Frank Zappa and Stevie Vai

[BigOleDummy]

People sometimes forget just what a great guitar player Frank was.........

[Shermann]

1. Pretty cool, I wouldn't even know that was Vai just listening to it

He hasn't found his unmistakable signature sound and style yet. This might be his lousy "electric ham sandwich" tone.

[ProfessorGAC]

2. Vai's Quite Amazing

Frank knew great when he heard it. That's how we recruited Steve in the first place.
I've told this story before, but.....
In the early 90s I had business in Frankfurt, Germany. Was there a few days.
One afternoon I see Frank & 2 of his kids walking the opposite way. I was staying on the same floor. (Frankfurter Hof)
Next morning, I'm heading to the hotel restaurant & Frank is sitting in the atrium reading the USA Today International.
I go over & tell him hi and how I enjoyed his "Shut Up & Play Your Guitar" series.
He says thanks and "You a musician?" I say I'm semi-pro keyboards & guitar. He laughed and said that figured because only musicians like those albums.
Then he asked if I'd eaten breakfast. I said no & he call over the waiter.
He bought breakfast & we talked guitars, music, & baseball for about 45 minutes.
A few years later, he died.
Talk about being in the right place at the right time.

[BigOleDummy]

3. Wow

I envy you that breakfast! I'm sure that was a stimulating conversation. Been a fan of his since I heard "Just another band from L.A." the first time! Billy was a Mountain opened my eyes that rock could take many forms, some quite unexpected. He was wrong about one thing though....... I loved those Shut Up and Play Yer Guitar albums. Had them all.

I have a Frank story too. Well..... kinda sorta. First time in Amsterdam, walking around checking everything out. Saw a long haired guy walking towards us so we asked if he knew where we could see some rock and roll live. He looked at us and said "I don't listen to rock and roll". So naturally we asked him what he listened to. He smiled and said "Zappa!" We all laughed and made a friend that we visited multiple times while we were still in Europe.

[simpleman66]

4. About Frank Zappa

His catalog is massive. I only have 2 of his albums: Overnight Sensation (1973), The Man From Utopia (1983). I know, embarrassing. If you could recommend only 1 of his albums to buy, ok maybe 2, which would they be?

[ProfessorGAC]

5. I'd Suggest Any Of...

...the Shut Up & Play Yer Guitar albums.
I don't have a preference among the 3.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shut_Up_%27n_Play_Yer_Guitar

[BigOleDummy]

6. Don't forget...

Apostrophe. Great album..... more song driven than music driven if I'm making any sense. It was his only gold record too btw. I'm sure you've heard some of it..... think yellow snow lol. Here it is, but please buy it you won't regret it.