Zappa’s Legendary Musicians and Their Impact on His Sound
Frank Zappa, a modern musical pioneer, relied on some of the most impressive musicians in the world to craft his distinctive and complex sound. From the Underwood brothers to Bobby Martin and Scheila Gonzalez, each member of his band contributed uniquely to the Zappa sound, making it a testament to their talent and dedication.
The Awesomeness of the Underwood Brothers
Among the most impressive musicians Zappa ever had the pleasure to work with were the Underwood brothers, Ruth and Ian. Both were classically trained, something that was rare for rock musicians of their era. They were trained in the modernist music of composers like Varese, Webern, Bartok, and Stravinsky, which Zappa drew inspiration from.
Simeon Underwood, in his comprehensive study of Zappa's musicians, notes that ‘Ian's musicianship far outstretched anyone else’s at the time,’ providing Zappa with a vast array of musical ideas and techniques to explore. Ian’s saxophone and piano work, along with Ruth’s lightning marimba, helped define the Zappa sound of the 1970s and early 1980s.
Frank’s Band: A Who’s Who of Musical Talent
Frank’s band was a veritable Who’s Who of musical talent. Here’s an overview of some of the most notable members:
Steve Vai
Steve Vai, no stranger to difficulty, lent his virtuosic lead guitar skills to Zappa’s lineup. His capabilities extended beyond just playing; he was a true virtuoso who could handle complex compositions.
Ian and Ruth Underwood
lambasted for being overlooked sometimes, Ian Underwood’s contributions to the band were equally impressive. His diverse instrumental abilities—from saxophone to piano—added layers of complexity to Zappa’s music. Ruth Underwood, with her lightning-fast marimba playing, cemented her place as a key player in Zappa’s distinctive sound.
George Duke, Tommy Mars, Jean-Luc Ponty, Eddie Jobson, and Don “Sugar Cane” Harris
George Duke and Tommy Mars on keyboards, Jean-Luc Ponty on violin, Eddie Jobson on various woodwinds, and Don “Sugar Cane” Harris with his experimental electric violin, rounded out a rock band that could seamlessly transition between classical and rock styles.
Terry Bozzio, Chad Wackerman, and Vinnie Colaiuta
Drummers brought out the rhythm and pulse of Zappa's music. Terry Bozzio, Chad Wackerman, and Vinnie Colaiuta, with their technical prowess, were central to the band's sonic complexity.
Frank Zappa: The Ultimate Musical Challenge
Frank Zappa’s music is widely known for its complexity and difficulty. Pianist Frédéric Neau, a favorite of Zappa, once said, “Frank Zappa Band on your resume is gold.” This statement underscores the difficulty of the music and the respect Zappa’s musicians held for him.
Notable among this crew was Bobby Martin, a versatile keyboardist and singer, who was not only a fantastic player but could also effortlessly perform complex arrangements. Bobby not only excelled in his instrumental skills but also in singing challenging tunes like "Whipping Post." Additionally, his proficiency on saxophone, French horn, and other woodwinds further highlighted his extensive range.
Beyond the Band
Beyond the band, Scheila Gonzalez, a member of Dweezil Zappa’s group, Zappa Plays Zappa, further cements Zappa’s legacy. She is a master of several instruments, including sax, keyboards, flute, and harmonica, and is equally adept at vocals. Her versatility and talent add another layer to the Zappa sound, ensuring that his legacy continues to influence modern musicians.
Frank Zappa’s musicians faced daunting challenges, whether it was transposing parts instantly, playing in odd time signatures, or performing complex written parts. Imagine a musician being asked to switch styles on the fly or handle intricate 32nd note passages. This level of skill and agility was not only impressive but also a testament to the excellence of the musicians who worked under Zappa.
Frank’s concerts were legendary for their energy and innovation. As a Zappa fan, few moments could match the intensity and creativity of a Zappa concert. Frank’s music is a perfect blend of classical complexity and rock innovation, underscored by the incredible talent that gathered around him.