Frank Zappa – The Grand Wazoo [50th Anniversary Edition · Vinyl LP · 180g]

Frank Zappa – The Grand Wazoo [50th Anniversary Edition · Vinyl LP · 180g]

Details

• Format: Vinyl LP, 180g, Gatefold
• Catalogue Number: ZR3849-1
• Barcode: 0602448139740
• Genre: Jazz-Rock / Progressive Rock
• Label: Zappa Records / UMe
• Originally Released: 1972
• Reissue Released: 2022
• Pressing: 50th Anniversary Edition, 180g black vinyl, all-analog mastering by Bernie Grundman from ¼” analog EQ copy master tape, pressed by Optimal Media GmbH
• Condition: New & Sealed

Description

The Grand Wazoo is the fifteenth studio album from Frank Zappa, released in November 1972 on Bizarre / Reprise Records. Recorded at Paramount Recording Studios in Hollywood, it is the second of two big-band jazz-rock albums Zappa made during his “Wazoo” period following a serious injury sustained on stage in 1971. The record features a twenty-piece ensemble — a rare configuration in rock — drawing on jazz arrangement, brass writing, and Zappa’s characteristic compositional precision.

The album spans five tracks across two sides, ranging from the rolling orchestral funk of For Calvin (And His Next Two Hitch-Hikers) to the nearly fourteen-minute title track, which builds through a series of soloist features including bottle-neck guitar from Tony Duran, trombone from Bill Byers, and trumpet from Sal Marquez. Eat That Question showcases George Duke on keyboards, while the closing Blessed Relief provides a measured, almost meditative resolution. Drummer Aynsley Dunbar anchors the ensemble throughout.

This 50th Anniversary Edition is Zappa Official Release #16, mastered by Bernie Grundman using all-analog processes from the original ¼” analog EQ copy master tape. Pressed at 180g by Optimal Media GmbH in the original gatefold packaging.

Tracklist

Side A

1. For Calvin (And His Next Two Hitch-Hikers) — 7:15
2. The Grand Wazoo — 13:24

Side B

1. Cletus Awreetus-Awrightus — 2:55
2. Eat That Question — 6:41
3. Blessed Relief — 8:00

Credits

• Frank Zappa – Producer, Composed By, Arranged By, Guitar, Percussion, Vocals
• George Duke – Keyboards (B1, B2), Vocals (B1)
• Aynsley Dunbar – Drums
• Tony Duran – Guitar, Bottle-neck Solo (A1, A2)
• Sal Marquez – Trumpet Solo (A2), Brass, Vocals
• Bill Byers – Trombone Solo (A2), Brass
• Ernie Watts – Saxophone Solo (B1), Woodwind
• Don Preston – Synthesizer / Mini-Moog (A1, A2)
• Kerry McNabb – Engineer
• Bernie Grundman – Mastered By (all-analog, 2022)
• Cal Schenkel – Cover Illustration