Hot Rats

@pfeiffer and @baylinor : I can’t fault ya’ll for taking the conflating of Zappa and Trump in the wrong sense (though I can for not at least suspecting the attempt at humour ;-). I was speaking only of their propensity for thinking very highly of themselves, and endeavoring to persuade you of the validity of that opinion.

In all other ways they are complete opposites. Trump couldn’t even begin to understand Zappa, while Frank understood Donald all too well. Zappa had a big brain and talented hands, Trump a lizard brain and small hands ;-) .

@mahler123: It was not I who compared Popular Musicians with Classical Composers, but rather Pat Metheny. In my opinion both have to be judged as farmers in their own fields, not at all the same crops. Sorry for the silly metaphors ;-) .

I love, love, love J.S. Bach, but when I’m in the mood for Rock ’n’ Roll I put on a Dave Edmunds album. When I want to have a spiritual experience, I put on Bach’s Concerto For Four Harpsichords And Orchestra. Two completely different activities and experiences.

Both are called music, but they are as different as they are alike.

One more thing about FZ, he was so predictable...in being unpredictable. I like the Roxy & Elsewhere, Freak Out and Burnt Weenie Sandwich from first period and too many from there. Had an amazing ability to gather top musicians and create great bands. 

"Had an amazing ability to gather top musicians and create great bands."

That was often acknowledged. But still Frank may not have received enough credit for those he brought to play with him.  Great musicianship and they "fit" so well into his musical visions.

Thing is, Frank didn't like having to work with other musicians; he had to because the technology available during his time required them, and for live performances.

If Frank was around today, I'd bet he'd be making his records solo using a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), sampling, etc....