I could be biased but here was my take.
Show was really fantastic. The band is so tight and even better than last year. Being together longer has definitely benefited them as a group because the music is so complicated, and Franks pallet was so diverse with so much dynamics, thanks Eddie, that I would think it takes repetition to become proficient at it, which they have. They added a new singer but everyone else was the same. There were no slouches on any of the instruments. All top notch players. One observation I had was Frank had nothing over Dweezil as far as guitar playing, he is really, really an awesome talent. Of course Frank was far superior as far as an arranger , writer, but he was that over most anybody in the music bizz IMO. We had great seats, 16 rows back on floor right in middle. Most people were there to see the headliner and last band, Dream Theater. A younger crowd for sure but I think they really appreciated Zappa by the applause at the end. We had to sit through the first 2 bands which were pretty generic and loud. Zappa played 3rd and the final headliner band, Dream Theater, was decent but very heavy metal and loud. They had amps and cabinets stacked to the ceiling and quite the light show, all good players but as far as the music went not in the same ball park IMO. Just not into that style anymore. All us 50 year older's, there were 6 of us, left early as as far as we were concerned they were a let down after Zappa, plus we had to get home to bed as it was past our bedtime. Thanks Ed for driving and the scenic tour .
"A beach is a place where a man can feel he's the only soul in the world that's real"
THE PLAYERS:
Dweezil Zappa: Guitar
Scheila Gonzalez: Saxphone, Flute, Keyboards & Vocals
Pete Griffin: Bass
Billy Hulting: Marimba, Mallets & Percussion
Jamie Kime: Guitar
Joe Travers: Drums & Vocals
Ben Thomas: Vocals
Schelia Gonzalez .. ... Any of the players last night could have held thier own with Frank . 3 yrs. ago, the first year I saw the ZPZ band I thought they were very weak compared to original Mothers present . (Steve Via ,Terry Bozzio,, Napoleun Murphy Brock) Last night was different . They've all grown and are very "dynamic" players idividually and as a band . Very precise ,clean show unlike the one level, monotone acts before and after.. It was great going with the Proffesor and my 50 year old friends . I could look at them and remember them as kids years ago, only we were at Franks show.. Can't wait until next year ...
all great, Would have luved to see Via with them the other nite. spent all last nite at work listen to him. Larry you just don't know what you are missing
"A beach is a place where a man can feel he's the only soul in the world that's real"
Very unfortunately stuck doing airport shuttle service Sunday after a weekend grad party for number one son. Then to make matters worse, off to western PA just so I could miss the CT show.
I think I just may have to make it up to myself by catching the Dan show with Steve Carlton on the 12th. Mucho dinero though. Ouchie!!