You don’t think modern rock has lost its innovation? Watch this time capsule of a TV Special from 1974 that features Frank Zappa and his Mothers of Invention (George Duke/key, Napoleon Murphy Brock/sax-voc, Ruth Underwood/perc, Tom Fowler/b and Chester Thompson/dr). Not only does Zappa and TMOI sizzle and create musical hairpin turns that form a perfect mix of rock and jazz, but they do it with an irascible and satirical sense of humor, making you laugh along with them as they bedazzle you with their creative wit and chops. Thompson later linked up with Weather Report, and Duke, well, he became George Duke, while Underwood is a marimba and vibist with the timing of a Swiss watch maker. Combining artistic visuals that include vintage Claymation as well as who knows what to call it, TMOI delivers deft instrumentation through “The Dog Breath Variations/Uncle Meat” as well as comedic tunes like “Stink-Foot” and “Room Service.”
Brock’s sax work and soulful vocals are spot on, and serve as a perfect foil to Zappa’s deadpan lyrics and Mort Sahl-like delivery. The amazingly intricate and sophisticated interplay between everyone, as well as Zappa’s formidable chops, disarm you between the comedic and social commentary supplied by the leader. A 1976 segment on the Mike Douglas show has Zappa interviewed between a Jimmy (“Dynomite”) Walker and a Kenny Rogers who still has his original face before he forgot when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em, if you get my drift. Zappa’s chops as he promotes his Zoot Allure album are impressive and once again in contrast to his demeanor that expects you to see him fall over in a stupor within seconds of coming on stage. It captures the fact that even an atheist like Zappa can testify to the creative juices given by a benevolent and gracious God.
This dvd has been a collector’s item for decades, and to have it so easily available now is a double treat.
Eagle Vision DVD
www.zappa.com