From 1969 comes this album that is hard to categorize. One song with vocals. One neo-classical piece. The rest are some form of jazz-rock fusion.
And it is all delightful.
The main piece may be Peaches En Regalia. A sort of classical piece which fully uses all of Ian Underwood's talents. The piece just along nicely and makes you wish it lasted longer. Zappa is showing his talent as composer, arranger and producer.
Hot Rats features the inimitable Captain Beefheart on vocals. He grunts, groans, screeches and screams his way through verses at the beginning and end. In between is a breathtaking guitar solo by Frank Zappa as he shows his talents as a musician.
The rest of the album is made up of jazz rock fusion music. The pieces are extended and allows the musicians to stretch out a little. And what a treat this is.
Prior to this album Zappa was known more as a novelty act. The weirdo who makes strange music. Here he becomes a guitarist, composer, arranger and producer at the top of his field.
I remember walking back to my apartment after purchasing this album for $4.11 at RPM Records in Morgantown, WV. I admit it took a few listens to get accustomed to this music. But 40 years later I am still listening.
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