IMAGINARY DISEASES

Frank Zappa at his artistic peak. Ten piece group with 6 horn men. Entirely instrumental tracks with truly inspired performances. Impeccable drumming, fantastic horn work, ripping guitar solos and tasteful bass playing is what makes up performances on this, arguably the best Frank Zappa archival release. The selections come from various dates during the Petit Wazoo tour in October to December in 1972.

The first track "Oddients" is, as the title suggests, an odd tune up piece. Which leads to "Rollo". The only flaw this album has is that the version captured here is an edited form, without the vocals section like it used to have during the Petit Wazoo tour, and only the infamous finale that was later added to "Don't Eat The Yellow Snow" suite onstage; is thus heard. Therefore the start of Imaginary Diseases isn't very strong. Things pick up with "Been To Kansas City In A-Minor", a 10 minute blues jam that logically follows the blues rock orientation of the earlier Mothers line ups, particularly the Flo & Eddie band, but far more sophisticated thanks to the absense of vocals and the presence of jazzy horns.

But it is not until the fourth selection things really start rolling. "Farther O'Blivian", including parts from "Greggary Peccary" as well as the proto-version of "Be Bop Tango"; is captivating throughout, offering a few surprises along the ride too. Jim Gordon proves to be proficient on his drums and his solo is surprisingly listenable too. "DC Boogie" starts out as hypnotic fuzz toned psychedelic jam with a heavy guitar solo, but during the middle, after Zappa's interaction with the audience, this improvised tune turns into...yup you guessed it, boogie! "Imaginary Diseases" is another composed tune, with punchy horns playing a theme reminiscent of a 70s cop movie on top of funky rhythm section. Frank again turns the tune into guitar fiesta until the head is restated again. "Montreal" is more inspired psyche/blues jamming from the group and is a fine ending to this 63 minute album.

Overall, a fine posthumous, archival release from Zappa. With none of the juvenile sophomoric humour so present in many FZ's work as it is entirely instrumental, and as this is the first release to document the 1972 live band; this is essential and highly recommended.