zappas in one comment.

[@ziggyzappada4554]

M. Goetz Cool huh!

[@Joepepelombardo]

Keith Hall Yeah it is i remember u now Keith remember im old lol we got to get a live chat in someday arf!! zffz,

[@BruZ998]

Keith Hall Yeah! Satriani is very good indeed

[@sinistrality7883]

0:51 is one of the most beautiful chord progressions I've heard in a long while.

[@justsomejusstsome8994]

Thin Air by the band Anathema has the same chord progression, you'll like it. Very beautiful as well.

[@AaronKaiMCDNLD]

0:51 that is one beautiful chord progression, wow that is amazing.

[@5jerry1]

~ Everybody's giving all these kudos to FZ for his solo here, as they should, but the band itself was firing on all cylinders that night as well. They helped push this solo to the height it reached.

[@jeremiahwilson1781]

i once read an interview (forgot which mag) where this musician said he once saw hendrix, bloomfield, and johnny winter i believe play and zappa came on last. imitated thier whole style exactly and then played his own stuff. i forget the exact interview. it was long ago. Zappa is by far the most original musician i have ever heard. nothing sounds like zappas music his music sounds like no other. not before him, not during his career, and certainly not now. Every "rock" musician i have ever heard has bits and pieces of something else in there, however subtle. except for Frank.

[@rastali]

That was Alice Cooper. here is what he said: "I was in a place called The Experience one night in '68 or '69. Mike Bloomfield was in there, Jimi Hendrix was in there, Elvin Bishop. The premier guitar players all playing, all taking a solo . . . then Frank gets up and does an imitation of everyone there-Mike, Jimi, the whole-and then plays his own stuff. You should've seen the look on Hendrix's face! He blew everybody away. People were just atounded by the guy's virtuosity.... He was truly one of a kind. There's nobody else out there trying to even be Frank because he's too hard to imitate. We could use a Frank right now."

[@ChuckSpade]

"Zappa is by far the most original musician i have ever heard. nothing sounds like zappas music his music sounds like no other. not before him, not during his career, and certainly not now. Every "rock" musician i have ever heard has bits and pieces of something else in there, however subtle. except for Frank"... I agree 100%

[@hickorymccay2994]

@@ChuckSpade Well, there are a lot of pieces of other stuff if you know where to look. Everything from Stravinsky to Beach Boys to Black Sabbath.

[@EnhancedLavaLamp]

@@hickorymccay2994 that’s true and on Freak Out there’s a list of his influences. and you can hear interviews of him talking about his favorite blues guitarists like Guitar Slim for one. No one exists in a musical vacuum

[@Noitisnt-ns7mo]

Legend, yeah, I heard that as well. Cool story.

George Duke stated in one of his interviews, that most people didn't realize what a great guitar player Frank Zapa was.

[@raboratory]

Yeah, same docu, I had it online for a little while, but there were so many people dissing & hating on George Duke that I took it off.. Still don't understand why.. But.. I re-upped it, for your mr William Mitchell, enjoy. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3-VmHqQmLOfd5o

[@dudeman5303]

@@raboratory wait whaaaat?? what is there to not like about George duke??

[@progressiverockvocal]

What a wonderful treat that Frank existed and we got to hear and see him..... and he did this all in a time where this experimental craftsmanship was celebrated. His music is not easily categorized.. Is it Prog? well yeah. Is it Fusion Jazz... well yeah, is it Rock and Roll... Well yeah...you will find Blues, Country, Reggie, Classical all there and in each case Franks twist on the arrangements were all his own... He surrounded himself with some of the greatest talents and for me as a Prog fan... I could sit and watch old recordings of Frank and crew until I lost all track of time and blew the whole day enjoying these memories.. Like many of us musicians who have a desire to try and figure out as much of these fun passages that captured our attention...... Franks stuff is a blast beyond measure to try and work through. Most of us can only dream of creating anything like this and of performing these wild displays with musicians of this caliber. Salute Frank...! What a legacy you left.. And Dweezil is doing you proud...! I caught one of his shows. It was not quit nearly e the same... but how could it ever be? It was an awe inspiring blast to see.

[@charliedee9276]

I first heard Frank at the tender age of 12 in 1975. I was instantly hooked when I heard my friends older brother play his recently purchased One Size Fits All album. I could not believe what I was hearing. Then came Apostrophe, but when I heard Sheik Yerbouti my world changed! I got to see him in 1980, the best show I have ever seen. The man was a musical genius and extremely intelligent, not to mention one of the if not the greatest guitarists that ever played.

[@antoninhodacuica]

One size fits all, best album of zappa recorded in studio

[@jstoli996c4s]

Oh yeah, Sheik Yerbouti blew my mind as a kid 🤯

[@hoobymarburg167]

What an outstanding man, musicians, composer, guitarist, bandleader, entrepreneur, music studio fanatics and politically cultural worker. A genius that has just been socialized more with modern classical composers such as Edgar(d) Victor Achille Charles Varèse, instead of classic rock blues roots, even though he knew them all exactly. Frank Zappa was a talent of the century!!! We miss him dearly !!!!

[@KhalDrogo76]

What I love about Frank is his compositional style is so unique I've yet to hear anyone who writes like he did, and it wasn't always extremely technical ...he could write pure simple melodic beauty as well as odd time modal polyrythms. He is greatly missed

[@michaelobrien5910]

Unbelievable talent. I love Bozzio (?) and Zappa working together. Bozzio is taking his drum fill timings from Zappa's lead. Even though Zappa is improvising, they have a familiarity with each other such that Zappa may be improvising on melody with a familiar syncopation or vice versa. When Zappa dwells on a familiar syncopation, Bozzio is right there in sync. Bonzo and Page had a similar thing going where the drummer follows the lead guitar and not the rhythm. Zappa - what an unbelievable talent. When Steve Vai needs to work hard to keep up, you know he's some kind of brilliant.

[@phatbeachdaddy2346]

Mitchell / Hendrix

[@johnstoll4474]

Bozzio is a perfectly timed monster here! His pop stuff with Missing Persons is great as well!

[@widetrackerinkazoo6559]

Black Napkins is.....the most fantastic and moving prelude one could even image for leading into the song The Torture Never Stops. IMHO!

[@RemcoLamberts]

I have seen this documentary in full. I must admit I like it better than the 2021 doc, as it explores the men's music more. This section is a crucial one and Vai explains his genius spot on. The solo he refers to, song Black Napkins, is epic and can be found on KZbin (it is from a Zappa movie). The full Halloween concerts from that year have been released fairly recently.

[@SirPhilMcCrackinVonBeggington]

Interesting. You can totally hear the influence Zappa's music had on Vai.

[@kurtisle]

Watch "Steve's Spanking" on KZbin.

[@ermonski]

Vai is our generation's Zappa

[@COTG666]

Frank Zappa was a true genius. It's great to see his son carry on the music his father created. There could be no greater tribute.

[@garyfriedrick9941]

Steve Vai, one of the greatest musical talents of this or any time. But also a loyal friend to, colleague and disciple of Maestro Frank Zappa. This great guitarist will not allow people who do not possess his abilities to appreciate the greatest musical force we have been blessed to have with us for too short a period of time, to be unenlightened. Thank you, Steve Vai.

[@andyginterblues2961]

That shot of Frank standing on the streetcorner in Manhattan trying to hail a cab- must have been in the mid '70's- sure brings back memories for me! I saw him play at the Fillmore East, in '72 or '73, with the entire band, there were around 20 people on stage with him. Classic performance.

[@Mrbeahz1]

The Fillmore East closed in June 1971. I lived a block away. We're older than we think!

[@edwhitham8909]

R.I.P the greatest guitarist in the short history of man.Frank thank you from all of us still on Earth.

[@frankystrings]

:47 This nigga Frank wrote a piece of music, forgot about it, got reminded of it, and had another part ready for him

[@JohnDoe-tu7ho]

I'll be honest, I've never been fond of Franks guitar playing, with all the tempo changes and bizarre note structures. I'm not saying he's not talented or anything, just not what I prefer. BUT I've got to say that the last guitar work he did on this video blew me away! Unbelievably AWESOME. Absolutely one of the best I've ever seen. Is there anything like this guitar work on any of his studio albums?

[@JohnDoe-tu7ho]

Muchas Gracias the creepingmess!

[@Bigbrotherthunder]

John Doe Muffin Man

[@Klingenfus]

Hot Rats. Get it.

[@pootman784]

shut up and play yer guitar, the whole album

[@Noitisnt-ns7mo]

I'm with you on that. I always liked "Apostrophe" and that type of stuff as opposed to the Jazz-Fusion, Jeff Beck type, But respects to 'all that'.

[@jeannehurdel312]

I'm 67 and have been listening to Zappa since I was 15 years old . A genius!

[@bobabooey7088]

You for listening and Frank for doing

[@matstango]

He´s not a guitar player. He´s a genius and far beyond ...

[@NickGeraldPeterson]

I am reminded of this every-time he is interviewed. He is a role model that is the perfect example of how to be successful on the terms that you can learn from and live with as well. As important and interesting as any of the cautionary tales in Rock

[@raboratory]

The links to the full documentary are in the description. Enjoy!

[@raboratory]

Cheers!

[@mattman8541]

raboratory

[@dunningkruger3774]

Today I listened to Jean Luc Ponty, then George Duke, then Steve Vai, then Adrian Belew, then Jack Bruce, then Ravi Shankar, then Chad Wackerman, then Allan Holdsworth....because he was Frank's favorite guitarist. All those others? All went solo and had brilliant careers after playing with Frank. Alice Cooper owes his career to Frank. As do many others. Thanks for the ride Frank-

[@SalsaBlancaCuba]

I love Frank, even played with him once in 1978. This is definitely him channeling John Mclaughlin and going beyond!

[@magprob]

I was lucky enough to see Frank in San Diego. It changed my perception of music, and of what a true genius really is. Watching this gives me those same old goose bumps.

[@whimsy897]

When one of the greatest guitar players of all time says "he played the guitar like I've never seen before in my entire life." Like dang man!

[@rucasolo5021]

That just made me cry bucketlloads of tears. Bless you Frank.....love you.

[@kurtisle]

Yeah. I get emotional when I hear Frank really playing. We lost a genius.

[@michaelledford4751]

Just imagine how much more fantastic Franks guitar playing would have been if he was " just " a guitar player ,then spent the millions of hours he spent composing & arranging on sharpening his guitar skills ,its a frightening thing to ponder because we see him at his absolute apex of playing here .

[@myroc1]

From an amateur's standpoint, nothing compares to the feeling of finding someone you can just pick up and play cool music with, but it must be even rarer or at least more cherished on this level.

[@dancooperfication]

Frank LIVES. What an eternal Badass.

[@rman52]

Some of the most amazing concerts I ever went to were Frank's. And something about his guitar playing always reached me like no one else. And I can only imagine what his social commentary would be if he was still with us. Lost way too soon.

[@Eddieguitarloebs]

Frank Zappa was so good he draws tears out of me! Just a total massive genus unparalleled by no other!

[@NicknLex]

Frank Zappa and Allan Holdsworth were not from this earth. They're greatly missed. Lets all hope they return.

[@Bridging_the_Political_Divide]

Both on a higher plane. Both Vai and EVH have said repeatedly that Holdsworth is the best they've ever seen. Vai says of Holdsworth, "He doing things that haven't even been invented yet". Two legends who took the music to higher places for sure.

[@Bix12]

But this isn't the solo Steve was talking about. He was talking about the one he played during the sound check. I'd LOVE to hear that!

[@gerryk3114]

William L. Frank most likely recorded it !! He recorded everything !! I own Every commercially released Zappa album !! Because he stopped releasing his albums on Vinyl, I was forced to buy a CD player !! It's his fault I had to go to CD's !!

[@zappon82]

It is the same song.just The part that come after. Check for "what's new in Baltimore" you welcome.

[@namesurname7172]

@@gerryk3114 Talking as if CD's are the bane of humanity. Okay, elitist.

[@ishaboy5090]

@@gerryk3114 I love how you end every sentence on a space and two !'s

[@Bigbrotherthunder]

Gerry K while not as cool as vinyl CDs are cheap and still pretty cool

[@danjacobs8545]

That black napkins solo is seriously godlike and for someone like Steve to be shocked at its godliness is quite something. You watch that solo and you just want to be there. Its spiritual and yet looks so effortless to the great man.

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

It's strange because Vai is talking about a Zoot Allures solo in sound check from the Halloween Palladium 81 show and they show a Black Napkins solo from a Palladium Show in 77 when Vai hadn't joined the band yet. Probably because they didn't film the 81 soundcheck.

[@spooge33]

The ending solo is not what Steve is talking about. But Frank recorded everything, even soundcheck. So it's definitely in the, former, vault. Ahmet, being in control of his father's music, probably sold it with the rest of Frank's catalog. The piece of shit that he is.

[@abrarjahinnafi1634]

Steve wasn’t talking about this one. Durning this timeline, Zappa had Adrian Belew play for him, not Vai.

[@scrambledegg81]

For anyone that hasn't seen this documentary, find it, watch it, love it. This was such a perfect ending that it left me in tears the first, second, third...etc. times I've watched it.

[@raboratory]

I upped it.. It's in the description. Full HD, better sound.

[@raboratory]

About 14 years ago.. But I check it regularly, & if it's not I re-up it..

[@beekay5914]

What a lovely melody. Nice to know that these guitar virtuosos are good for more than just speed. Steve Stephens is another virtuoso who writes melodies of great beauty.

[@korndogz69]

You know ... I've avoided listening to Frank Zappa because every song anyone's ever spoken of to me sounded like some joke song about really weird topics. So, I never paid attention. Now that I've seen and heard this, I'm thinking, "WTF have I been missing all these years!?" ... I'm a guitarist too, so now I'm going to have to listen to his work.

[@kurtisle]

Haplo Teromaximus I recommend "Shut Up and Play Yer Guitar" and "Shut Up and Play Yer Guitar Again"

[@Flantomas]

Thats because the songs that got to be popular on mainstream media were the "funny" ones, like titties and beer, or dont eat the yellow snow. No one would play a 15min instrumental on a popular radio.

[@polishprincess8469]

Welcome! Hold on and enjoy the fuck out of his sensational guitar playing and music 🎶

[@jimlamanna9712]

Haplo Teromaximus check out Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush too

[@jkorshak]

I was at a Zappa show in 1981 and during an instrumental stretch the band went into that "What's New in Baltimore" motif Stevie is talking about - we didn't know what it was called then - and my mouth just fell open. It was some kind of amazing. Also, at the start of the show when Frank was saying hi and welcome he mentioned that he felt like "dogshit tonite - so if I have to run off stage, you'll know why!" He and his band proceeded to deliver a motherfucker of a show - best I'd ever seen him or his band, or any other band for that matter, play.

[@TheCyndicate.]

*That is called being in the conduit. If you ever get to be on stage in front of many people, and you get in that conduit, you will understand how crazy it is. It's like God takes control of you and just forces everyone around you to understand you in some ultimate display of emotion. It's an amazing thing.*

[@nickdavis965]

I play the cello, super passionate about music. Getting into that state is pure ecstacy. Nothing compares to the feeling where the music hqs taken your soul and you go from a person playing music to the vessel in which the music comes from.

[@gminor6288]

Aka Flow State

[@rafasounds-qi5rm]

You can also try to understand them, and project the frequency to them, so that they can return that frequency, like a cosmic tennis court.

[@DoctorSess]

Yes… this is when we become an instrument in something else’s hands

[@BealeEstate]

It's such an incredible place to be in when it happens. Things happen by magic. There is no disconnect, no delay between mind and fingers. The worst is when you accidentally wake up and become hyper-aware while in that state.

[@throwaway692]

So glad to hear Steve say that about Frank. I always thought Frank was terribly underrated as a guitarist. I always wanted to see Frank and Hendrix play together.

[@futatorius]

My fantasy was a FZ/Prince collaboration.

[@SimonBishop779]

Holy shit, this is amazing. I'd never heard Frank Zappa before!

[@SimonBishop779]

***** You may! Thanks very much!

[@rickyjohnson1976]

Simon Bishop definitely listen to apostrophe. It's just as catchy as it is weird. Frank's music can be tough to get into if you start on the really weird side of things.

[@andyrix54]

+Simon Bishop bongo fury

[@badblood100575]

+Simon Bishop Shut Up And Play Your Guitar has a lot of material similar to this video.

[@HenryPerez_royal_hp]

+Simon Bishop May i recommend you start off with "outside now". You'll thank me later.

[@amanuensis9873]

Probably the most underrated guitarist of all time.

[@samsonwilkinson8090]

You underrate him? No-one else does.

[@Noitisnt-ns7mo]

@@samsonwilkinson8090 Some people pick fights when they get tired of picking their noses.

[@willbarrow8271]

"Underrated" is an Overrated expression that is myopic. What it really means is "I like this or that person's music and have a need to hype that fact, but my vocabulary isn't up to snuff, So I Say they're. probably the most "underrated of all time". It "Sounds Ok but annoys peeps Who Say "wait a minute, this person(the underrated) is well known and unique, creative and Successful, "Why's anyone referring to an internationally Recognised musical genius as "Underrated!?" Because it's an "easy catch phrase! Requiring little to use, overuse and abuse!

[@happyguyx1]

zappa was a great composer

[@davidjackson8905]

He definitely went places few dared to tread. I love his music just as I admire the man and his memory. We miss you, Frank.

[@mrslreed]

This performance of Frank playing Black Napkins is absolutely out of this world! Greatest guitar performance ever. Makes the hairs on my neck stand up like nothing else. Would have loved to see this live.

[@Bill_Woo]

v=4zLjejnuLM4 will do you no harm Agreed. Greatest ever. Exceeding Jimi at Woodstock.

[@longlost8424]

no musician would ever question Frank's talent. praise from Steve holds merit....

[@leandrocarbonell1202]

Steve is such a warm soul. What a nice guy. Thanks for loading this up.

[@petergrohmuller1372]

I have experienced hundreds of concerts in almost 50 years. From big events like Price & the Revolution in Frankfurt to small local festivals. The most impressive so far was Frankl Zappa in 1979 in Eppelheim. It probably will never be topped. R. I. P. Frank.

[@KOLDBLU3ST33L]

Thanks Steve for sharing these cool memories. The reasons are obvious why Frank chose you: Mad talent, and very cool 😎 🤘

[@solarwind1985]

Maybe the most original composer and musician we ever heard on the planet. A creative genius!!

[@JFROXY]

Fuckin' AWESOME! The best guitarist ever...by a country mile. To quote someone..."if you didn't get Frank...you weren't supposed to"

[@MakMuk]

+John F If you are not a fan then there is something wrong with you? Wishful thinking. Reality is that Zappa was a crappy song writer and he performed all his songs and little else. The songs are a hodge podge of jazz fusion, blues rock and progressive rock interrupted by childish banter and intentional weirdness.

[@kimrunic5874]

+Mak Muk 'he performed all his songs and little else.' wtf - the artist writes and records material which he then performs live, do you get the idea? Like for instance, The Beatles, The Stones, The Beach Boys, Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, The Sex Pistols, U2, etc. etc. you sir, are a prize asshole - Zappa was one of the most gifted musicians in any style of the last 100 years. I saw the full staging of 200 Motels last year and it was a triumph.

[@samy.5295]

I love Zappa---but it's silly to say that as a performer he was in the same league as Hendrix and Clapton. (He was playing very different music, of course, so maybe my comparing them is even sillier.) I rate him way higher as a composer: of rock, jazz and classical. And I must admit, with a bit of embarrassment, that I consider "Stinkfoot" his greatest solo.

[@polishprincess8469]

I like that quote! Think I'll use it at the appropriate times in the future'

[@dholliday7700]

The sheer talent on that stage is incredible. Was lucky enough to see them twice - 76 and 78 I think. Bit hazy on the years, but the memories of his blissful solos are crystal clear.

[@aksimtaioreunin5385]

We millenials will never experience something like this

[@octofish]

"What's new in Baltimore?" from the "Mothers of Prevention" album. Classic.

[@anAeijingBuffoon]

That solo is etched into my amygdala and gives me goosebumps; a song written for the voice of the electric guitar.

[@Tommyr]

Man I miss that guy a LOT.

[@blackstonedaze8983]

im not the biggest fan of Vai's music (stylistically I'm drawn to different things) but I've been watching videos of him for weeks now for some reason and I really dig him as a person. He's so intelligent and spiritually enlightened. I think it would be cool to know him. And I'm liking his music more because of how he is as a person too.

[@hysteriastyle]

Actually, he was one of the greatest composers and multi-instrumental of all times. The ways he killed that guitar was so smooth If you listen him enough. I know he got a lot of crazy stuff but have to admit lot of masterpiece though. He didn't get enough credits or applaud as he should deserves, most creative lyricists and virtuoso guitar players himself and lots. For me, he was a musical genius and he was in his own league.

[@omrijoker]

5:15 damn it frank! this is what happens when a man with more imagination and balls then entire countries also gains a lot of confidence and skill. you get an extremely remarkable artist whose like none other. R.I.P Frank Zappa

[@rocklover5628]

maravilloso y hermoso, quedé encantada, Frank siermpre en mi ❤, saludos de Chile

[@elnimrod]

Frank Zappa la lleva, un genio!

[@ahz1993]

I think when he says "that was never released though" (it's in the vault) He means, the actual recording of him and Frank jamming out on that riff.. in its early stages. What's New In Baltimore will always be one of my favorite Zappa songs. I would love to hear this og recording..

[@777fiddlekrazy]

The three pieced song never released or finished? Damn! Beautiful! and Franks Guitar work so underrated. You can here a LOT of Frankie influence in Steve's Music. R.I.P Frankie Z!!!

[@777fiddlekrazy]

Frank was Courageous, Sarcastic, Humorous and Brilliant and heard Orchestrations in his head...ALL THE Time! and uhhh mixed in an Occasional Smarm and Burp! Haha! Missed Genius!

[@patrikeriksson726]

It was released on Frank Zappa meets the mothers of prevention

[@robertbishop5357]

I never saw him live. I saw Dweezil does Zappa and he plays just like his father. Incredible, amazing.

[@Gnathorn]

3:19 --> OMG that solo is so fucking good! EDIT: Oh nevermind, Steve said pretty much the same thing just a moment before me at 3:02

[@stewartnicol3028]

Frank had the unique ability to take musicians and use them. He usually brought performances out of them that they never knew they had! Genius

[@swamisMotelBand1]

raboratory thank you for this . i am observing Zappadan and posting themasters songs and cips @ Frank for the full 21 days . Steve Vai did Frank right . and frank spanked him .(stevie's spanking LOL ) Peace

[@raboratory]

+jim gardam - you're welcome.. & love what you did to one of my other heroes Gurdjieff.. ^^

[@swamisMotelBand1]

rabotatory I was in a gurdjieff group after i left college . my kid was born there .he plays bass for MGMT .All and Everyrthing and meetings with Remarkable Men had a lasting positive effect on me .peace

[@raboratory]

Love MGMT..!! So Matt Asti is your son? That's awesome..ツ Yea I pretty much read everything there is to read about & from him; I share a similar train of thought & feel, plus I see the source of it all as clear as day. My ear was closed when I was very young, so I can withstand the pressure of the larger things I see & handle a little easier.. Take care

[@swamisMotelBand1]

rab , i try to not drop his name like it washot . he is not cool with that . please email me @ [e-mail] . yes that my band Swamis Motel Band with mike clark on drums . soundclick.com/swamismotel Matt has turned out to be a good bass player and his own man .

[@raboratory]

right, sry 'bout that.. I'm also sorry to say I never heard of Swami's.., but thank you for introducing me! Love it. I'll have a proper listen asap. I added you on FB instead, if that's alright with you (marc - amsterdam). cheers

[@57stratkat]

I'm old enough and lucky enough to have seen Zappa four or possibly (?) five times - hard to remember at this point. EVERY time I saw him play with his band, it was heads and shoulders above what anyone else was doing. I always walked away knowing I had witnessed a true genius in the act of creation.

[@mich897]

I don'y think any version of Black Napkins can surpass the version on Zoot Allures. Frank's guitar tone is huge and the runs he does are mind-blowing. That said, 4:00 - 4:15 in this version is masterful.

[@ChruthFabian]

This clip satisfying in a way that words can't touch. Steve's love and respect for zappa brings a tear to my dumb eye

[@MegaCarmine12]

what else can I say but.....I was at this show...........yes a killer for all to see...

[@trumpsucks3624]

THE BEST GUITAR SOLO IMPROVISER EVER !!! NO ONE COMES CLOSE. FRANK I MISS YOUR CONCERTS. NEVER THE SAME SHOW ALWAYS DIFFERENT. I SAW EVERY SHOW IN CHICAGO FROM 77 THRU YOUR LAST IN 1988. YOU ARE A LEDGEND. YOU PLAYED LIVE WITHOUT A NET EVERY TIME.

[@joesimon2018]

I sometimes wonder what Django Reinhart would have thought of this guitar playing.

[@jlrinc1420]

I know that the great joe pass hated the playing of hendrix

[@beatschnyder3091]

of course, he would have!

[@IgnatiusChinaski]

fuck joe pass, he"s not even a blip on the radar screen compared to hendrix. joe pass embarrasses himself by minimizing jimi's playing. what a joke.

[@julienkropf9350]

Justin Green They both play very differently. Can't really be compared tbh

[@citizenshane9919]

he would have been all up in that shiz

[@brendanpius930]

Frank has it all over you stevieviey. He is who you are. ALWAYS remember. You sound like FRANK ZAPPA. THE MAN. NO DOUBT. HE WAS AND IS THE MAN.