Frank Zappa - The Grand Wazoo

The legendary musician and composer Frank Zappa (1940-93) was many things to many people. Commonly known for his controversial antics, his crude sense of humor and his biting guitar work, he was also a serious composer with advanced sense of rhythm and melody and a knack for arrangements to reach quintessence. The Grand Wazoo, conceived in 1972 while he was recovering from the serious stage attack at Rainbow Theatre in London, showcases the composer and arranger side of Frank Zappa. Vocals are kept at bare minimum and guitar work remains mostly subtle. Horns and woodwinds are dominant instruments giving the album an impeccable big band jazz-rock sound. Even if this isn't the most accessible Zappa album, it's close to the sort of music he preferred to perform as the man had been dreaming of assembling a large electric big-band for several years. Zappa later returned to big ensemble ambitions in 1975 for the sessions that spawned Orchestral Favorites and close to his death while working with Ensemble Modern.

The title track is quintessential instrumental Zappa, blending anthemic exuberant melodicism with impeccable improvisational prowess. "For Calvin (And His Next Two Hitchhikers)" features vocals, however it is uncompromisingly angular, leaning heavily on the avant garde side of the fence. Take the theme of "Penis Dimension" and multiply the result with "Eric Dolphy Memorial Barbeque" and you'll get some idea. "Cleetus Awreetus Awrightus" is deranged fun with wordless vocals, bombastic horns and rollicking piano arpeggios. "Eat That Question" begins with groovy electric piano from George Duke, going into a blistering guitar solo and ending with a bombastic finale with brass and martial rhythms . Album closer "Blessed Relief" is one of Zappa's most gorgeous instrumentals ever, sounding very romantic, in a very blissful way. Organic guitar tones, breezy horns and tinkling electric pianos give it an ambiance I don't think Zappa ever recaptured subsequently. The work of musicians is great throughout the whole album and carries out Zappa's unique vision very well.