Dweezil Zappa: 50 Years of Frank, Birmingham Town Hall - review
50 Years of Frank was like a cocktail with a shot of everything. A dizzying blend of all things Zappa that leaves you in a musical spin but goes down a treat.
Frank's son Dweezil returned to Birmingham Town Hall last night as he continues touring his father's extensive back catalogue despite a well-publicised trademark row with his siblings.
And boy we're glad to have him back. The American always serves up a refreshing show that has all the clout of a good old rock concert mixed up with jazz, pop, classical, opera, comedy and just about anything else you can think of.
Dweezil and his six band members showed off a tight sound that perfectionist Frank would have been proud of.
Half a century on from the first Mothers Of Invention album release Freak Out! Dweezil and his current line-up are hand-picking their favourite tracks from Frank's extensive back catalogue. And Motherly Love from that album was a standout song to help set the right vibe for the evening that also saw the band play tracks such as Cruising for Burgers, Would You Go All The Way? Dirty Love and even a top notch performance of the 007 theme tune.
Dweezil showed his usual mastery of the signature Zappa Gibson SG guitar while saxophonist Scheila Gonzalez got perhaps the biggest cheer of the night at the finale for her amazing playing. Not to do the rest of the band down as they were all absolutely marvellous..kazoos and all!
Here's hoping Dweezil doesn't get bogged down in lawsuits and lose any of the passion for doing what he does best.
