Hot Rats

@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.... 

Zappa is notorious amongst drummers for his brutal auditions. He wrote parts for the applicants to play, parts intentionally extremely difficult to play. Some found him to be a sadist who enjoyed humiliating other musicians. One drummer Zappa was very impressed by and greatly respected was Vinnie Colaiuta.

But different writers/musicians value different playing "philosophies"/styles in their accompanists/sidemen. Danny Gatton, a virtuoso guitarists-guitarist (a far better guitarist than Zappa. Ask anyone ;-) had very different tastes in drummers than did Zappa.

Gatton to his new drummer during the break after the drummer’s first set on stage with Danny:

"You know all that fancy sh*t you play?"

The drummer: "Yeah."

Gatton: "Don’t."