Frank & Co

by Co de Kloet

Frank & Co, by Co de Kloet, contains 460 pages of unique material about Frank Zappa, based on over 25 hours of tape recorded between 1977 and 1990.

Co de Kloet and Frank Zappa were friends for many years. Co, a Zappa music expert, recorded nearly every conversation. The two men also corresponded frequently. This unique material, which has never been published before as a book, is now available. However, Frank & Co is more than a book about Zappa’s music. It also includes Co’s favorite memories of Frank as well as interviews about Zappa with, among others, Flo & Eddie, Jimmy Carl Black and Pamela Zarubica.

Foreword by Dweezil Zappa

‘This book is an authentic read into many of the character dimensions of Frank Zappa and his music and perspectives. When a person has a sincere interest in an artist, it’s felt by the artist, and as such, the artist can feel more open to discussing their process of creation and opinions. Not that Frank ever had an issue with speaking freely, but whenever interviewed by Co, Frank’s interviews always seemed more engaging. The fact that Frank and Co had developed a warm friendship through the years is evident in the gravity of their exchanges.
With this book, the Zappa fan will get a glimpse into Frank that I don’t believe any other book written by him or about him expresses. And us Zappa fans love that. Thank you Co’.
Steve Vai
July 18th, 2020
Rancho Valencia 2:28pm

Co de Kloet (1959) is a musician, composer, producer, and radio personality who works for Dutch public broadcaster NTR and the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. Known in the trade as the “Creative Catalyst,” he also runs his own media company, called Zivasound. He lives with his wife and two children in Kortenhoef, a tiny village in Holland that a famous painter once described as the center of the world.

Genres: Music

439 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[Ernest Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This ones for fans and scholars. Lots of fascinating behind-the-scenes stuff, and the author's input about how Zappa is viewed from Holland is fascinating. He kept busy right until his death. After his dead the author interview others about him. Also, the bizarre politics of the late 20th century are laid bare.

[Barry Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Strictly for the Zappaholic this one. I found the direct transcription of taped interviews annoying ("you know, Frank was just so..., I mean at the time we were all - it was like that, ya know?) and some editing would have made for a far smoother read. Also, I found the content, dealing almost exclusively with the author's efforts on behalf of Zappa to get him radio play, exposure, etc in Holland, somewhat narrowly focused, but then that is what the author set out to write.

[Aaron Badgley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book of interviews with Zappa, Captain Beefheart and others associated with The Mother's first album.

[Slakangler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing.

[Keith.94928 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not measure it, but seems like only half the book consisting of interviews with Frank.

[George Kanakaris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice read.

[R.K. Cowles · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 3/4 stars