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So often, the term 'genius' is thrown around to describe musicians who play above average, and 'quality musicianship' is a buzzword to describe mediocre interplay between band members. Normally, it comes down to a question of taste, for fans, reviewers & critics, and other musicians. Who's to say? But no matter what you feel for Frank Zappa's cynical wit displayed in his lyrics, there's no denying that his mix of classical, jazz, rock and doo-wop combine to form a musical experience seriously lacking in today's music. FZ was so much more than a great guitarist; he was certainly an American composer. And the people that worked with him confirm he was a genius. This DVD, filmed August 26, 1984, may not have so many famous names like Jean-Luc Ponty, Captain Beefheart, or Eddie Jobson (formerly of the band UK), or mainstays like Napoleon Murphy Brock, Ruth Underwood, or Terry Bozzio. But Frank Zappa was very picky about which musicians got to play with him, and this lineup of Ray White and Ike Willis on vocals and guitar, Chad Wackerman on drums and percussion, Scott Thunes on bass guitar, Allan Zavod on keyboards, and a very entertaining Bobby Martin on keyboards, sax and vocals. The DVD has clips of interviews interspersed throughout the performance, focusing on Frank's musical (and life) philosophies, including his dislike for Republicans and drugs (other than cigarettes and coffee, which he conveniently classified as 'food'). I don't think Frank Zappa was a musical genius simply because I've been a fan for over 30 years. I believe he was a musical genius because he could compose quality classical music as easily as he wrote witty, sarcastic lyrics, or played lead guitar with such finesse and grace. He is sorely missed, and I can only imagine the stuff he'd come out with during today's political arena. I gave this DVD a Good rating because Frank's leadership continued to insist on quality musicianship, and yet the band didn't take themselves too seriously. The crowd fed off the band's energy very well, and I only wish there had been a few more songs played that night. I was very impressed with Bobby Martin's vocals, and although his vocal rendition of the Allman Brothers 'Whipping Post' was a bit over-the-top, his solo performance gave way to some excellent licks from Frank's guitar. If you enjoy a musical genius who has a flair for cleverly sarcastic lyrics, and a band that plays somewhat difficult music (okay, this setlist wasn't quite as hard as some of Zappa's other lineups used to play), this is one helluva great time, and should be a staple for even the most casual Zappa fan's musical diet. Enjoy!Read full review
never got a chance to see Zappa in concert and even though I'd listened to some of his music, it always seemed hard to really get into. This concert video just blew my mind. The musicianship is phenomenal, the music unlike anything I'd ever heard before and the genius of Frank Zappa was made clear to me. The most sophisticated rock music I ever heard, challenging on so many levels but still has so much fun and a "lightness" to it. Zappa delivers a performance with a comfortable confidence and he sings about truth as he sees it with a wit and common sense as sharp as a scalpel. And it's not all easy to swallow. Zappa doesn't make it comfortable but his perspective is uncompromising and very persuading.
Cassic concert footage from the 1984 Tour, this NYC Show On Pier. I was lucky enough to have been at one of these shows. Excellent examples of Zappa's guitar playing, with a fabulous solo in Cosmic Debris. The band was excellent and worked together unbelievably well. Clearly a good time was had by all on the stage. Altogether a great performace, with an excellent performance of the Allman Brothers classic "Whipping Post" as a finale. I highly recommend this DVD, a must have for any Zappa fan.
A portion of a Zappa show in the 80's along with some snipette interview segments. GREAT stuff!!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This 1984 concert from The Pier in New York is from a time late in Zappa's career(long after the Mother's of Invention and before his anti PMRC crusade. But it still packs a punch for anyone who had or hadn't seen him in concert. Most material is from Joe's Garage and beyond,with a few earlier chestnuts thrown in. But the band, as all Zappa projects, is tight and filled with tremendous talent. Audio is in 2.0 and the video is...well...80's video. Despite all that, the price is well worth it to see and hear the group do a send up of The Allman Brother's classic "Whipping Post".
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