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Who would ever want to hear half an hour of wall-to-wall guitar instrumentals? When the soloist in question is Frank Zappa, the answer is anyone who should ever require proof that Zappa was one of the most gifted electric (and occasionally acoustic) guitarists of the rock & roll era. Granted, his previous recordings had included copious examples of his epic fretwork. However, it wasn't until the 1981 release of the Shut Up 'n Play Yer Guitar trilogy -- which was among the first offerings on the artist's indie-owned and operated Barking Pumpkin Records label -- that devotees had the opportunity to hear Zappa's consistently provocative playing. With the exception of the studio-derived "While You Were Out," this initial seven-song installment was lifted from a handful of performances circa 1979 and 1980. During that era, the supporting configuration bore the talents of rhythm guitarists Warren Cuccurullo, Denny Walley, Ike Willis, Ray White, and Steve Vai; keyboardists Tommy Mars, Peter Wolf, and Bob Harris; bassist Arthur Barrow; percussionist Ed Mann; and drummer Vinnie Colaiuta. The selections unleash specific facets in Zappa's omni-versatile styles and sonic palettes. Likewise revealed is his remarkable interaction with the band, as the two are heard upping the proverbial ante and pushing one another. The results range from the edgy, piledriving opener "Five-Five-Five" and the reggae-influenced "Treacherous Cretins" through to the blues-informed closer, "Soup 'n Old Clothes." For sincere students of Zappa's techniques, the liner notes make mention of the exact axe that Zappa used on each respective title. Similarly, keen-eared enthusiasts might discern brief spoken "conceptual continuity"-related extracts courtesy of Davey Moire, Terry Bozzio, and Patrick O'Hearn. These are from the same conversational caches featured on Sheik Yerbouti (1979), Tinseltown Rebellion (1981), the Baby Snakes soundtrack recording (1979), and most prominently throughout Läther (1996).
Condition:NEW. Brand New Factory Sealed
TRACK LISTINGS
1 Five-Five-Five Frank Zappa 2:35
2 Hog Heaven Frank Zappa 2:49
3 Shut Up 'n Play Yer Guitar Frank Zappa 5:38
4 While You Were Out Frank Zappa 5:59
5 Treacherous Cretins Frank Zappa 5:35
6 Heavy Duty Judy Frank Zappa 4:42
7 Soup 'n Old Clothes Frank Zappa 0:00
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