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The Grand Wazoo | 
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| Artist: Frank Zappa & The Mothers Of Invention
Label: Zappa Records
Category: Music
List Price: $11.98
Buy New: $10.99
You Save: $0.99 (8%)
New (37) Used (10) from $6.98
Rating:  45 reviews
Sales Rank: 13900
Format: Original Recording Remastered
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.8 x 4.8 x 0.4
MPN: 310517
UPC: 014431051722
EAN: 0014431051722
ASIN: B0000009SF
Release Date: May 16, 1995
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Tracks:
| • | The Grand Wazoo | | • | For Calvin (And His Next Two Hitch-Hikers) | | • | Cletus Awreetus-Awrightus | | • | Eat That Question | | • | Blessed Relief |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Album Description
Japanese exclusive reissue of 1973 album, packaged in a miniature LP sleeve.
Album Details
Japanese Version featuring a Limited LP Style Slipcase Cover. Strictly Limited to 2000 Copies!
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| Customer Reviews: Read 40 more reviews...
 Little Acknowledged Zappa Classic September 6, 2008
Perhaps it was only nostalgia that made me purchase this CD, but I've never forgotten its jazzy melodies. I especially enjoy "Blessed Relief" which takes me back to those musically experimental, latter days of high school (1972-74). I can count this album as one of a handful that formed the basis of my appreciation of jazz.
simply grand August 18, 2008
I love Frank Zappa's instrumental/experimental period from the late 60's/early 70's. That's probably why I love the Grand Wazoo. While I haven't heard the entire disc, I can safely say this is one mighty fine album. These instrumental jams are atmospheric, adventurous and as creative as a jam can possibly be. The way Frank Zappa used to write music is just really incredible. Being experimental really *is* the way to go, for long-lasting satisfaction. While Hot Rats is his masterpiece, the Grand Wazoo is probably his next best album. Jamming done right!
FZ On Jazz Fusion Steroids! September 28, 2007
Three great Zappa jazz-fusion albums, Waka/Jawaka, Hot Rats and Grand Wazoo. The latter is the best of the three. All three are must-haves if you want to explore Zappa. Another must-have is Jazz From Hell but it's a challenging listen! There's one more must-have. Apostrophe is one of those rare instances where pop meets superb composing and musicianship. Much of Zappa material became silly anti-establishment expoitation and goofyness. Some of it became very popular and FZ made a fortune from it. More power to him I say!!
Is This Phase II of Waka Jawaka? July 26, 2007
I'm a big Zappa fan (actually saw the Roxy band in 1974 - eat your heart out). Anyway, in my humble but all important and all knowing opinion, The Grand Wazoo (with its glorious 21 piece jazz orchestra) and Waka Jawaka simply represent the best of Zappa's material from the 70s. Ok, we can throw Roxy and Elsewhere and Bongo Fury in there as well. Sure, Zappa had bands that sounded this good, most notably the Make A Jazz Noise Here band - but for some reason, this music just sounds more organic than that final touring band (which he regarded as his best band ever). There are 5 tracks on Grand Wazoo and they are all great. I have a particular fondness for the title track and the closing track, Blessed Relief. If you want to hear Zappa at his very best, you want The Grand Wazoo and Waka Jawaka. 'Nuff said.
The Grand Wazoo May 30, 2007
5 out of 6 found this review helpful
Frank Zappa And The Mothers Of Invention-The Grand Wazoo *****
A previous reviews have stated Frank Zappa belongs to a select few composers of jazz that surpass all the rest and are among some of the most talented musicans ever, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Duke Ellington, Frank Zappa. Now, and really even during his career Frank Zappa was mostly known for his satirical comedy in his lyrics and his vituosic guitar playing which is fine and good because he was amazing at both, however Zappa was also one of the greatest arrangers of classical and jazz that the world has ever known, as well as one of the most inventive and innovative, and that is often disgarded and overlooked, and The Grand Wazoo does a wonderful job of showing all of showing all of Zappa strong suits.
The Grand Wazoo was released in 1973 as part of the tilogy of albums begining with the legendary classic Hot Rats, continuing with the brilliant Waka/Jaka, and concluding here with The Grand Wazoo. While not the overwelming classic that Hot Rats is this is far superior in composistion and form. More mature and thought out even though most of this is 'free form/improv' though not much was ever improv with Zappa other then guitar solos. While this is more orchastral then Hot Rats it is more like Waka/Jawaka, and once again this album is superior in all the techincal ways of playing and composition and form, however the other two albums in the genra are favorites above this one. Doesnt make since does it. See while this one is most innovative and revolutionary it does not compare to the other albums as a whole.
Zappas playing as far as guitar playing goes is nothing short of breath taking here, not that it ever is, but this album shows a more adventurous nature to Zappas playing one that had not been heard by him before and he had tried after The Grand Wazoo but was never able to reach this level of experimentation with such success again.
As composing goes this is possibly his strongest album in that area. The songs, well piecces of music rather are so of his most original and interesting. The time signatures and molodic lines and harmonies are out of this world. Zappa was really on a role with The Grand Wazoo.
Aside from Zappa himself Sal Marquez owns the trumpet here and shines like never before or since. This album may contain the most talented and cohesive group of musicians ever assembled together to play on a Zappa album, which explains the incredible results. Aynsley Dunbar, Don Preston and George Duke all in the same room playing together...are you kidding, there is no way this album would be anything short of phenonomal!
For jazz fans and Zappa fans alike this is an album not to pass up. This is the album Miles Davis wishes he would have made with Bitches Brew!
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