It's been an odd week, but some rather good music provided a soundtrack.
DVD Reviews
Frank Zappa: The Torture Never Stops
“An evening with Frank Zappa” is the sub-heading and what an evening it is. Frank Zappa has inspired oodles of musicians and provided a platform to launch such talents as Steve Vai, who also appears on this DVD. His music is brilliant or bollocks depending on your point of view. That said, the man is a legend that few would dismiss. From his willingness to stand up to Mrs. Al Gore and the Parents Music Resource Center in the 80s to his humor-ladened acid-jazz, there is not denying his impact. Some of his most obviously funny stuff was frequently heard on Dr Demento.
The gig was recorded at the Palladium in New York City on Halloween in 1981. Included as a bonus are some more tracks from the gig, plus a short film about the whole event. If you combine that with the twenty four tracks from the original gig, it's quite a collection. Unlike many such outings, this would be a very good introduction to the Zappa unaware. You might not “get it” at first, but stick with it and you will understand why the guy is so beloved. A decent live DVD from a great talent.
CD Reviews
Eric Johnson: Up Close
This might be a tad mellow for this column but there is no denying Eric Johnson has the chops. It’s mellow blues with all that it entails but it never seeps into MOR dullness. Along for the ride are blues rocker Jonny Lang, Steve “Fly Like an Eagle” Miller, and Jimmy “Fabulous Thunderbirds” Vaughan (brother of a certain guy named Stevie Ray). There are other players on here that keep up with the quality of the guests. The musicianship is top notch all the way along. At fifteen tracks, fourteen of which are originals, it might be a tad too much for some.
Article comments
1 - JC Mosquito
Speaking of Zappa - did I just hear that Captain Beefheart just died a couple days/hours ago?