I've finally completed my "Experiment in Rock Criticism"—and it's the longest profile of a single musician I've ever done, achieving a wicked editor-defying word count. Phew!
I interviewed Zappa in 1969 re his unfinished film "Uncle Meat". It was backstage at a concert featuring The Mothers double billed with Blood Sweat and Tears; members of both bands were present. I was accompanied by a friend who knew a lot more about classical music than me and could carry on intelligently with Zappa about Varese. (We were surprised that the guys from BS&T didn't really know anything about Satie.)
As you say he was very interested in using more wind instruments, and having just heard Chicago (still called CTA at the time), suggested all 3 bands should play together. He also talked about his role as a provocateur: how he got letters from kids in small towns saying they were the only freaks in the area and his records made them feel they were not alone. He seemed genuinely moved by it.
However even in 1969 I was surprised by his casual misogyny: He talked about groupies and "strapping women on"-- a phrase I've never heard anyone else use.
Like, bitchin article, Ted. I am a fan of Mr. Zappa’s, and the extent of his genius, never ceases to amaze me. When I have the opportunity, I always take pleasure in reading your well-researched, well-informed, chock full-of-knowledge articles. Thank you for keeping me on the edge of my seat, as I always eagerly anticipate the new pieces of information and inspiration I am about to uncover in music, and as such, would not have found, without your expert opinion. Thank you!! 💜
Far and away, the most luminous essay I have read about Frank Zappa, my first Sensei, a self-taught musical polymath. Zappa embodies the virtues of genuine syncretism, hard work, artistic discipline and a dark sense of humor. Thank you, maestro Ted Gioia.
I completely agree regarding his monument. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is out of the question, and the Library of Congress is for the John Denvers of this world. Frank’s epitaph must be in spray paint, spewed all over someplace totally unexpected!
Growing up in the So Cal area in the 50s and 60s, I think that was El Monte Legion Stadium. But then, that's a 50+-year-old memory of an AM radio spot.
An immensely interesting man. You did a great service with this series, shining a light for those familiar and those not, with Zappa's contribution to modern rock and jazz. Hats off....
Always loved Zappa from the get go. I am 73 now and his work is as relevant and pointed now as it was when it came out. Few artists, rock or otherwise, can make this claim. By its very nature, most rock is "of the moment." But Zappy, with an IQ of 179--higher than Einstein--understood fully the underlying issues that govern American society and they are still true today. Thank you for this article. I wish he were here to today to make comment on all the insanity we are currently experiencing.
This was an excellent education. When I was young, we had an alley cat 🐈⬛ make its way into our home and it had a facial markings that looked just like Zappa’s mustache and horizontal chin underline. Naturally, we called the cat Zappa. I loved that cat. This article brought make many fine memories, including that feline.
Thanks for publishing these three articles here, Ted. The world 🌍 needs to catch up with Frank Zappa.
Great collection of essays, Ted. I remember listening to Captain Beefheart in high school, not knowing what to think of it or if I was just part of his grand experiment.
In Australia grotty definitely means dirty or grubby. eg I wouldn't go there, that bar is so grotty your feet stick to the carpet. The English use the word the same way we do. I have never heard the word grotty used to mean grotesque. I don't think that's what George Harrison meant and he definitely did not invent the word.
Bravo! Well done, sir! I'm glad for you that the pain of it is finally over. Now, maybe I just haven't read enough of your work but, again, as I thought in the first two parts, I just don't get this "attempt at rock criticism" thing. For the most part it's still your authentic voice that speaks to me. And that's what makes it so good. I don't know what a rock critic sounds like; I only know good and bad writers in this or any other pond. You are of course free to gag me with a spoon for this...
Thanks Ted!!! Great read. Of all of those I have never met, I miss Zappa the most. For all the reasons you nailed and a million more.
I interviewed Zappa in 1969 re his unfinished film "Uncle Meat". It was backstage at a concert featuring The Mothers double billed with Blood Sweat and Tears; members of both bands were present. I was accompanied by a friend who knew a lot more about classical music than me and could carry on intelligently with Zappa about Varese. (We were surprised that the guys from BS&T didn't really know anything about Satie.)
As you say he was very interested in using more wind instruments, and having just heard Chicago (still called CTA at the time), suggested all 3 bands should play together. He also talked about his role as a provocateur: how he got letters from kids in small towns saying they were the only freaks in the area and his records made them feel they were not alone. He seemed genuinely moved by it.
However even in 1969 I was surprised by his casual misogyny: He talked about groupies and "strapping women on"-- a phrase I've never heard anyone else use.
I think another good monument would be a dental floss ranch in Montana. An engraved stone might read "mental toss flycoon".
Thanks for another excellent article.
Like, bitchin article, Ted. I am a fan of Mr. Zappa’s, and the extent of his genius, never ceases to amaze me. When I have the opportunity, I always take pleasure in reading your well-researched, well-informed, chock full-of-knowledge articles. Thank you for keeping me on the edge of my seat, as I always eagerly anticipate the new pieces of information and inspiration I am about to uncover in music, and as such, would not have found, without your expert opinion. Thank you!! 💜
Far and away, the most luminous essay I have read about Frank Zappa, my first Sensei, a self-taught musical polymath. Zappa embodies the virtues of genuine syncretism, hard work, artistic discipline and a dark sense of humor. Thank you, maestro Ted Gioia.
I completely agree regarding his monument. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is out of the question, and the Library of Congress is for the John Denvers of this world. Frank’s epitaph must be in spray paint, spewed all over someplace totally unexpected!
El Monte Legion Hall would be a nice place.
Growing up in the So Cal area in the 50s and 60s, I think that was El Monte Legion Stadium. But then, that's a 50+-year-old memory of an AM radio spot.
I grew up in the 40's & 50's and played there too. You're correct. You're memory is more accurate than my memory.
Don't feel bad. If my brain were as full of useful information as it is of trivia, I probably could have invented faster-than-light travel by now!
I invented that once, but can't remember where I put the formula. It may be in the drawer with the pasta and crackers.
I know how that goes. They say the memory is the 2nd thing to go. I can't remember the first, which is probably good.
Brilliant.
Thank you.
An immensely interesting man. You did a great service with this series, shining a light for those familiar and those not, with Zappa's contribution to modern rock and jazz. Hats off....
Always loved Zappa from the get go. I am 73 now and his work is as relevant and pointed now as it was when it came out. Few artists, rock or otherwise, can make this claim. By its very nature, most rock is "of the moment." But Zappy, with an IQ of 179--higher than Einstein--understood fully the underlying issues that govern American society and they are still true today. Thank you for this article. I wish he were here to today to make comment on all the insanity we are currently experiencing.
FZ: "There is no hell. There is only France."
This was an excellent education. When I was young, we had an alley cat 🐈⬛ make its way into our home and it had a facial markings that looked just like Zappa’s mustache and horizontal chin underline. Naturally, we called the cat Zappa. I loved that cat. This article brought make many fine memories, including that feline.
Thanks for publishing these three articles here, Ted. The world 🌍 needs to catch up with Frank Zappa.
Awesome!
Great piece
Great collection of essays, Ted. I remember listening to Captain Beefheart in high school, not knowing what to think of it or if I was just part of his grand experiment.
Hi Ted, Boomer subscriber here, love your work. I always thought the word in Hard Day's Night was grotty, as in grotesque. Steve in Seattle https://www.goldradiouk.com/artists/the-beatles/george-harrison-hard-days-night-grotty-influencer/
In Australia grotty definitely means dirty or grubby. eg I wouldn't go there, that bar is so grotty your feet stick to the carpet. The English use the word the same way we do. I have never heard the word grotty used to mean grotesque. I don't think that's what George Harrison meant and he definitely did not invent the word.
Bravo! Well done, sir! I'm glad for you that the pain of it is finally over. Now, maybe I just haven't read enough of your work but, again, as I thought in the first two parts, I just don't get this "attempt at rock criticism" thing. For the most part it's still your authentic voice that speaks to me. And that's what makes it so good. I don't know what a rock critic sounds like; I only know good and bad writers in this or any other pond. You are of course free to gag me with a spoon for this...