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Frank Zappa made unusual rock music because he was an unusual rock musician. How many rock icons can compose and then write out music scores for an orchestra? How many classically trained musicians can stand in front of a stage full of rock musicians and conduct them like he was directing a symphony? How many rock guitarist know the words atonality, melodically, Lydian, and Mixolydian tonalities, plus when and how to use them in their music? How many rock artists have the kind of respect and admiration among peers and critics that the late Frank Zappa has? I'd say, not many... 

I'd also say, not many performers would even attempt to play Frank Zappa's music, never the less do it well. A band could quickly get into trouble attempting these rock and roll opuses. The music is intricate, multi-layered, musically brilliant, and difficult to play. Now add on that the pressure of being Frank Zappa's son and playing that music to a crowded house of rabid and paying Frank Zappa fans. Pretty daunting right? That's what Dweezil Zappa faces each night he walks out on stage, picks up his guitar, and says hello into the mic. 

Dweezil Zappa did just that at Washington D.C.'s Warner Theater on Wednesday, the 7th of November, 2007. Zappa walked onto the stage sans any introduction, fanfare, or ego and greeted the anxious house with, "Zoot Allures," the first song of a solid three hour concert that covered decades of music by the maestro, elder statesman, eclectic and exotic rocker he calls, "Frank." And from what I've read, although Frank was his dad, Dweezil called him Frank at home too. 

The young Zappa decided years ago to learn his father's music inside and out. He cordoned himself away and practiced, practiced, practiced. He studied hard and came out of that time playing some of the most ambitious rock music ever made. And playing it very well! Then Dweezil Zappa put together a band of studied, very talented musicians that somehow come together and play the music of his father without any slack in intensity or musicality from the master's own originals. and, wow, that's saying a lot, but they really do pull it off. Then DZ decided to take the show on the road and added some of his father's old protégés. sometimes playing with Steve Vai, Napoleon Murphy Brock, Terry Bozzio, or, as on this night, Ray White who recorded and toured with Frank Zappa for more than 10 years, from 1976 into the '80's. White was in very good voice and certainly looked like he was enjoying himself the entire night. 

The rest of the band are Joe Travers - drums and vocals, Jamie Kime - second guitar, Billy Hulting - percussion and vibes, Pete Griffin - bass guitar, Scheila Gonzalez - reeds and keyboards and vocals, Aaron Arntz - keyboards and trumpet. And the band was tight, very tight. playing the music with a relaxed intensity, all the players were fantastic and fun to watch. but Dweezil, like Frank used to do, stood in the middle of it all and led the team through the paces with a smile, a nod, a look, and sometimes a point. in the middle of the show, during the extended "Dupree's Paradise," DZ was very much like his father, when he put down his guitar and directed the band through all the musical improv and solos from each member. including an especially wild solo from Aaron Arntz, and then Zappa had Miss Gonzalez pick up two saxophones and play them both at the same time. throughout the whole three hour plus show the entire band were smiles and laughs, and appeared to be having lots of fun as they entertained each other as well as the full house. 
 
Out in front of it all was the happy proud son, Dweezil Zappa. and i must say, DZ can really really play! he plays much like his father, but he also has his own style. The night, although filled with Frank Zappa's music, was also filled with Dweeziil Zappa's touch on those songs. and that touch is magic. When DZ took a solo, which was often, he was blazingly fast and precise, but through the flames he was melodic, smooth and wonderful. Without any unnecessary movement, he'd calmly rip up and down the neck of his Gibson SG, bringing the whole theater to it's feet many times, but never broke a sweat all night. After the first song a picture came into view on the white screen hanging at the back of the stage and brought out sighs and cries of delight as Frank played along with the band through "Cosmik Debris," thanks to some fine synchronized audio/video technology. Other highlights were "G-Spot Tornado," "Pygmy Twylyte" with an amazing solo by DZ, "Willie the Pimp," "Dog Meat," which is a blend of "Dog Breath" and "Uncle Meat," thus "Dog Meat." Actually, the entire second half of the concert was brilliant, and included one more posthumous appearance by FZ. 

Many of the fans attending the DC show were old enough to have seen Frank Zappa play live, like me, but there were plenty of younger fans there as well. Dweezil Zappa is bringing FZ's music to a new generation, while totally satisfying the older ones, and i'm sure that makes his father happy. 
 

Set List:

Zoot Allures 
Cosmik Debris 
Lonely Little Girl 
City of Tiny Lites 
Advance Romance 
How Could I Be Such a Fool?
Ain't Got No Heart 
I'm Not Satisfied 
Carolina Hard Core Ecstasy 
Suzy Cream Cheese 
Brown Shoes Don't Make It 
America Drinks And Goes Home 
Pygmy Twylyte
Dupree's Paradise
"I Love Me Some Bush" 
DZ rips it up! 
DZ rips it up!

Uncle Remus 
Willie the Pimp 
Dog Meat 
G-Spot Tornado 
Joe's Garage 
Wind Up Working in a Gas Station 
San Ber'dino 
Yo Mama 

Encore 

Illinois Enema Bandit 
Muffin Man