I have a few regrets in this life, and one that nears the top of my list is not ever having seen Frank Zappa perform live. When I heard that there was going to be a tribute concert in my home town, complete with symphony and electric band, I knew I had to be there. It would be the closest I would ever get to experiencing the man himself (unless you count his visitations in my dreams.)
Frank Zappa was a critical, meticulous artist; some might even call him a control freak. The thought of a concert performance of his music without his presence --his ever insistent shadow-- bordered on the absurd. Still, the thought intrigued me.
The night had been arranged by Joel Thome, a long-time admirer and some time collaborator with Frank. Joel has been widely acclaimed as an accomplished interpreter of both classical and contemporary orchestral music and as a strikingly effective conductor of opera, and other music/theater works. He had been involved with projects as diverse as 'The Age of Varese' before meeting Frank. It seemed natural that the two would eventually meet. After all, Edgard Varese was the motivating factor behind Frank's decision to become a composer.
Joel worked with Frank on the 'Zappa's Universe' project, which won a Grammy in 1994 for 'Best Rock Instrumental.' Joel was becoming more and more appreciative of Frank's work, and in his own words, has said, 'What struck me immediately was the wonderful, even startling originality of his work and the depth of knowledge that was involved in it. Right away I noticed how often he would credit Anton Webern, Arnold Schoenberg, Igor Stravinsky and, in particular, Edgard Varese. I felt that a composer who paid this sort of homage to colleagues was a very special person indeed.'
The evening was to begin with three orchestrated pieces which Frank had written for a project called 'The Perfect Stranger,' which Joel originally conducted in 1993. The Seattle Symphony is good, and I'm sure under Joel's direction, they could achieve brilliance, but I wondered about Frank's primary criticism with performances of his own orchestrated works. He has said:
'I don't think there are going to be that many composers in the future. ...You can't just write music. I don't think it was ever really that much better, but things are getting especially tough now because there are no budgets for the performances, no budgets for rehearsal. If a chamber group or an orchestra does a performance of something, it's probably something that's already been written for hundreds of years, and the orchestra already knows it, which means that they don't have to spend money for rehearsal. They play only the hits...'Learning to play a new piece is tough enough, but when you consider the complexities in Frank's music, which challenges even the most advanced musicians, I had to wonder just how Frank would feel if he were there. Suddenly a chill went down my spine, for I had the feeling that he was there. This night was for him and he was there. As critical as ever. I could feel him cringe as the orchestra began to warm up.
The orchestrated set consisted of three pieces: 'The Perfect Stranger', 'Naval Aviation in Art?', and 'Dupree's Paradise.' Overall, they were enjoyable, but the orchestra seemed strained, and slightly, almost imperceptibly, out of synch with the spirit of the piece. The audience adored the performance, but I could see Frank frowning, shaking his head, and holding his hands to his ears. Except for the second piece, 'Naval Aviation In Art?' The spirit seemed to flow and the orchestra struck a mood which was truly inspired... and then it ended. It was all too short of a piece.
During the intermission, the crew began setting up the equipment for the second half of the show. I was getting excited! A drum kit, an electric piano, electric guitars, and was that Ike Willis mingling with the fans? The second half of the set had alumni from Frank's own band joining the orchestra! Along with Ike Willis, there was Tommy Mars, Walter Fowler, Chad Wackerman, Tom Fowler, and the star attraction, guitarist Steve Vai. They called themselves 'The Band from Utopia,' named after one of Frank's albums. Joining this lineup was the vocal group, The Persuasions, whom Frank had heard in 1970 and signed to a recording contract on his own Straight Records.
Ike Willis was the star of the evening, hamming it up with the crowd and displaying a cheerful and playful demeanor. All the musicians had their chance to shine under the spotlight, and it was very apparent why Frank had hand-picked these individuals to be in his band. The performances were truly fine, and they worked very well with the orchestra. Some moments were truly inspired and you could feel the spirit of Frank summoned forth in full magical force.
Highlights included a unique a capella version of 'Lucille Has Messed My Mind Up' performed by The Persuasions. The song 'Sofa' was performed flawlessly, and the fusion of jazz, orchestra, blues, and rock blended so perfectly that you would swear there was only one music; THE music. But the highlight of the evening was a spectacular version of 'Inca Roads.' Not a single nuance was out of place. The orchestra, rhythm, searing guitars, complex vocal arrangements, and syncopated harmony of the piece all fell into place, leaving no doubt as to what Frank had envisioned when he wrote it.
There were other magical moments and a few disappointments. Frank's extended whimsical jazz orchestra piece 'Waka Jawaka' was gaining steam and taking on a life all it's own when the horn section of the orchestra seemed to stumble. Joel tried desperately and emotionally to eke some passion out of them, but they floundered and the piece went down with them. Again I felt Frank's frustration as he seemingly pulled at his hair.
Frank Zappa, the man, is gone from this world, but we can be eternally grateful for the rich legacy he has left behind. As long as there are daredevils such as Joel Thome to continue to push the boundaries and expand the horizons of Frank Zappa's music, we will always have the man with us. In that knowledge we can find great comfort.