i like his first album, name escapes me but i know the first song on it is called hungry freaks, daddy
he acknowledged the 21st century french composer edvard varese on a couple of his liner notes.i've heard just enough of each composers work to see the influence.
What I get from reading books and interviews, Frank was frustrated to no end trying to get his music accurately played by real orchestras. He spent millions trying to get his orchestral pieces performed. Union bullshit, and what not, often resulted in a lack of adequate rehearsal time, not to mention apathetic attitudes amongst some musicians ( He mentions drunken brass players on "LSO") Ensemble Modern at least seems to be made up mostly of musicians who recognize Zappas brilliance, and are trying their best to interpret the music according to Franks vision as they see it ( now that Franks not around...) I don't remember Frank giving any better compliment than "acceptable" or "fairly pleased with the perfomance" for any piece on Yellow Shark. "G-Spot Tornado" still gives me goosepimples everytime, and "Times Beach" is such an achingly beautiful composition, it makes me cry... ZW eace:
