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Jazz Articles about Frank Zappa

About Frank Zappa

483

Multiple Reviews

Interpreting the Music of Frank Zappa: Ed Palermo Big Band & Struber Z'Tett

by Ken Dryden
August 4, 2007

There have been a number of bands which have recorded rocker Frank Zappa's music over the past few decades, though jazz bands have only been exploring it for a fairly brief time. Two recent discs, one by a bandleader who has devoted himself to arranging 100s of Zappa compositions and another who may have only a fleeting interest, have issued albums primarily devoted to his music. Ed Palermo Big Band Take Your Clothes Off When You ...

433

Reassessing

Frank Zappa: Hot Rats

by Trevor MacLaren
March 31, 2003

Frank ZappaHot RatsReprise1969The name Frank Zappa tends to bring to mind abstract symphonic pieces or rock music filled with comical and obscene lyrics. Those more familiar with Zappa's work know he was also one of finest guitar players ever, a musical visionary who created one of jazz-rock's foundation fusion records, Hot Rats. With its heavily distorted guitars and aggressive time signatures, the record may initially turn off many jazz ...