Frank Zappa In Performance | Full Music Documentary | Chris Welch | Ian Fortnam | Gem Howard-Kemp

This documentary reviews the life and work of the idiosyncratic composer and musician, Frank Zappa. Through in-depth interviews and highlights from his groundbreaking songs, the film offers a comprehensive exploration of Zappa's influence on the rock music scene.

2008 United Kingdom Music Documentary produced by Labrador Films, exploring the multifaceted life of Frank Zappa.

"Frank Zappa: Music in Review" is a compelling documentary that delves into the life and work of the legendary Frank Zappa. The film provides in-depth interviews with industry insiders, rock journalists, and respected critics. It showcases highlights from Zappa's songs that reshaped the landscape of rock music and serves as a critical review, offering a fresh perspective on Zappa's enduring impact.

Frank Zappa was an influential American musician, composer, and bandleader. Leading The Mothers of Invention in the 1960s, Zappa's eclectic musical style spanned rock, jazz, classical, and avant-garde genres. His top hits include tracks like "Valley Girl," "Don't Eat the Yellow Snow," and "Cosmik Debris." Zappa was renowned for his complex compositions, satirical lyrics, and innovative arrangements, contributing significantly to the music landscape. Beyond his musical prowess, he was an advocate for free speech. His vast body of work, comprising over 60 albums, solidifies his lasting impact on the world of music.

Many musicians, bands and orchestras from diverse genres have been influenced by Zappa's music. Rock artists such as The Plastic People of the Universe, Alice Cooper, Larry LaLonde of Primus, Fee Waybill of the Tubes all cite Zappa's influence, as do progressive, alternative, electronic and avant-garde/experimental rock artists like Can, Pere Ubu, Yes, Soft Machine, Henry Cow, Faust, Devo, Kraftwerk, Trey Anastasio and Jon Fishman of Phish, Jeff Buckley, John Frusciante, Steven Wilson, and The Aristocrats.

Paul McCartney regarded Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band as the Beatles' Freak Out!. Jimi Hendrix and heavy rock and metal acts like Black Sabbath, Living Colour, Simon Phillips, Mike Portnoy, Warren DeMartini, Alex Skolnick, Steve Vai, Strapping Young Lad, System of a Down, and Clawfinger have acknowledged Zappa as inspiration. On the classical music scene, Tomas Ulrich, Meridian Arts Ensemble, Ensemble Ambrosius, and the Fireworks Ensemble regularly perform Zappa's compositions and quote his influence. Contemporary jazz musicians and composers Bobby Sanabria, Bill Frisell, and John Zorn are inspired by Zappa, as is funk legend George Clinton.

Other artists affected by Zappa include ambient composer Brian Eno, new age pianist George Winston, electronic composer Bob Gluck, parodist artist and disk jockey Dr. Demento, parodist and novelty composer "Weird Al" Yankovic, industrial music pioneer Genesis P-Orridge, singer Cree Summer, noise music artist Masami Akita of Merzbow, the Italian band Elio e le Storie Tese, and Chilean composer Cristián Crisosto from Fulano and Mediabanda.

Director: Labrador Films
Stars: Chris Welch, Ian Fortnam, Gem Howard-Kemp, Ben Watson

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[HollyMcCormick-rn]

WONDERFUL THANK YOU been a fan since 1970 saw him perform over 15 times. I miss him so much

[joeschmo]

On top it all, his playful never taking too much seriously and yet absolute mystic profound whimsical style soloing for me makes him my preferred guitarist of all time.

[annunacky]

He was way over my head when I was young. Still is to a point. Hearing some of these compositions show me how precise, talented and intense these folks were. I’m in awe.

[johnhiggins]

My brother-in-law introduced me to Freak Out in 1967 .. I still play Zappa every day and have have every disc .. favourites and not favourites but never boring

[theokramer_za]

Nothing like the soothing sounds of Zappa ;) - been a fan since the early 80s

[andrewcutts]

Chris Welch is a legend. I loved his articles in the music press. Colosseum anyone?

[michaelknowler]

My first Frank Zappa concert was at the Liverpool Stadium on 11th. September 1973. We were allowed to watch the sound check in the afternoon, and then did a one hour video interview with Frank Zappa around 3:00 pm. 🕒 When I met Frank Zappa I was only 22 years old and Frank Zappa was hero. My first Mothers of Invention LP purchase was Uncle Meat in 1970. My final Frank Zappa concert was in Brighton England in April 1988. I saw 👀 Frank Zappa play about 20 times.

[MORA-WX]

Thanks for this documentary, very interesting. In the 70's I had musician friends who introduced me to his music, it took time and many hours of listening but I finally did `got it `. Nearly 50 years later I still listen to Zappa music and still think its fantastic music. My favorites albums are in no special order: Hot Rats, Waka Jawaka, Grand Wazoo. Over Night Sensation, Apostrophe, One Size Fits All, Roxy and Elsewhere. I also was lucky enough to see him live 4 times in Montreal.

[andrewcutts]

Great to see another documentary. I’ve been a fan since Freak Out! As it was only released as a single album over here originally, I had to go down to One Stop Records in London to get an import version of the double album. I’ve bought just about everything ever since. My favourite artist.

[VanMan]

Been a Zappa fan since 1982 and have seen everything but this footage is new... thanks!

[paulinebutcherbird]

If anyone is interested in Frank Zappa's home life, not shown in other books, from getting up to going to bed, composing at the piano, rehearsing with the Mothers, visiting rock stars, freaks, family squabbles, and more, then read 'Freak Out! My Life with Frank Zappa 1968-1971 Laurel Canyon'. It is my story from meeting Frank in London when publicising the Mother's first European tour in 1967 and ended up living and working in his house with Gail, Moon Unit, and seven others, thus the book's unique access.

[ivorscruton]

My introduction to Zappa was buying the Roxy and Elsewhere album, bought in what was then Rhodesia, perhaps where unpopular records were dumped during economic sanctions. At first, I didn't get it, but over time, I began to hear the notes and the intricate arrangements. His music grew on me, and overwhelmed popular music heard on the radio.

Perhaps his popularity, or lack thereof, was due to people not actually listening to the music but taking a superficial viewpoint, in my opinion. His music definitely wasn't for everyone. It takes concentration to appreciate.

[Hippityhop-]

Frank was playing chess while every other band in the world was playing checkers. That’s not putting down other bands, there were some great bands, but none of them on Franks level. I’m saddened when people used to say they didn’t get Frank or didn’t like him because he was so different from everyone else. EXACTLY

[jimmyb]

My friends tried to turn me on to Zappa in high school (mid '70s) but he was too much for me. Outside of "Peaches" I didn't take to him. In college (1978) I went to a show to see what he was all about. I was gobsmacked and instantly a diehard fan. Had the pleasure of seeing him five times. Still an enthusiastic fan.

[paulinebutcherbird]

This is a fantastic tribute to Frank Zappa and an excellent introduction to anyone curious about Frank Zappa and what he was all about. For those already entrenched fans, it reminds us once again of Frank Zappa's musical development. I am also pleased that FZ's business skills have been highlighted, an attribute missing from so many musicians. He told Paul McCartney in 1967, 'I tell my manager what to do, not the other way round.'

[ritaymbernon]

Tancks so much!Fantastic Documentary!Zappa FOREVER!🎸💯⭐✌️

[RemcoLamberts]

Thanks for posting, seen a lot of Zappa doccos but this one's new to me!

[jpranguinranguin]

Jean-Luc PONTY plays the Music of Frank ZAPPA includes the King Kong Suite and Music for violin and orchestra! This is the perfect record for beginning the Zappa Discovery in my opinion. Great Composer and Virtuosi Jazz Players! Blue Note Label too ! Check it out!

[nicholassimon]

My first Zappa concert was in 1968 at London’s Festival Hall, where we were introduced to Jimmy Carl Black (the injun of the group). My final ‘Zappa’ concert was watching the Muffin Men, an excellent English Zappa tribute band led by Jimmy Carl Black, in the 1990s, where he signed my copy of Ahead of their Time CD!

[jeromejamies]

He is one of my fav artists and also guitarists