Frank Zappa "Waka/Jawaka - Hot Rats"

By Caroline Boucher

Disc, September 2, 1970


FRANK ZAPPA - "Waka/Jawaka - Hot Rats" (Bizarre/ Reprise K44203, £2.09).

This is one of Zappa's more looselimbed albums, rather like "Weasels." His music falls into fairiy definite categories the rock and roll humour of "We're Only In It For The Money" type of album, tight rock-jazz like "Hot Rats" with definite musical themes developed in a more classica! style, and freer jazz like this album.

The main Mothers you'll recognise here are Jeff Simmons, Aynsley Dunbar, Don Preston and brilliant jazz pianist George Duke. Side one is a long piece "Big Swifty" lasting 17 minutes 26 seconds. Side two is three tracks, more instantly recognisable as Zappa with a brilliant pedal steel solo from Sneaky Pete Kleinow on "It Just Might Be A One-Shot Dea!." Technically good, but slightly tedious listening.

★★★

CB