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Grand Wazoo
by Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention
from Zappa Records
Release Date : 1995-05-16
Sales Rank : 4313
List Price: $7.98 Our Price: $7.98
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Grand Wazoo Tracks:
Disc 1
1. For Calvin (And His Next Two Hitch-Hikers)
2. The Grand Wazoo
3. Cletus Awreetus-Awrightus
4. Eat That Question
5. Blessed Relief
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Average Customer Rating : 
Total Customer Reviews : 51
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Grand Wazoo Customer Reviews:
The Grand Wazoo
Way back in 1987 I bought the Rykodisc CD of Zappa's The Grand Wazoo. Over the years the CD was either lost or sold, leaving me yearning again for another copy. I then purchased the remastered edition of the album (unknowingly) and was quite shocked and disappointed when Zappa's son Dweezil interfered with the mixes and song order from the original master tapes. Gone was George Duke's lush, rock-jazz fused electric piano solo in one particular song. It was completely buried in the mix to benefit Ansley Dunbar's drumming, which now is brought up in the mix. Another flaw was the very first song on the album is not The Grand Wazoo--its For Calvin and his next two hitch-hikers. Please keep away from the remastered edition of the Grand Wazoo and do what I did, which was to buy an original 1987 Rykodisc copy, used of course. This one was mixed and approved by Frank himself. Sorry, Dweezil.
Greg Ilenda
Fantastic...
When people label Zappa as 'jazz-fusion' this is one of the albums that is the reason for that. If you are looking for the acerbic witted lyrics or cuts that made The Mothers unique this isn't the album for you. If you are looking for an amazing and unique sound then you have come to the right place. I don't own a huge amount of Zappa but after listening to this album it has quickly risen in my estimation as one of his best. It clearly shows off Zappa's often talked about unique and gifted musical style but unlike many albums like "Sheik Yerbhouti" he doesn't let trying to be clever get in the way of the music. It's mostly instrumental and for me that's when Zappa shines.
Classic
Most people rest after an accident or being a crime victim. Frank Zappa recorded a big band album
Zappa got thrown off stage by a crazed fan in 1971 and this left him in a wheelchair for almost a year. If you notice his deeper voice, it is from his larynx being crushed during the assult. Unable to tour he assembled this band.
The five peices here bring Zappa's maximus sound to fruition with a fantastic big band, a big band taylored for Frank's music. This is no mere professional jazz date. The sliding trombones and needling muted trumpets bring the irony you expect from Zappa, and on the guitar solos, Zappa is as usual brillant.
There is blues as well as bigger conceptul pieces. All work as jazz, big band music, and Zappa music, and all of it exsists on all three levels.
But for me the highlight is "Blessed Relief," a sunningly placid piece; one of the few of Zappa's I can name with no irony. The only regrettable thing about this song is that it, mysteriously, did not become a live staple
the rave reviews are justified
As a long time Zappa fan,this album strangely has never come across my path. After reading the powerfully positive reviews here I just purchased it. Think of this as a more sophisticated and lush sounding Hot Rats. Buy it now!!!!!
BIG Band Zappa
Zappa plays jazz and brings and incredible ensemble along for the ride. If you don't like Zappa's vocal works then this is probably the one for you. Beautiful big band harmonies with zero filler. Simply phenomenal. The man was ahead of his time.
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