FIDOPLAYSZAPPA LIVE ON THE DENTAL FLOSS

A concert celebrated as a tribute to Frank Zappa is something totally new for me! FIDO is a Swiss project initiated by bass player Pascal Grünenfelder who was captivated once upon a time by exploring Zappa's compositional geniality and special humour. Gradually the interest grew in reinterpreting some songs of his endless repertoire and so Grünenfelder began to search for the help of like-minded fellows. He could form a crew consisting of ten musicians finally who are representing a wide background ranging from classical, jazz to rock.

After exploring the band's performance in Basel which took place in 2007 I'm sure they have worked hard for reaching the competence and power to carry Zappa's musical legacy to the stage. It's worthwhile - that's for a first conclusion. The Basel situated 'kulturfloss' association organized this nice summer evening provided with special circumstances. The band played on a raft (floss) situated on the river Rhyne in front of the audience which was placed at the riverside. Does Humor Belong In Music? In this sense FIDO summarily answered the question using a pun and turning the name 'kulturfloss' into 'dental floss' referring to the probably most famous song 'Montana'.

They are starting the set with the jazz rocking More Trouble Everyday and I was immediately impressed by the band's presence. Although I'm not a Zappa expert - the right person to compare original and interpretation - at least I can indicate this as great musicianship - flawlessly performed. Singer Dave Muscheidt entertains and announces solo excursions - for example Steff Strittmatter's guitar interlude. This is grooving. The brass section featuring trumpet, trombone and two saxophones suits fine. Several camera operators are on the stage for capturing lots of impressions which were mixed up professionally.

The following 14 minutes are reserved for two songs played as a unity where they are presenting a varity of impressions - and even jamming qualities. The much more avantgarde Andy is partially played in a staccato mood and provided with crazy vocal acrobatics. The same for the following Inca Roads - a song which also offers room enough for soloing (Strittmatter on guitar and Oli Friedli on piano and organ). Drummer Remy Sträuli demonstrates multitasking when delivering additional vocal appearance. Watching the band's virtuosity you really get a kick out of it. And the sound mix is perfect.

A funny turbulent set is following proving the band's multiple vocal quality and ability to interpret Zappa's humour. The jazzy Take Your Clothes Off When You Dance fading into the short What's The Ugliest Part Of Your Body and then Honey Don't You Want A Man Like Me?. Front man Muscheidt announces in baseldytsch, something like a local dialect which is really hard to understand for me - even if Basel is situtated at the border to Germany.

You won't miss the instrumental Peaches En Regalia and Sofa No.2 sees them kidding when they are quoting the profound lyrics mixed up in english and german. Greatly played comes the What's New In Baltimore spiked with some short interludes like the official Simpsons melody for example. The bands closes the concert with two songs from the album 'Over-Nite Sensation'. Zombi Woof is grooving a lot interrupted by some eclectic excursions.

Starting from Baltimore and having a short stop in Cleveland FIDO finally moves to Montana. Now coming back to the 'dental floss' with the mandatory guitar solo they also use the song for introducing the band members. It's nearly impossible to replace the original's female voices. This interpretation cannot convice me completely, the vocals are lacking a little bit as for my impression. But for the summary FIDO has celebrated a successful event in Basel on that evening. I'm sure every die-hard fan will be delighted too. A recommended passage crossing Zappa's exceptional universe - 3.5 stars.