Zappa, Frank - You Can’t Do That On Stage Anymore, Vol. 2 : The Helsinki Concert 2 x CDs
SKU
15-824302387825
“The member line-up of this overdub-free concert (edited/combined from 22/23 September 1974 shows), is one of Frank's and many other fan's favorite Zappa bands: Napoleon Murphy Brock: saxophone, flute, vocals; George Duke: keyboards, vocals; Ruth Underwood: percussion; Tom Fowler: bass guitar and future Genesis drummer Chester Thompson on, yes: drums. Most of these ultra-skilled musicians were responsible for the manifestation of Zappa's musical ideas on Roxy & Elsewhere, Apostrophe, Over-nite Sensation and, with Chester now on drums, were to be the main nucleus of the sublime One Size Fits All.
Now, I thought 'Inca Roads' on One Size Fits All was pretty tight and remarkable; surely must've required some synchronizing and other useful studio help, but no; somehow on track three of this 1974 Helsinki concert, they manage to not only play as sharply as they would in the studio version, but make it even more tight- mind-boggling so, with some embellishments and creativity that make it a fresh and exciting new experience and, of course, it also has that live energy virtually impossible to recreate in a recording studio. Frank rips out a spectacular solo (part of which was to be used in the studio version) and Ruth, well, isn't she brilliant? There's some wonderful vocal interplay on it too, as there is in good balance with the instrumental passages throughout the whole concert.
The example of the 'Inca Roads' exhibition is essentially indicative of most of the old songs played at this show, with the exception of 'Montana', the lyrics being fused with some 'Whipping Post' references after the song (not in the group's repertoire...yet) was requested by an audience member and the band climatically rocks-out the ending. They also play an impromptu "Finnish Tango" called 'Satumaa', apparently having only just learned once in Finland, clearly adding their own touch with some improvisation after the first, perhaps more faithful, few bars. Other than these fun ad-hoc pieces and a few other bits of inspired spontaneity (including Frank's fearless guitar-solo adventures) the rehearsed material is exacted with phenomenal and supremely confident precision.
The band had been playing/rehearsing so much that Frank famously stated they could've played the songs proficiently blindfolded.
The humor throughout is well balanced with the great music; Zappa's extraordinary guitar work; incredible drums/percussion; Duke's keyboard magic; Brock's wind and vocals (apparently he was suffering from pneumonia!) and Fowler's tremendous bass all played with great feel- you can really tell they were having a good time and Frank sounds in particularly good spirits.
This is truly one of the greatest live albums I've heard...”-Sebastian Gerber
- LabelZappa
- UPC824302387825