Author Topic: Zappa Plays Zappa (Read 217 times)

jalevinemd · « **on:** July 21, 2007, 08:13:22 AM »

I saw the show last night at the Lyric Opera in Chicago. Now I've read how Dweezil really went back to the woodshed for this, but HOLY SH*T!!!! That boy can play. I've never been a huge Zappa fan - not that I didn't like, just that I never listened to him. The show was really amazing...the whole band. Things started out a bit slow for me and I was wondering how I would last through the entire thing. Once Ray White took the stage, though, the songs seemed to change and I enjoyed the 3 hour set without looking back. I really do need to find a playlist because there's some stuff that I absolutely must have! The way they mixed live footage of Frank as if he were jamming with the band on some of the tunes was very tastefully done.

If the shows comes to your area, I highly recommend seeing it.

tom_z · « **Reply #1 on:** July 21, 2007, 11:16:15 AM »

Thanks for the review Jonathan. I missed them on their last stop in LV - but I have tickets for their August 18 date at the House of Blues. I'm really looking forward to it.

While we're making recommendations - if you get a chance to catch Bill Frisell, you'll be treated to a great evening of music. He played here at an outdoor Jazz in the park event, and it truly was one of the most enjoyable performances I've seen in a long time.

Didn't mean to hijack the Zappa thread, but I figured while we were on the subject of amazing innovative guitarists, I'd give a heads-up on Frisell.

Peace
Tom

zappahead · « **Reply #2 on:** July 21, 2007, 07:53:19 PM »

Does he have Steve Vai and Terry Bozio this time around? I saw him on the last tour and it was a really great show. The best show I saw all year. Dweezil has taken himself to the next level and really made strides to get better and he was pretty dang good before. The band he assembled is amazing. Ray White was not there last tour, he had Napoleon with him so I am really looking forward to seeing Ray White.

jalevinemd · « **Reply #3 on:** July 21, 2007, 08:58:01 PM »

No Vai or Bozio. Before Ray White came on stage, Dweezil said he has a very special guest for us...a nice, young Italian boy. So, of course, I'm expecting to see Steve Vai. But he was simply introducing Ray White in his own off hand way.

jakebass · « **Reply #4 on:** July 29, 2007, 11:27:53 AM »

I had the great good fortune of working with Ike Willis for a ten week european tour playing the music of Frank back in 1994, and later that year playing with the Belgian tv orchestra featuring Robert Martin performing a one off tribute to Zappa. they were both awesome musicians and I had a great time with them both
Jake

82daion · « **Reply #5 on:** July 30, 2007, 08:11:34 AM »

I caught the group when they came through Columbus, Ohio, and was blown away-that band is HOT. They played a pretty broad slate of material, and the parts of the concert where the band was playing along with the footage/sound of Frank was cool, but eerie. They did some numbers that I never would have expected-but that's all I'm saying.

Highly recommended!

David Houck · « **Reply #6 on:** July 30, 2007, 07:58:27 PM »

Jake, you played with Ike Willis? Cool!

jakebass · « **Reply #7 on:** August 01, 2007, 02:15:21 PM »

Yes Dave, Ike was one of the finest musicians I ever worked with and a lovely guy too. Music just flows from him. His band mate with Zappa Robert Martin was equally impressive.
Jake

kmh364 · « **Reply #8 on:** August 07, 2007, 10:33:04 AM »

They were in Joisey this Sun night at the historic Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, but I was a little under the weather and couldn't make the show. Bummer! I'll have to console myself with the Joe Walsh show I'm going to tonight.

kmh364 · « **Reply #9 on:** August 08, 2007, 06:34:03 AM »

FWIW, Walsh was excellent last night...a good mix of solo, James gang and Eagles tunes. Good band with dual drummers, keys and second guitar.

David Houck · « **Reply #10 on:** August 08, 2007, 02:54:48 PM »

No bass player?

kmh364 · « **Reply #11 on:** August 09, 2007, 07:27:17 AM »

Of course, Dave! LOL! Sorry for that omission. Three back-up singers also (two very sexy young ladies and, oh yeah, a guy, LOL!). Unfortunately, I couldn't hear the band intro's over the crowd, so I can't tell you who was who. The JW website has no info either. The band was excellent and a good time was had by all...despite the sweltering conditions in an indoor gen. admission venue (Starland Ballroom in lovely Sewer, er, um, SAYREVille, NJ, LOL!)

David Houck · « **Reply #12 on:** August 09, 2007, 10:32:21 AM »

Thanks Kevin!

kmh364 · « **Reply #13 on:** August 10, 2007, 05:30:32 AM »

I just got another chance:

http://msgnyc.com/viewmsg.cfm?n35043s4936c2840969t4961

Zappa Plays Zappa on Haloween @ the Beacon Theatre in NYC!

tom_z · « **Reply #14 on:** August 19, 2007, 12:12:25 PM »

Amazing!!!

I saw Frank several times in the 80s and his shows were spectacular. Zappa Plays Zappa is not the same - Frank's stage presence and attitude were inimitable. Having said that, ZPZ plays Frank's music with great energy and enjoyment, and with exceptional skill. The players are very tight and were clearly having a lot of fun with the music, the crowd, and each other.

Don't miss this band if they are appearing anywhere near you!

Peace
Tom