Hot Rats

By 1969, after releasing a 'mother lode' of Mothers of Invention classics, leader Frank Zappa was ready to breakthrough other musical barriers that were still holding popular music in a conservative headlock. Being one if not the first album to be recorded using 16 tracks (twice the number being used at the time on both sides of the Atlantic), Hot Rats became a leading edge in both modern recording technology and the evolution of jazz/rock-fusion. Mostly instrumental, it features six original compositions; three loose jam pieces, the remainder being tight ensemble arrangements. Some of the finest players around come together in varying combinations, all-the-while showcasing Frank Zappa's guitar virtuosity. Among others, Lowell George of Little Feat-fame lends guitar, jazz violinists extraordinaire Don 'Sugarcane' Harris and Jean-Luc Ponty plus fellow Mother Ian Underwood's keyboard and woodwind work, complete the leader's advanced vision. Last but not least, the legendary Captain Beefheart brings his unique pipes to the infamous Willie The Pimp. Soon to become a concert staple and fan favorite thereafter, Peaches En Regalia is truly a modern jazz standard, eventually covered by the likes of Phish and The Dixie Dregs. Also included are Son of Mr. Green Genes, Little Umbrellas, The Gumbo Variations and It Must Be A Camel. Mastered and cut directly from the original analog master tape by Bernie Grundman under the supervision of Gail Zappa.