Zappa The Musician

Zappa could have been one of the most underrated guitarist and musician for his time. Only die-hard fans could truly understand the motives and the reasoning behind some of his strangest work. With album titles like ``We`re Only in it for the Money`` and ``Uncle Meat`` and tracks called ``I Promise not to Come in your Mouth`` and ``I`m the Slime``, it’s easy for critics to classify Zappa`s music as rubbish. It`s not like Zappa cared less what the critics thought either. If critics or audiences were appalled by Zappa`s musical content, it made him happy. These songs, albums and concepts are directed to those ``normal``, happy-go-lucky people who did not accept change and difference in their life. It`s not like Zappa was willing to change for anyone either. For years to come he would have to deal with controversies either within his band or ones that were politically charged with higher forces of authority. The funny part is those forces and normal people did not realize these songs were mostly about them. Almost every Zappa track has a personal connection. This fuelled Zappa to continue writing music this way.

Zappa also had a passion for the rock concert. It’s not like The Mothers of Invention was your typical three-piece like Cream. They were an army. Zappa knew that fans paid hard-earned money to see a good show and that’s what he gave them every night. He was strict with his musicians on tour because he knew the importance of live music and was fortunate he had such a powerful following that he couldn’t have let down.

As for a guitarist, there are guys like Jeff Beck, Steve Vai and Joe Satriani who are not only considered virtuosos but also considered as some of the best in the world. Zappa had some slick chops when playing guitar and he incorporated many different styles of music through an electric guitar. Long before Vai and Satriani there was no one who could possibly play like him. One could make a strong case for Beck but he was more of a bluesy-rock guitarist much like Jimmy Page and Jimi Hendrix (who were considered by many as the best in the world). I believe it was more of a popularity contest at the time.  Who was playing similar to Zappa at the time? There weren’t many songs in the form of ¾ and they’re weren’t nearly as many arrangements used by anyone the way Zappa used them on his records and live shows. If Frank Zappa was more commercial, we wouldn’t be talking about how Jimi Hendrix or the Beatles were the best artists of all-time. In terms of vision and clarity of how Zappa wanted his music to sound, he should rank up there with Mozart, Beethoven and Bob Dylan as the greatest composers and musicians of all-time.