Zappa and Jazz: Did it really smell funny, Frank?

by Geoff Wills

Although Frank Zappa died over 20 years ago, he continues to be regarded as an iconic figure in 20th century culture. In 1973 he famously said ‘Jazz is not dead … it just smells funny,’ and in this new book Geoff Wills takes a look at Zappa’s widely assumed antipathy for the jazz genre. Along the way, he throws up some very interesting facts. Frank Zappa’s music has a unique and easily recognisable quality, and it brilliantly synthesizes a wide range of cultural influences. Zappa and Jazz focuses on the influence of jazz on Zappa in an attempt to clarify the often-confusing nature of his relationship with it. Zappa’s early years are examined, from his first foray into a recording studio to the formation and progress of his band The Mothers of Invention. There are exhaustive critiques here of the key jazz-related albums Hot Rats, King Kong, The Grand Wazoo and Waka/Jawaka. Along the way, Wills analyses Zappa’s music and the wider influences that were crucial in forming his attitudes, not only to jazz but to society in general. The book concludes with a discussion of Zappa’s similarity to more orthodox jazz leaders, his legacy and the influence on jazz-related music. Guaranteed to appeal to all Zappa fans who seek new insights into his music, to open-minded jazz listeners and to anyone with an interest in the melting pot of 20th century music.
"This book is a precious aide-mémoire with which to explore the more-than-abundant Zappa discography through the filter of jazz" – Frédéric Goaty, Jazz Magazine (France)

Genres: Music, Nonfiction

161 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 28, 2015

Reviews

[kirby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hating the jazz establishment and mocking jazz musicians while having friends who are jazz virtuosos and they play in your “definetly not jazz” band is a very complicated thing. 140 pages of zappa’s lifetime situationship with the genre.

[Andrew Greenaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

The basic premise of this book is to disprove Charles Shaar Murray’s assertion (in his otherwise excellent BBC radio programme, Jazz From Hell) that Zappa wasn’t a jazz fan. Many of us already know that Frank was a chronic fibber-teller who would often belittle things he clearly admired (ie. The Beatles), and Wills sets out his case with aplomb, successfully pooh-poohing Zappa’s Duke Ellington begging for $10 story along the way.

Whereas the book might get the casual FZ fan (are there any?) running to their Zappa collection, it caused this casual jazz fan to Google-a-go-go and riffle through his meagre jazz records wanting to learn more about the likes of Bird, Dizzy, Mingus, Rollins and Kenton. With his undeniable knowledge on such matters, Wills’ is able to provide some incredible insights into the copious Third Stream/Bebop/jazz waltz references in Frank’s canon, as well as detailing how his music influenced 70s jazz-rock.

So Zappa’s universe continues to expand as Wills adds another dimension – all in an unpretentious and readable way. Highly recommended.

[George Kanakaris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating and enlightening book about Zappa's jazz works.It is very detailed but it's an easy read.
Frank Zappa was not a jazz musician and he obviously didn’t see himself as one – he wasn’t even a
jazz fan.That is the popular opinion and he himself was clear about it.But he disliked more the jazz Establishment than the music.All his bands were crowded with jazz musicians and they themselves were in awe about his stunning abilities.Very well written.Recommended.

[Andrewclare · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very informative read. If you like the music of Frank Zappa and jazz this book will guide you to the music and artists that influenced and played in the many configurations of Frank Zappa’s line ups.