ZPZ in Boston

Here's a late addition to this overlooked blog thingie. This is my write up for the ZPZ mini site with a quick rundown of the fun we had at the Zappa Plays Zappa show in Boston.



Just back from a week on the East Coast ending with a night with ZPZ at the tented BofA Pavilion. (Formerly named the Fleet Pavilion, would that have been even more appropriate for Illinois Enema Bandit?) Fantastic show on a hot humid night in what could be an acoustically challenged venue.

Dweezil and the band are more relaxed and are obviously having more fun than on the Vai/Bozzio tour.

Everyone shines. Joe is rock solid behind his moustachiod kit and adding the right eyebrows on vocals ("don't you boys know any NICE songs?"). Billy's percussion is spot on, he shows no fear even in the speediest version of G Spot. Jamie always holds his own (who knew there would be a twelve string in Suzy Creamcheese?). Aaron is amazing and full of robotic surprises. Pete, wow, he makes the hard stuff look easy and all of it sound solid. Sheila G is multi-talented, horns, keys, vocals, big Trixie hair, and dancing.

Ray White: pipes like it was still 1976. Man, he can bring it all, from Tiny Lites to Enema Bandit.

Dweezil's engages the audience more now than on last tour, and we hear more from him in vocals as well. His solos brought people to their feet.

Here's a slightly adjusted Boston set list:

Noise intro
Suzy Cream Cheese
Brown Shoes
America Drinks and Goes Home (bologna and lobster sandwiches)
City of Tiny Lights (enter Ray White)
I’m The Slime (1st time this tour, thanks Aaron!)
Carolina Hard Core Ecstasy
Advance Romance
Dumb All Over (video Frank vocal and solo)
What’s New in Baltimore?
Pygmy Twilight (Quaalude Thunder version)
Dupree’s Paradise variations (Jamie rips Packard Goose solo, Scheila plays almost everything in Drowning Witch mode, Ray vamps “dildo horse” to Jessie’s Girl)
Uncle Remus
Willie The Pimp (huge crowd reaction, Dweezil demonstrates the modified jumping jack one audience member was doing)
Joe’s Garage (Scheila and Pete dancing to "the white zone is for...")
Wind Up Workin’ in a Gas Station
San Ber’dino
Illinois Enema Bandit
(encores)
Cosmik Debris (video FZ vocal , rhythm behind Dweezil and solo)
G Spot Tornado
Muffin Man (video FZ solo from Baby Snakes)

Wild Love and Yo Mama had appeared on printed set list but not played. Dunno why, but I sure didn't feel short changed.

In the merchandise department there is now a CD of Dub Room Special available on the tour.

Thanks again Dweezil for keeping Frank's music out there. See you on the left coast!
_________________