Frank Zappa - Florentine Pogen

[@eis904]

Just fucking unbelievable, this lineup.

[@goodwintrent2989]

This was, and will forever be my Dream Band - All six absolute Monster musicians, playing such unique and beautiful music, and having a lot of fun in the bargain. For me, it doesn't get any better than this!

[@nidog]

RUTH! God bless her

[@ozanareyiz7773]

Seven.

[@notpsicoh2107]

@@ozanareyiz7773 who's the seventh?

[@jamestcallahanphotographer]

I agree…his best band and compositions, IMO.

[@MultiverseAndy]

The Tubes and Little Feat are equals I think

[@fka.climate]

Jesus, Zappa ran that band like a goddamn rolex. Remarkably professional.

[@zolarczakl3880]

And not one of those incredibly inexpensive and deal of a lifetime $40 Rolex watches you can buy in Times Square...

[@mustardtigerbaaaaaam]

Professional yet fun as fuck

[@andy148]

6 days a week, 8 hours a day. That's what I saw him say in an interview once. Though I also heard 5 days a week 6 hours a day. Still what band practices like that

[@fka.climate]

@@andy148 Takes full-time-job-level dedication to sound that silly and brilliant, then.

[@MatUlysses]

Brilliant comment

[@Cannibalization]

Napoleon Murphy Brock has not only the greatest name I've ever heard, but he's an amazing performer.

[@louisbotsford4654]

killing it

[@markobarrows4304]

One of the most gifted singers ever. and that voice!

[@markobarrows4304]

Yes

[@Craig-dv3ji]

+Cannibalization Brock was a joyous front man. His job was to make the audience smile and laugh. He makes me happy when I see him live.

[@paulleman1915]

Wouah Napoléon Murphy Brock is great

[@bigmattyp]

I think one of Frank's greatest skills was being able to find himself with some of the best musicians around. Everyone is on fire on this!

[@markobarrows4304]

Yes.

[@Yusef22179]

Absolutely. The mark of a truly great composer.

[@Frankincensedjb123]

He knew what he wanted and man the final product was amazing

[@terryfinn8097]

That wasn't by accident Frank always did long stays near the conservatories to what would wander in

[@andre.79]

Definitely 👌🏻

[@animalgeo]

Chester Thompson drumming are identcal of the album version. Amazing drummer

[@jasonleaf4111]

About Frank's '74 band, Ruthie said it best, when she said: "We could play anything!"

[@Gurci28]

8:02

[@ysf-psfx]

George Duke said that as well!

[@Frankincensedjb123]

This is probably my favorite collection of crazies Zappa employed. Yes, including Chester's gorilla.

[@peters7025]

I always love the look of pure joy on Ruths face when she is playing

[@DylanWhite-k5j]

The gong was definitely enjoying itself too!.

[@quogir1]

Ruth Underwood is simply beautiful

[@jpcodnia9133]

A little bit hippie but pretty

[@howard5992]

and having the time of her life here !

[@Yusef22179]

So pretty, and classically talented.

[@franciscojavierruiz7219]

I do love her!!!!

[@gavindavis1340]

I was lucky enough to have dated Ruth at high school. Beautiful soul ❤

[@jwnyc3]

Once upon a time . . there was music

[@rleary1]

My alltime favorite Zappa album has always been "one size fits all" which this song is on. That whole album is just so perfect and diverse. I read some years ago when asked what was his best/favorite album he ever made Zappa replied "one size fits all" That was so righteous! I really miss Zappa. He was a great American much in the same vain as imported John Lennon. Very cool people.

[@baregrills5621]

Aye but he stole the riff for king kong So lennon and yoko can go fuck themselves in my opinion. Just had to say man sorry

[@oscarbrittingham-detxemend396]

@@baregrills5621 he stole the whole song and called it jam rag or something. total toolbag move

[@andy148]

I agree but I think Overnight Sensation and Roxy and Elsewhere are as good. I can't choose between them and also I listened to One Size Fits All too much in my early 20's and spoiled it a bit. Still top 3

[@rleary1]

@@andy148 Agreed and Overnight Sensation was top 3 too. Roxy and Elsewhere was amazingly perfect for being a live recording with a few after dubs in studio!

[@rleary1]

@Dirk Britten I just checked my U.S. copies (One Size Fits All) and 'Florentine Pogen' is song no. 5 on CD or first track (B side) of vinyl LP right before 'Evelyn, a Modified Dog'. Roxy and Elsewhere doesn't have this song. Yes, it is indeed a great song!

[@xtheunknown4662]

They were having some fun. Awesome band.

[@kvrga]

I just can't believe that this was recorded in 1974. The sound quality is awesome. Not to mention the music which is sublime...

[@johnsmith1474]

Sound isn't new technology.

[@CliffordNovey]

Napoleon Murphy Brock performed this with the Stinkfoot Orchestra 2 nights ago in Joshua Tree, CA. Still having fun and effortlessly ripping sax lines and belting out complex lyrics while dancing and smiling w joy.

[@evansdm2008]

Ahhh... music. Remember that ?

[@stephen8477]

I couldn't agree with you more

[@Peter-976]

I find myself whistling this song often for no reason at all

[@kwakosekiki2553]

I do too

[@kwakosekiki2553]

But there is areason. Its a great song

[@ambercheekz3860]

You too?!

[@Peter-976]

@@ambercheekz3860 Yes! Also Uncle Remus, Pojama People, Find her Finer, Wonderful Wino! I'll hear some phrase and then a Zappa tune pops in my head and I just start whistling. Go figure?

[@plentinough7222]

It’s all percussion- guitar to voice and everything in between. ❤️🌺 Frank Zappa and the Mother’s of Invention are my escape from this mad world.

[@mikegalgano4567]

Napoleon Murphy Brock on fire! Zappa solo afterwards! Love this lineup!

[@movingthroughaddiction]

The best FZ line up by far!! Napoleon Brock Murphy is amazing as is everyone else! I miss you Frank!

[@RichardHollerMusic]

It's amazing how unsung Tom Fowler's bass playing really is, he's amazing!

[@seanburns2669]

as far as this bass player is concerned, he's about as good as it gets!

[@kyledavidson8712]

Love the Fowler bros - my favorite trombone solo of ALL TIME is on the Echidna's Arf cut on the Roxy and Elsewhere

[@yournamehere6719]

So much groove & feel from Tom's bass during this era.

[@percyvolnar8010]

No bruh... Tom is not unsung. And Jean Luc Ponty agrees with me on that one!!!

[@matthewcarr6055]

the more I listen to Zappa the more I am of the belief he is simply the most magical and awesome influence on American music that gets overlooked way too often

[@freedom_rock18]

Agreed

[@eis904]

I just can’t believe the perfection.

[@VoightKampf]

Every cut from "One Size Fits All" is a masterpiece. From Florentine Pogen to Can't Afford No Shoes, Inca Roads to Sofa 1 & 2, they are all perfect. This live version of Pogen is absolutely phenomenal.

[@TarantuLandoCalcuLingus]

I've never heard a live composition this complex performed perfectly to studio quality

[@bradleydoyle6752]

It's pretty cool how much of Zappa's albums were live versions with a few overdubs, always got his band really tight

[@ernestogasulla7763]

Perhaps you should try attending a classical concert by a major Symphonic Orchestra. That's about a hundred musicians performing even more complex music to studio quality.

[@animalgeo]

The drums are identical as the album version, literally every beat

[@kraftdererkenntnis8397]

@@animalgeo I guess the album version is taken from this very session, with some editing and overdubs. But it needed this video for me to understand this music. Amazing!

[@user-wx2ek3uv1i]

@@ernestogasulla7763For example in the London Symphony Orchestra album, where they butchered Zappa's own complex music.

[@maciek5457]

Best Zappa line-up, truly dream team!

[@merickz78]

Brock doesn't get the credit he so deserves. He was a hell of a frontman! I wish he sang more to be honest.

[@TheSkipjack95]

+erick medeiros His work with ZpZ was outstanding

[@aweso100]

Love it when he and George would sing together.

[@ManikMekanik]

I LOVE Napoleon Murphy Brock! And this whole lineup!

[@PayneLive]

Montana is not the same with Frank’s son because he’s not Napoleon.

[@Internutt2023]

Whan Frank asked Napoleon to come to an audition, he told him he already had the job, he just told him to show up, listen to what was going on and then tell Frank wether he wanted the job or not. That says something.

[@Frankincensedjb123]

The perfect life would be living in Zappa's music 24/7

[@genedejong5513]

Imagine Provo, Utah, 1975, my parents thought I was insane when I'd listen to this! The best Zappa line up IMHO.

[@905Alive]

Napoleon Murphy Brock cracks me up, anyone that can sing Frank's lyrics and keep it together is an amazing professional

[@timbrady6473]

And dance to it as he performed perfectly.

[@sigridauberg5902]

Zappata in Essen, 12.1.23 with Napoleon Murphy, best.. Thank all musicians for great performance. ❤

[@DanielOliveira-mo2fn]

1974. Tinha 18 aninhos. Ouvindo One Size....hj depois de 50 anos ...o impacto é o mesmo.F.Zappa genio,acompanhado de genios.Muita qualidade.E no Brasil ...hj se diz que pancadao funk ...e sertanejo tche tche tche é musica ...credo.... Zappa qualidade extrema.Viva Zappa

[@marcelodangelo915]

This is as good as it gets! Zappa, Duke, Underwoods, Napoleon, Chester... but, Napoleon dancing is the climax!

[@jorgemanueldossantosfreita3633]

Some of them are unfortunately gone....... 😢

[@BenjamminClark]

Chester Thompson is amazing

[@imaseeker100]

Another FZ masterpiece

[@CB-fn3me]

What a performance by Ruth! She's fantastic!!!

[@markobarrows4304]

Long live the legacy of Frank Zappa, and all the great artists like Napoleon M. Brock that had their moment within the beautiful sunshine. Listen to that band...damn!

[@Adamisgood24]

I was lucky enough to get to see Ike Willis, Napoleon Murphy Brock live at a show here called Project Object at The Magic Stick, in Ferndale Michigan! I think it was 2000.

[@MrTortureneverstops1]

Fantastic tune and fantastic Ruth's bra !

[@kolozsboronkay9783]

Agree, but her xylophone action is so good (at least as good as her bra)

[@progger53]

I'd marry her back then. And I'm against marriages.

[@jensilein4651]

Einer der besten Kompostitionen..

[@jeffw8616]

I love Frank’s brilliant collection of band talent- you can see him defer to Napoleon’s genius performance.

[@lastminute8647]

love napoleon's dance. all hail the pure genius that is Mr frank zappa

[@eis904]

Love it. He looks so cute. He really gave his all when performing. That is clear to see.

[@user-qg5bl2kt7u]

This is insanely original...

[@stephensuddens9146]

What a line up. So tight, wonderful.

[@travisrankssalmoskihill7970]

Zappa is the only guitarist that makes me cry.thank you Frank.

[@blackdogbite]

That band was absolutely amazing- 70's with NMB, Terry Bozio, Ruth Underwood...you just shake your head...

[@FleaBagBoogie]

Wow !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! To harness all that energy.

[@weeooh1]

Ruth Underwood was a perfect compliment to the Zappa sound. Only those capable of handling the most complex, intricate passages in Zappas music could qualify for his bands. And Ruth was head and shoulders above the rest.

[@johnsmith1474]

This is not particularly complex or intricate in fact it's fairly simple for each player.

[@jamesabrams6908]

Chester Thompson on drums, great breaks, funny with the gorilla at the end. Sort of a tribute (I always think) for a great job on that song.

[@jamesabrams6908]

@Electronic Adventures Watch the end of the video. A fake gorilla plays with Chester on drums.

[@Yusef22179]

The gorilla is an inside joke within the band about the quality (or lack thereof) of Chester Thompson's choice in groupies. The animal sounds ("oink", "moo", "quack" denote the animal avatars of some of his paramour. Brilliant. Zappa - forever the card.

[@JayRiemenschneider]

@Electronic Adventures yes, Wot Gorilla

[@animalgeo]

He played literally every note of the original version. Amazing

[@IsaacRossMusic1]

this song never gets old

[@MF_UNDERTOW]

The audience will never know how lucky they were to see this.

[@rabnori4836]

❤

[@DESERTCYCLI5T]

Zappa was the tightest group of musicians that I ever saw play and I saw a lot of the greats. Zappa ruled hands down.

[@anotherDnightmare]

The mixing of this cannot be overstated. What a phenomenal sound. I mean, if you shut your eyes, it’s a studio take. Quite amazing for the times.

[@A_New_Yorker_Lost_In_Florida]

[@shammycat3538]

I think it’s the duck call at the end that pulls it all together.

[@jpcodnia9133]

Keep blowing, Ruthie baby!!

[@Mr39036ce]

this band was soooooo gooood!!!! I think they could actually make the earth turn.

[@guidolandolt5949]

Brilliant and freaking out of this planet, Ruth Underwood is the amazing icing on this whole unique killer composition. !!!!

[@franceskinskij]

as a Florentine myself I very much approve of this. I love this

[@ericwedin4154]

Humour and superb musicianship! The gorilla just made my day😂😂👍

[@ProudAmerican111]

This is my fav Zappa album! "A Token of His Extreme"

[@rudytramp]

This performance is sick

[@amaro9009]

one of the best live performances i've seen in my life !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@TheSlandis]

So damned good! Saw Frank once, Dweezil three times. And Napoleon was a guest artist at Sandy School of Rock (Utah). So great!

[@moback3951]

Astonishing how this sounds like the original cut on the album. I had to go look up album up to prove to myself it was a studio recording. Proof those gruling rehersal sessions are true...Chester didn't even miss a beat when the Three Stooges gorrila appeard. RIP George Duke

[@peterjunkel958]

Top performance, what a great band...Zappa is the best, still like to hear this fantastic music

[@Dannoga]

Brilliant! Spot on to studio recording! Zappa's One Size Fits All album was at his Pinnacle! Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah Yow-ooh Yow-yoo-yow La-la la-la la-la la-la Ba-la ba-la na-la She was the daughter of a wealthy Florentine Pogen (You-ooh) Read 'em 'n weep Was her adjustable slogan (Ah-ah-ah-ah-ahh) She was a debutante daisy With a color-note organ Deep in the street She drove a '59 Morgan WOO-LAH! That's the kinda step she takes When her hot breaks hot brakes That's the kinda sound she makes (ooh, let go uh me) When her crab cakes (Arf arf arf) She didn't like it when her fan belt Shrunk & got shorter (Ointment) Battery leaks could nearly cost her a quarter She didn't want to go home An' watch the pestle go mortar Later she speaks On how Perellis might court her Na-na-na, na-na-noo Na-na-na, yah-ah-hoo Na-na-na, na-na-noo Na-na-na, yah-ah-hoo She was the daughter Ah-ah-ahhh Of a wealthy Florentine Pogen Po-oh-wo-oh-oh Po-oh-wo-oh-oh Po-oh-wo-oh-oh Ga-ya-ee-annnn Read 'em 'n weep Read 'em 'n weep (Take a booger home with you to) Read 'em 'n weep Ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay Ah-ooh-ah-ooh-ah-ooh-ah-HAH Ah-ooh-ah-ooh-ah-ooh-ah-HAH Chester's go-rilla She go oink Chester's go-rilla She go quack Chester's go-rilla She go moo Chester's go-rilla She go Hratche-plche Hratche-plche

[@alancumming6407]

One of the great Zappa compositions from a truly great album, in my humble opinion.

[@BRIXTONDADZ]

Hoooooooo shit zappa's solo was crazy Serious music

[@MangeWolfe]

this is truly A S T H E T I C decades before vaporwave. sublime.

[@pobaribacle4367]

tysm for reuploading!!!

[@palradi]

Best Zappa Music..

[@a_missippian]

one of the best live performances i've seen - so diverse, tight & funny - Brock flat knocks me out - does humor belong in music? with Frank at the wheel, HAYL yes

[@martianshoes]

Good grief what a great tone Brock had....!!

[@johnbazy]

And still has, lucky enough.

[@lstarrtna4288]

wow humbled by the awesomeness

[@markobarrows4304]

Spread the word brother. not like religion, but more like peanut butter.

[@troyb4533]

By far one of, if not the most solid group he ever got together. Goose bump whenever I hear this live albun

[@DylanWhite-k5j]

Those 70's cymbals were just something else.

[@Greg_Games]

Cara, essa musica é simplesmente demais!!! Grande formação também. Você anda fazendo falta Zappa....

[@MegaCirse]

Cette musique ne parle pas seulement au cœur mais à l'esprit. Il y a juste quelque chose de très intelligent là-dedans. J'adore l'ambiance des années 60/70, une époque où l'espoir, l'intelligence et l'expérimentation étaient à la mode, contrairement à la morosité et à la peur universelle d'aujourd'hui ⚜

[@LittleRedKing]

Fantastic tune played by a great bunch of musicians. Great!

[@MegaCarmine12]

well Brock is still dancing and playing he has boundless energy..love that guy!!

[@skriptico]

NBM at the peak of his crafts. and he peaked in the stratosphere :O

[@gavindavis1340]

Napoleons voice, sax playing & all round performance is 💯 🎉

[@johngarciaiii2988]

Frank Zappa!!! What can I say??? Got to see him live in Austin at the Armadillo World Headquarters back in the 70's. The whole concert was a trip!!! Only Captain Beefheart and The Magic Band are in the same wave!!!

[@eis904]

Just think of how much money Frank would have to pay to feed a band like this, get ALL the instruments and equipment to each venue --it was truly a labor of love and I am surprised Frank even made profit.

[@eis904]

I mean the gorilla costume rental alone had to be $25

[@brandom1953]

Frank was a very good business man and knew how to delegate so he was free to create.

[@ricks7469]

Ponty, Duke, Fowler, Thompson, Underwood, Zappa..those are just the ones I recognize. What a band!

[@DonInFremont]

Saw this tour in Portland, one of the top 10 lifetime (out of wayy too many). The band was having IMMENSE AMOUNTS OF FUN playing this stuff. RUTH UNDERWOOD!!!

[@gianniazzaro4978]

Great performing. Great all. Frank number 1.

[@music-is-the-best4295]

Really fine musicians ❤

[@T.M.Warren-qp2gq]

*Absolutely class!* 💯🫡🔉🔉🔊🔊🔊

[@WillieEWoof]

This is one of hundreds proofs why is Zappa the best, ever! :) :) :)

[@STRATCAT101]

AMAZING This is the tightest jam ive ever seen.I love it.Thank you Frank.

[@johnwise7693]

Seriously hilarious, irreverently brilliant!

[@theitineranthistorian2024]

chester, ruth, napoleon, frank's guitar sound, and the rest is beautiful.

[@markheller8646]

Saw this line up in 74 at the Nassau Coliseum. Frank sitting feet over the stage shredding is all I recall. Finished it up in 76 with a Flo and Eddie concert who opened for Hot Tuna at Commack Arena. I so miss great live music at reasonable ticket prices.

[@johndorflinger2344]

The absolute best of all time. I had a t-shirt of this tour that simply said "the best".

[@paulleman1915]

Un grand groupe ici. Un des meilleur de Zappa

[@wezzmusic]

I've heard it on the album. But this is just magical. God bless Mr Zappa.

[@ultzisakhain]

Simply amazing!! What an awesome, silly, irreverent, talented, and TIGHT band!! So true to the studio version with an awesome jam in the middle and Napolean's dancing and gestures are perfect! Always one of my all time favorite FZ tunes!! Thanks Wazoo!!

[@jamesabrams6908]

Maybe it's just me as a very amateur drummer but Chester Thompson here is the lead instrument behind the vocals with the inventive breaks. I always loved this song just for the drummig.

[@Jellybeantiger]

Only one person who warrants genius and it's Frank Zappa. Einstein would have cowered to this bloke.

[@pauldundas9456]

I owned 20 plus FZ albums and loved every one one them! He was a genius and agree that he surrounded himself with top of the line talent. At 62 I still love his amazing talent!

[@g.g.6362]

9mins and 51 seconds of much joy and appreciation....What a band!!

[@sociallist7510]

Franks phrasing with this solo is so great! it fits the jam so well