Zappa

Frank Zappa passed away 15 years ago today. I remember it clearly for some reason. I wasn’t a huge fan at the time. I had “Lumpy Gravy” and “ We’re Only In It For The Money,” but I hadn’t really explored his music much more than that. The music was intriguing, comical, and accomplished. I knew Zappa was considered a genius. Yes, the term is overused. Maybe it doesn’t apply to Zappa or maybe it does, but no one can argue his musical talent as a composer, songwriter and guitarist.

The news of Zappa’s passing was enough to direct me to the record store to look at some of his catalogue. With so much to choose from and no guide available to direct me to the best titles, I blindly picked up “Zoot Allures.” “Zoot Allures” was somewhat of a departure from the alternative, psychedelic and wacky material found on the other two titles I had at the time. It was more mature. There was still dark humor associated with many of the songs, but the real difference is that “Zoot Allures” rocked.

I remembered reading somewhere about Zappa’s respected guitar chops and on “Zoot Allures” they were in full force. Zappa shows off his command of the guitar throughout the entire album. The thrilling guitar workout on “Black Napkins” and the album title track is all the evidence one needs. Another example is with the opening song “Wind Up Workin’ At Gas Station” – the title and lyrical content are vintage Zappa, but the track is built around a great riff from Zappa and also showcases a smokin’ guitar solo.

Soon after, Rolling Stone Magazine had a large tribute to Zappa and listed some of his must-have albums, so for a novice it was easier to hunt down a few of Zappa’s most respected works. “Zoot Allures” is held in high regard by fans, but it isn’t necessarily a title that will make a Zappa top-ten list along with some of these staples: “Freak Out!,” “Absolutely Free,” “Lumpy Gravy,” “Uncle Meat,” “Hot Rats,” “Weasels Ripped My Flesh,” “Burnt Weeny Sandwich,” “Over-Nite Sensation,” “Apostrophe,” and “Shut Up N Play Yer Guitar.”

There isn’t any sort of clear theme to the music on “Zoot Allures.” The album simply is a gem with melodic songs influenced by Jazz-Blues-Rock, Zappa humor, and fantastic musicianship from all involved. Fifteen years later, I have had the opportunity to explore Zappa’s work in much greater detail, and I still come back to the captivating qualities of “Zoot Allures” as a personal favorite. Highly recommended.