A TOKEN OF HIS EXTREME

With all of the buzz the past year or so from the Zappa Family Trust about the Roxy videos finally being prepared for public release (at long last), it was surprising to find that they had just issued the first authorized edition of another TV show Frank had produced with the same core group from around the same time.

Sure, some of the tracks, or parts of them had been used on other FZ videos, quite often to highlight the spectacular and bizarre clay animation of Bruce Bickford, but the majority of this show is new, unless you picked up one of the unauthorized releases, most likely taken from one of the European airings of the show.

While the video looks a bit ragged on a high definition TV, it still is good enough to enjoy the performances. And the performances are amazing. While the entire band shows their talents playing Frank's difficult composition, I find it particularly enjoyable watching Ruth Underwood on her array of percussion instruments (not only because she is very cute). Her intensity on marimba, xylophone, and an array of drums and gongs is unbelievable, even as she is constantly looking to Zappa for his ever present cues.

One good reason to pick this version up over the previously released editions is the sound. Joe Travers has digitally cleaned up the audio, and made it sound as good as any album.

Another bonus is an extended interview of Zappa on the Mike Douglas show, from around the time Zoot Allures came out. It fits here as Zappa was shopping the video of this disk at the time, and plays a clip from Inca Roads. Douglas, while at first seeming to irritate Zappa, actually comes around and asks some questions that get Frank fairly animated. And even better, he plays Black Napkins, using a Pignose amp, backed by the Mike Douglas Orchestra. And it sounds great.

Frank was proud to say that he made this TV performance with his own money and added that it's the best DVD that has been made! You can't be more humble than this! This is a 1974 performance with the Mothers of Invention that was refused by American TV for obvious reason but was accepted by the more open French and Switzerland TV. It's only 73 minutes of great music and funny stuff with some strange animations that can only come from the mind of Frank or maybe a band like Tool... The song "Room Suite" is an improvisation between Frank and his partner Napoleon Murphy Brock about someone who orders something to eat in his hotel. It's just cool to see Frank laugh many times during this. As usual with Frank's music, the percussion side is always amazing with Ruth Underwood. Being filmed in the 70's this video is not comparable to today's standards but who watch this for the picture? Don't miss the great interview and performance on the Mike Douglas Show who Frank talk about the music artists he listens.