This was my first time seeing Dweezil, and Mr. Beck.
Dweezil started out on a Les Paul, and while his playing was great, he didn't sound right to me, until he put on the SG, about 4 songs into the set. That felt more like the Frank tone I remember. As a musical experience, Zappa plays Zappa was outstanding, tight and entertaining. As a tribute band, there were two things lacking for me, Frank, and Frank. Having someone else sing Frank's lyrics was just wrong for me. His lyrics and vocal stylings were so much an extension of his extraordinary personality, that it was hard for me to accept a substitute.
And then there's the guitar playing. For me Dweezil is too clean. Frank's playing often had a flailing, messy quality, that made it so exciting for me. Dweezil, undoubtably talented, and a pleasure to watch and hear, played with too much precision, to really capture his dad's vibe.
All in all a great set by Zappa, and I would love to see him again.
Jeff Beck. Shredding? certainly. But also lyrical, thoughtful, beautiful, and interesting. Rhonda Smith? OMG, Narada Michael Walden? Holy Sh*t! Keyboard player? Who? After his Les Paul tribute, he ended with a bit from Madame Butterfly, astoundingly cool.
Jeff Beck deserves all the adulation he gets.
This was also my first time in the Nokia Theater. I thought the sound was pretty decent, not excessively loud or thumpy. I wouldn't hesitate to see another show there.
I love L.A.
JBY
(Message edited by davehouck on April 18, 2010)
