The Frank Zappa Review Page

 

The Grand Wazoo (1972)

 The big band/jazz, horn dominated sequel to Hot Rats and Wakajawaka. I like the results when Zappa produces jazz/rock instrumental music, because he does it so well and this album is no exception. I have only had this album about a week but I like it very much already. My initial feeling is that in terms of quality it is far superior to Wakajawaka and not quite as good as Hot Rats, but that's not to take anything away from it. The music is superb. The album starts with 'The Grand Wazoo' an engrossing big band arrangement, which is really well orchestrated, it is instantly likeable. 'For Calvin follows', a colourful jazz arrangement. 'Cletus Awreetus' is next, it is a fun big band number and hits the mark, the falsetto voices and sound bites are totally engrossing. 'Eat that Question' is next, this is more jazzy and more 'Hot Rats'. I must admit that I have not listened to the last two tracks often enough to make a proper judgement on them, initially they are good. This album is a very good one , it is not quite as short as it seems. It only has five songs but the record lasts 45 minutes. The musicians on this album included George Duke and Ainsly Dunbar, two of Zappa's best used musicians. There are over twenty musicians on the album and this really shows. It is a worthwhile buy for anyone interested in jazz/rock/big band fusion.

Rating – 72%
 

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