The Grand Wazoo cover
Released

On this, the jazziest of his records, Zappa assembled a huge band - six woodwinds, five brass players and more - for several extended pieces of orchestrated jazz. Musicians are layered on top of each other, often doubling their lines, giving Zappa’s music a bombastic, big band feel, even in its trickier passages. But the key to this one comes in the second half, when George Duke delivers solos on “Eat That Question” and “Blessed Relief” that shine even on repeated listens. Zappa’s playing, meanwhile, is restrained and tasteful here, settling into a nice, laid back groove.

Roz Milner

Recommended by

Suggestions
The Dreamer cover

The Dreamer

José James
Love Devotion Surrender cover

Love Devotion Surrender

Carlos Santana, John McLaughlin, Mahavishnu Orchestra
Trust cover

Trust

Robert Mitchell's Panacea
London Bridge Live In Zurich 1990 cover

London Bridge Live In Zurich 1990

Docklands Sinfonietta, Mike Westbrook, Kate Westbrook
UM YANG 음 양 cover

UM YANG 음 양

Emma-Jean Thackray
Polyhymnia cover

Polyhymnia

Yazz Ahmed
Last Chance Disco cover

Last Chance Disco

Acoustic Ladyland
Live at Pep’s cover

Live at Pep’s

Yusef Lateef
Strange Strings cover

Strange Strings

Sun Ra & His Astro-Infinity Arkestra
Stampede cover

Stampede

Critters Buggin