Not to mention a brilliant percussionist. Check out a reaction video of Inca Roads by a music professor. She starts a circuit of her kit from the top of the marimba and onto an array of drums. While her playing is lightning fast, it's not all about speed and fury. Incredible playing.
I really enjoyed this and listening to all the guys, but Ruth has such a warm personality and is a wonderful communicator. I could listen to her all night. Essential viewing for any fan of Frank's music.
I was at the show Ruth Underwood references at 51:00. It was on Nov. 9, 1974, at the Orpheum Theater in Boston. Right in the middle of the show, several huge rafters from the ceiling just unraveled and crashed hard and clumsily down on the band. And the band kept playing with Zappa taking a 10 or 15 minute solo while roadies feverishly ran about the stage fixing the vibes and some of the keyboards. I remember it being an absolutely great solo, too, and thinking what a treat that was, even though the accident could have been a disaster. It sent chills up my spine hearing her recount that story. I thought it would be lost to the ether. I can see it in my mind like it was yesterday. It was the last Zappa show I saw with my favorite lineup that included Ruth and George Duke.
frank had a knack for choosing the greatest musicians. not necessarily the biggest names, but the most capable. and to be capable of playing what frank wrote, up to his standards, meant you were by virtue an instant legend.
Just wanted to say his audition was 3 lines of 150 people each. And he got to the end with Frank saying along with only one other guy *singer) , "just wait here one the side of the stage after the auditions are done."
Napoleon Murphy Brock was picked up after seeing him play in a Bar in Hawaii. He didn't even had to audtion, just show up ... if you like what you hear, you are in.
This may sound funny, especially because I'm not a drummer (I play bass) , but of all the great stuff on You Tube, this is my all-time favorite video. It has everything - amazing drumming; 5 very intelligent, articulate percussionists/drummers - all with a great respect foreach other - and they all tell wonderful stories about being in Zappa's band! Required viewing for anyone who claims to be a Zapppa fan!
I feel exactly the same way. This is a very special upload!! (I'm not a drummer either but an ex-bass player). As you say, all are highly intelligent & articulate with a great respect for one another. Ruth is pin sharp. Would love to have seen Vinnie join this discussion.
I am a drummer and as a Zappa fan since the mid 70's, It's one of my favorites too...I love when Chad comes in..:)...Bozzio did such a great job, as usual...:)
@@ThisIsTheMajor :)...That's killer; did he have the monster set with him? ...He's ageless, it seems...He's a much overlooked drummer outside of the industry..His work with U.K is some of his best...Did he do anything from that group? Carry No Cross or The only thing she Needs are MONSTER drummer pieces...:)...
@@ThisIsTheMajor He is indeed...I've been a fan since his Zappa Days...:)...He brings so much energy to the kit...He's mellowed a lot from his long hair days...:)...Him playing the devil in Titties and Beer th-cam.com/video/WzzWEeiUf3Y/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=bolimozak.. Or; Punky's whips - th-cam.com/video/2wvzL7Kze_0/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=FrankWaldegg He's a beast...
Chester was almost completely ignored if it wasn’t for Ruth. She was the only one with enough decency to acknowledge he had been almost completely ignored for the beginning of interview 😢. He was humble enough to keep his mouth shut until he was given a chance to speak. Then he told his story. What a great man and drummer!!! And not to mention he is barely acknowledged in the comments below 😕
I think any & all the musicians that had that golden opportunity to play with Frank Zappa on a recording & or live in concert were all truly talented musicians
Wonderful talk. Bozzio said about Wackerman "I love him, we often play together, and he makes me sound good even when i'm make mistakes"! What a great way to be of service to the music.
I really love Ruth's story about seeing The Mothers at The Garrick. Ruth and Art Tripp's talent for playing marimba and vibes on Uncle Meat inspired Zappa to use those instruments a lot more. Ruth, Ian Underwood and Art seemed to have fallen from heaven for Zappa. He was so fortunate to have The Mothers in New York in 1967 with their concerts at The Garrick plus meeting Dick Kunc at Apostolic. Uncle Meat was the first Mothers album I heard when I was 15 in 1970 and I still think it's their best album with Zappa's finest writing. It changed my thinking and showed me a new world of music I never knew was possible. Along with Cal's incredible cover art, it was like it was from distant planet in another galaxy. I love a lot of Zappa's later work and the drumming of Ralph, Chester and Terry, but Uncle Meat is just so special.
Attended the Zappa/Mahavishnu show in 73 at the Spectrum in Philly. John opened the show with a Namaste greeting to he crowd. As they played, from my seat I could clearly see Frank and bandmates watching their amazing set from right behind stage right. When Frank and band came out for their set ’backstage too. It was clear how much respect and affection the bands had for each other. Saw many great shows at the Spectrum and this great show is in my all time top 5 !
Lucky you, that sounds like a legendary show. I was born in the 70s only caught Frank once as a young teenager in the 80s and John McLaughlin a handful of times over the years. Luckily there are so many recordings of them in their prime. Cheers
I saw them in Detroit, and it was similar- one of the greatest shows I have ever seen. Ponty was with Zappa at the time. And Cobham was beyond reality.
One of the best videos on the internet. Nothing against Chad and Terry (who are legendary in their own right) but I would pay lots of money just to hear Ruth and the Ralph/Chester two headed monster tell stories.
I just to play for Gary Lewis and the Playboys on drums and I remember a gig at Don's music store in Franklin Ohio where we opened for Billy Cobham's band. Billy had a bunch of union dudes from Cinci and let me watch him rehearse the band. Billy doesnt just know the drums but is musically a well rounded musician. The cool thing was that the music store had all Billy's old prototype drumsets in the back room where Billy ran the band through the tunes. I will never forget the drum set Billy used back stage. It was a yellow North drum kit and the stands and rack were made of of steel monkey bar pipe. Very cool. Billy could really lay into the drums. And man you ought to see him on a racquetball court. You do not want to be in front of a ball he hits. Peace-Tim
This is an absolute must watch for drummers and Zappa fans. The stories are absolutely amazing, and I learned some seriously important lessons from their stories of auditioning with Frank.
Normal drummers. Don't play the blacknpage . Ralf Terry Chad & cesterv& Ruth have opened my mind in ways I could not comprehend. You changed me forever.thank you .I love & respect and cherish the experience of seeing you aĺ play and getting to talk with you over-the years Godbless.❤
My third time listening to this and I just smile ear to ear listening to Chad...I'm the same age as Chad and I was a drummer too and I remember seeing him featured in Modern Drummer and how inspiring it was...At 21 Chad was a BEAST!
Ruth is such a delight! Her story of getting in the Zappa Band was so endearing...Plus it's nice to hear people that are actually older than me...:)...I was 7 when she was attending Julliard and Zappa concerts...:)
Fantastic video. I caught up on Frank's music during my college years, around 1992. I started with "The Helsinki Concert" and listened to it an obscene amount of time. Then I bought as many albums from FZ as I could (although money was scarce back then). And everytime I listened to a new album, I was like "What's the secret I'll be afforded today" ? The music, the mood between musicians, were so much more real than the rest of the conventional music that I was addicted to it. I can totally understand that the muscians that had the privilege of playing with FZ had such incredible and vivid stories about that era. Thank you so much for reliving them for us !
your story mirrors mine exactly, same time frame and addicted to buying zappa albums even though i was skint. wish it would of been these days. discs cost 2 - 3 quid now while back then they were 22 -25 for a double cd 15 -18 quid for a single, ha ha ha.
Even for me as a guitar player, this is my favourite collection of musicians talking about their time with Frank. I watch it regularly and learn something new each time (my memory is getting bad as I get older)
This is just fantastic. As a drummer myself and a huge fan of what these people have done...this is probably one the most entertaining things I've ever seen on TH-cam.
The piccolo drum Story Ruth tells is heartwrenching. Asking Ruth about it is very much about going back to your Roots emotionally on your Path out of life as I Unterstand it.
That's who I was hoping would be in this video. That dude. Not only what he did with Zappa. His work with Journey, Whitesnake and Jefferson Starship, when you really listen to what he's doing, he's just solid, he makes every track work. And all of a sudden he'll veer off and show you why he was with Zappa if you listen really carefully.
Bozzio is very intelligent. He says that he regrets the fact that he was too young and could not play with the sensibility that he has got nowadays. He is actually very musical now
I love this level of intelligence in musical composition and dexterity. People oversimplify rock music and place it in their own stereotypical box. Who else, other than Frank, could fill a composition with humor and have it also be this incredibly technical.
No doubt a group of best drummers there is, but what surprised is our very talented and powerful and dear co worker Ruth. , very nice to see in this great group of masters , Ruth and I played few gigs together was really fun , with JJ band .must say as a Drummer was so much fun and good rhythm section with you Ruth . More power to you
Very nice listen. Hearing back stories from different time periods was very interesting. Frank was an amazing man, as serious as he was funny. Everybody that played with him was ultra talented and made even better by having known him. Hell, even Im smarter just for having listened to him. His music is not for everyone for the simple reason they dont give it a fair shake......their loss
This is definitely one of my best late night discoveries. The genuine respect of each other’s different genius, and openness with one another is incredible. No egos or competition. Beautiful and inspiring, really.
That was phenomenal, it took me way over the 1.46 it should take to watch this as I had to check out some of their references that I had forgotten or had not known, four hours well spent. I was amazed by their knowledge and how they held so much in their heads and also loved the camaraderie and that they clearly admired and probably loved Zappa.
Great stuff. at the 12:25 mark, Ruth asks Chester if he was in the band when Mahavishnu Orchestra opened for Zappa. My first Zappa concert in NYC was that exact line up. It was on Thanksgiving day ( I don't remember the year) and the venue was (I think) Avery Fischer Hall. After that year Frank did his Halloween night gigs in NYC at the Academy of Music on 14th Street and I went to many of those gigs. Ruth was in every iteration of Zappa's band I've seen and she is a monster on tuned percussion. So glad to hear her talk about this.
My only audition with Zappa was in 1986 and it was one on one at his Thousand Oaks location. Terry recommended me to Frank after I sat in at a Drummers Concert in Hollywood that John Denzmore invited me to. Needless to say, I didn't make the cut. Chad did.
Ruth mentions that Frank must have taken notice of the fact that Mahavishnu Orchestra also had an electric violinist. But it certainly was no secret, because Mahavishnu had been together since late 1971, two years before the two groups went on tour together. Cobham, of course, was incredible. But I’ve always thought that Hammer had the biggest brain. I saw those two bands play at the Providence Civic Center in the summer of ‘73. I was already very familiar with both groups. I didn’t enjoy myself all that much because of the brutal acoustics in the damn place. I still remember how odd it was listening to Ian Underwood play a flute solo of all things. Too bad I didn’t have a chance to catch the two bands at some other venue. Ruth has some great memories. I’m 50 minutes in, and she just mentioned Ian Underwood. But she hasn’t alluded to the fact that they eventually became husband and wife, which strikes me as odd.
Thank you Ruth in Detroit at masonic auditorium I went to see zappa i knew about mahvishnew when the concert was about to begin John who was in all white asked for a moment for meditation but this was Detroit and the crowd hollered back f* k that we want to rock&roll the concert was in my top 20 and I've going to concerts since 1968 all around the world
The Fowler brother's dad taught at my college in the early 70's so it was a real treat to see them on campus and then sit behind the sound crew at their gig.
I saw Frank Zappa and the Mothers at Ithaca College in 1975. Live at the Roxy was out but before One Size Fits All was released. Frank was sick, coming down with the flu; he felt awful. He pressed on and put on an incredible show. During that show during a song featuring Ruth Underwood doing what she does best, the song suddenly stopped and Frank said, "Ruth used to go to college here". The song continued then stopped again.....Frank said "I'll bet Ruth is thinking 'I wonder what would have happened if I graduated from here' ". He gave her lots and lots of "airtime" that night. She was amazing. Here we are nearly 50 years later and I still remember her performance! When One Size came out featuring Pojama People, and Inca Roads I heard that those songs were written while he was recovering on the couch. While he was recovering from the flu he read a book about alien visitors. I can't confirm that, but that's what I heard back in 75-76.
I had the incredible great luck to see all of these people play with Frank. It’s been a lifelong inspiration to me. I’m a guitar player but nowhere near this level of beauty. I thank you all and your playing still inspires me. Rarely does a week go by in the last 50 years where there is not some Zappa in my ears. So glad that near the end you folks talked about “The Lick” in the 70’s versions of More Trouble Every Day. First time I heard it was live, and just like all of you did ,I immediately started singing it. Still gives me goosebumps! Thank you all for putting so much beauty in my life, I’ll never forget any of you. Also one last thing: Terry could you please get a bigger kit!
I love the props these excellent musicians give to the Mahavishnu Orchestra, the incredulous look on Ruth Underwood's face when she says Mahavishnu opened for Frank Zappa!? It's true! They were a force of nature, every member just killed it, and the music/compositions/arrangements were on another level entirely.
Saw Mahavishu at damned UNH in the early days. Mindblowing.. And this was only about 5 years after a PA system could handle bass drum and bass guitar. The whole band was amazing, but Billy Cobham was.....synaptic blowing. The word "synaptic" didn't exist back then. Well, maybe a little early for its time.
WOW I am so overwhelmed to hear this stories, bringing back lots of memories to concerts which I was allowed to experience and to all the background for Franks . Thank you very much
Chad is a monster actually. And I really like his work with Zappa. Of course Bozzio was the most relevant one. Thinking about City of Tiny Lights played by Bozzio with Belew at vocals 🔝
Another question here. Wackerman said that he had 120 songs in his pocket during the 88 tour. But a couple of years ago I heard the number 180? You now anything about this?
One of my great regrets is never being able to see Frank and his bands perform live. A friend saw Zappa a few times and he said each time it was like "seeing God". I did see Terry with Missing Persons, and he was incredible, but I always wanted to see him and these others performing under the pressure of Frank's all-seeing eye on them
Ruth Underwood... what a gracious, elegant, humble, generous and articulate being she is. Amazing.
Gotta love those nice jewish girls from Long Island...
Exactly what I was thinking while watching this great roundtable, shame, Don Vincenzo Colaiuta is not there.
Anyone who can play marimba that well must be
Not to mention a brilliant percussionist. Check out a reaction video of Inca Roads by a music professor. She starts a circuit of her kit from the top of the marimba and onto an array of drums. While her playing is lightning fast, it's not all about speed and fury. Incredible playing.
"the girl with the big tits & the blue thing holdin' em' up" Frank Zappa
Ruths existence is comforting
Met Ruth back in 2005 on holiday in L.A.
Super friendly and approachable, answered all my questions. She’s the best.
Long Islands finest...
I really enjoyed this and listening to all the guys, but Ruth has such a warm personality and is a wonderful communicator. I could listen to her all night. Essential viewing for any fan of Frank's music.
It is!
Always…
R.I.P., Ralph.
An underrated and underappreciated Zappa drummer.
Ralph's not dead, he just smells funny
Personally I always preferred Ralph to some of the others. The combination or Ralph and Ruth was fantastic
Yet another pathetic and meaningless underrated crap...
Ruth should write a book! Her memory is awesome! What a great interview!!
Yes, absolutely. She's just amazing.
Ben Barletta rhymes with Red Barchetta. Join the dots.
We need a documentary on Ruth herself for real!!!-
Seriously. She’s even the most captivating member of a Zappa related band in an interview.
She's very funny too, great sense of humor
I was at the show Ruth Underwood references at 51:00. It was on Nov. 9, 1974, at the Orpheum Theater in Boston. Right in the middle of the show, several huge rafters from the ceiling just unraveled and crashed hard and clumsily down on the band. And the band kept playing with Zappa taking a 10 or 15 minute solo while roadies feverishly ran about the stage fixing the vibes and some of the keyboards. I remember it being an absolutely great solo, too, and thinking what a treat that was, even though the accident could have been a disaster. It sent chills up my spine hearing her recount that story. I thought it would be lost to the ether. I can see it in my mind like it was yesterday. It was the last Zappa show I saw with my favorite lineup that included Ruth and George Duke.
You’re officially part of Zappa history. That’s gotta be a pretty damn good feelin.
That moment where they all start "singing" the drum fill from "More Trouble Every Day" is PRICELESS.
Man it's real dangerous trying to store this much drumming power in one room...
Fucking hilarious comment!
More Ruth please. Anything else would be just Ruthless.
That's damned funny.
Was it not in one of his numbers: ...... ;;;;; ..... Just Ruth
Thank You, you made Frank Zappa music possible. I love Mrs Underwod.🥰
Zappa and Colaiuta. Golden years.
frank had a knack for choosing the greatest musicians. not necessarily the biggest names, but the most capable. and to be capable of playing what frank wrote, up to his standards, meant you were by virtue an instant legend.
There was the story told by Vinnie Colitauita. Sorry I spelled his name wrong.
Just wanted to say his audition was 3 lines of 150 people each.
And he got to the end with Frank saying along with only one other guy *singer) , "just wait here one the side of the stage after the auditions are done."
Napoleon Murphy Brock was picked up after seeing him play in a Bar in Hawaii. He didn't even had to audtion, just show up ... if you like what you hear, you are in.
This may sound funny, especially because I'm not a drummer (I play bass) , but of all the great stuff on You Tube, this is my all-time favorite video. It has everything - amazing drumming; 5 very intelligent, articulate percussionists/drummers - all with a great respect foreach other - and they all tell wonderful stories about being in Zappa's band!
Required viewing for anyone who claims to be a Zapppa fan!
I feel exactly the same way. This is a very special upload!! (I'm not a drummer either but an ex-bass player). As you say, all are highly intelligent & articulate with a great respect for one another. Ruth is pin sharp. Would love to have seen Vinnie join this discussion.
I am a drummer and as a Zappa fan since the mid 70's, It's one of my favorites too...I love when Chad comes in..:)...Bozzio did such a great job, as usual...:)
Goodwin Trent Always find myself coming back to this video. A living history lesson on such a creative period of Frank’s music. Ruth is so charming.
@@ThisIsTheMajor :)...That's killer; did he have the monster set with him? ...He's ageless, it seems...He's a much overlooked drummer outside of the industry..His work with U.K is some of his best...Did he do anything from that group? Carry No Cross or The only thing she Needs are MONSTER drummer pieces...:)...
@@ThisIsTheMajor He is indeed...I've been a fan since his Zappa Days...:)...He brings so much energy to the kit...He's mellowed a lot from his long hair days...:)...Him playing the devil in Titties and Beer th-cam.com/video/WzzWEeiUf3Y/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=bolimozak..
Or; Punky's whips - th-cam.com/video/2wvzL7Kze_0/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=FrankWaldegg
He's a beast...
Chester was almost completely ignored if it wasn’t for Ruth. She was the only one with enough decency to acknowledge he had been almost completely ignored for the beginning of interview 😢. He was humble enough to keep his mouth shut until he was given a chance to speak. Then he told his story. What a great man and drummer!!! And not to mention he is barely acknowledged in the comments below 😕
Bro he didn’t need to speak he and his drumming speaks for itself but ya I hear you, absolutely love him!
He is one of the best drummers of all time.
Why make it negative? He was by no means being ignored! What bull!
I think any & all the musicians that had that golden opportunity to play with Frank Zappa on a recording & or live in concert were all truly talented musicians
Wonderful talk. Bozzio said about Wackerman "I love him, we often play together, and he makes me sound good even when i'm make mistakes"! What a great way to be of service to the music.
I could listen to Ruthie for days about hard experiences with the Zappa
I think there was some hanky panky on the road between Ruth and Frank.
I really love Ruth's story about seeing The Mothers at The Garrick. Ruth and Art Tripp's talent for playing marimba and vibes on Uncle Meat inspired Zappa to use those instruments a lot more. Ruth, Ian Underwood and Art seemed to have fallen from heaven for Zappa. He was so fortunate to have The Mothers in New York in 1967 with their concerts at The Garrick plus meeting Dick Kunc at Apostolic. Uncle Meat was the first Mothers album I heard when I was 15 in 1970 and I still think it's their best album with Zappa's finest writing. It changed my thinking and showed me a new world of music I never knew was possible. Along with Cal's incredible cover art, it was like it was from distant planet in another galaxy. I love a lot of Zappa's later work and the drumming of Ralph, Chester and Terry, but Uncle Meat is just so special.
You can tell that Terry is a genuinely nice guy...great clip!
Is that Terry Bozzio?
@@lorellesouthern3527 Yes :)
Attended the Zappa/Mahavishnu show in 73 at the Spectrum in Philly.
John opened the show with a Namaste greeting to he crowd. As they played, from my seat I could clearly see Frank and bandmates watching their amazing set from right behind stage right. When Frank and band came out for their set ’backstage too. It was clear how much respect and affection the bands had for each other. Saw many great shows at the Spectrum and this great show is in my all time top 5 !
Lucky you, that sounds like a legendary show. I was born in the 70s only caught Frank once as a young teenager in the 80s and John McLaughlin a handful of times over the years. Luckily there are so many recordings of them in their prime. Cheers
Spectrum man.. that was my GIG! Music Sports.... First ever show was there! It wasn't Zappa....
I saw them in Detroit, and it was similar- one of the greatest shows I have ever seen. Ponty was with Zappa at the time. And Cobham was beyond reality.
This gathering of artists is a cultural treasure. Never mind the music, which will be studied for a hundred generations.
I could watch this every single day and never get tired of it.
One of the best videos on the internet. Nothing against Chad and Terry (who are legendary in their own right) but I would pay lots of money just to hear Ruth and the Ralph/Chester two headed monster tell stories.
I'm not a drummer, and I don't know much about Terry, Chester, Ralph, Chad, or Ruth, but I love Zappa. this is a conversation worth listening to.
I just to play for Gary Lewis and the Playboys on drums and I remember a gig at Don's music store in Franklin Ohio where we opened for Billy Cobham's band. Billy had a bunch of union dudes from Cinci and let me watch him rehearse the band. Billy doesnt just know the drums but is musically a well rounded musician. The cool thing was that the music store had all Billy's old prototype drumsets in the back room where Billy ran the band through the tunes. I will never forget the drum set Billy used back stage. It was a yellow North drum kit and the stands and rack were made of of steel monkey bar pipe. Very cool. Billy could really lay into the drums. And man you ought to see him on a racquetball court. You do not want to be in front of a ball he hits. Peace-Tim
Came here for a second and stayed for the whole show. Thoroughly enjoyed this.
This is an absolute must watch for drummers and Zappa fans. The stories are absolutely amazing, and I learned some seriously important lessons from their stories of auditioning with Frank.
Normal drummers. Don't play the blacknpage . Ralf
Terry Chad & cesterv& Ruth have opened my mind in ways I could not comprehend. You changed me forever.thank you .I love & respect and cherish the experience of seeing you aĺ play and getting to talk with you over-the years
Godbless.❤
Ruth brings tears to my eyes with the gracious accolades she showers upon her bandmates!!
Over the course of a year when I was 21, I had 4 lessons with Chad. It changed my musical life forever.
This is easily the best thing on TH-cam. If something better comes along, I won’t watch it. And I’m a guitar player. 🎶
My third time listening to this and I just smile ear to ear listening to Chad...I'm the same age as Chad and I was a drummer too and I remember seeing him featured in Modern Drummer and how inspiring it was...At 21 Chad was a BEAST!
Ruth is such a delight! Her story of getting in the Zappa Band was so endearing...Plus it's nice to hear people that are actually older than me...:)...I was 7 when she was attending Julliard and Zappa concerts...:)
Fantastic video. I caught up on Frank's music during my college years, around 1992. I started with "The Helsinki Concert" and listened to it an obscene amount of time. Then I bought as many albums from FZ as I could (although money was scarce back then). And everytime I listened to a new album, I was like "What's the secret I'll be afforded today" ? The music, the mood between musicians, were so much more real than the rest of the conventional music that I was addicted to it.
I can totally understand that the muscians that had the privilege of playing with FZ had such incredible and vivid stories about that era. Thank you so much for reliving them for us !
your story mirrors mine exactly, same time frame and addicted to buying zappa albums even though i was skint. wish it would of been these days. discs cost 2 - 3 quid now while back then they were 22 -25 for a double cd 15 -18 quid for a single, ha ha ha.
Amid all the TH-cam trash are gems like this. What a stimulating, funny and amazing set of tales.
Even for me as a guitar player, this is my favourite collection of musicians talking about their time with Frank. I watch it regularly and learn something new each time (my memory is getting bad as I get older)
This conversation among Friends, top musicians around the Great Uncle Frank Is pure beauty!
Someone needs to get in touch with Ruth and get her to record an album of cocktail style Zappa songs.
This is mind-blowing information about a legendary band I'm awestruck
This is just fantastic. As a drummer myself and a huge fan of what these people have done...this is probably one the most entertaining things I've ever seen on TH-cam.
The piccolo drum Story Ruth tells is heartwrenching. Asking Ruth about it is very much about going back to your Roots emotionally on your Path out of life as I Unterstand it.
Chester: "Apostrophe and Overnight Sensation are two of the best-played drum parts i had ever heard in my life"
I'd love to have heard Aynsley's input. This was fabulous !!
That's who I was hoping would be in this video. That dude. Not only what he did with Zappa. His work with Journey, Whitesnake and Jefferson Starship, when you really listen to what he's doing, he's just solid, he makes every track work. And all of a sudden he'll veer off and show you why he was with Zappa if you listen really carefully.
My first concert was Mothers/Mahavishnu/Leo Kottke solo acoustic. So great hearing Ruth's stories!
What a well spent 1:46:13. Priceless memories of the one and only FZ.
Great musicians are great, disciplined, humble listeners.
Completely in love with Ruth Underwood! Fantastic musician, lovely human being.
Ruth, what a story teller. Wish I were 1/100th as articulate!
Bozzio is very intelligent. He says that he regrets the fact that he was too young and could not play with the sensibility that he has got nowadays. He is actually very musical now
Ruth Underwood please please please write a book.
Wonderful job Terry! You really let everyone have their moment!
I listen to this at least once a year. This is the best thing on youtube. I wish it was about 4 hours longer.
is it me but chad looks too polite and nice to be a drummer, he looks more like a high school english teacher lol
I love this level of intelligence in musical composition and dexterity. People oversimplify rock music and place it in their own stereotypical box. Who else, other than Frank, could fill a composition with humor and have it also be this incredibly technical.
I could listen to Ruth for days.
"McLaughlin...knowing things, no one else could know." Ruth is gorgeous.
OMG Ruth Underwood is a total joy! What infectious spirit
This is so beautiful! There is no greater club than the drummers of Frank Zappa. Amazing.
No doubt a group of best drummers there is, but what surprised is our very talented and powerful and dear co worker Ruth. , very nice to see in this great group of masters , Ruth and I played few gigs together was really fun , with JJ band .must say as a Drummer was so much fun and good rhythm section with you Ruth . More power to you
Very nice listen. Hearing back stories from different time periods was very interesting. Frank was an amazing man, as serious as he was funny. Everybody that played with him was ultra talented and made even better by having known him. Hell, even Im smarter just for having listened to him. His music is not for everyone for the simple reason they dont give it a fair shake......their loss
I saw one of the concerts with Mahavishnu and Zappa- and Ruth is right, the volume was mind-bogglingly loud and intense!
This is my favorite collection of FZ stalwarts to date. I wish they had thought of these reunions before.
Back watching this after watching the new Zappa doc (which is excellent). Ruth is wonderful.
The piccolo snare was Frank's rosebud. Great video.
There is more drumknowledge concentrated here than allowed.
Its like a critical mass of drummers. The screen should explode.
This is definitely one of my best late night discoveries.
The genuine respect of each other’s different genius, and openness with one another is incredible. No egos or competition.
Beautiful and inspiring, really.
just fantastic!
my five all time favourite percussionists of frank's - in conversation.
for me, nothing beats those roxy gigs
I always wondered what Ruth thought of Steve Reich's percussion writings. Runs concurrent with her Zappa tenure
Jeezuz, Ruth is one helluva storyteller...
LMAO, to listen to her is to understand just how the hell she could understand and PLAY so much of FZ's music
This is gold!! I can’t give it enough likes.
thank you guys for your talent and for synchronizing with this great composer who was Frank Zappa
That was phenomenal, it took me way over the 1.46 it should take to watch this as I had to check out some of their references that I had forgotten or had not known, four hours well spent. I was amazed by their knowledge and how they held so much in their heads and also loved the camaraderie and that they clearly admired and probably loved Zappa.
Ruth has the gift of storytelling. It is amazing
Great stuff. at the 12:25 mark, Ruth asks Chester if he was in the band when Mahavishnu Orchestra opened for Zappa. My first Zappa concert in NYC was that exact line up. It was on Thanksgiving day ( I don't remember the year) and the venue was (I think) Avery Fischer Hall. After that year Frank did his Halloween night gigs in NYC at the Academy of Music on 14th Street and I went to many of those gigs. Ruth was in every iteration of Zappa's band I've seen and she is a monster on tuned percussion. So glad to hear her talk about this.
Would have loved to see Ruth play in the jamming bits, god knows she would have brought something incredible to it as usual!
Alive, each word is alive! Thank you for this!!
My only audition with Zappa was in 1986 and it was one on one at his Thousand Oaks location. Terry recommended me to Frank after I sat in at a Drummers Concert in Hollywood that John Denzmore invited me to. Needless to say, I didn't make the cut. Chad did.
I'm guessing you're still a badass drummer
imaseeker100 I'm getting up on the years, but I still Love to play whenever I can with anyone!
imaseeker100 I had auditioned for Genesis way back when Chester did. He got that one.
Brilliant! Ruth was such a muse to Frank whether he would admit it or not. Frank was always a percussionist even if he was playing bicycle spokes..
Ruth mentions that Frank must have taken notice of the fact that Mahavishnu Orchestra also had an electric violinist.
But it certainly was no secret, because Mahavishnu had been together since late 1971, two years before the two groups went on tour together.
Cobham, of course, was incredible.
But I’ve always thought that Hammer had the biggest brain.
I saw those two bands play at the Providence Civic Center in the summer of ‘73.
I was already very familiar with both groups.
I didn’t enjoy myself all that much because of the brutal acoustics in the damn place.
I still remember how odd it was listening to Ian Underwood play a flute solo of all things.
Too bad I didn’t have a chance to catch the two bands at some other venue.
Ruth has some great memories.
I’m 50 minutes in, and she just mentioned Ian Underwood.
But she hasn’t alluded to the fact that they eventually became husband and wife, which strikes me as odd.
So bad Aynsley Dunbar, Vinnie Colaiuta, Frank Capp, Alan Estes, David Logeman, Tom Rainey, Art Tripp, Ed Mann and
Bob Zimmitti weren't there.
not to forget Jimmy Carl Black, the indian of the band RIP
Anysley Dunbar didn't make it?Wow!
fantastic stories, fantastic people & musicians...
Thank you Ruth in Detroit at masonic auditorium I went to see zappa i knew about mahvishnew when the concert was about to begin John who was in all white asked for a moment for meditation but this was Detroit and the crowd hollered back f* k that we want to rock&roll the concert was in my top 20 and I've going to concerts since 1968 all around the world
The Fowler brother's dad taught at my college in the early 70's so it was a real treat to see them on campus and then sit behind the sound crew at their gig.
This is absolutely wonderful. Thank you for posting.
I saw Frank Zappa and the Mothers at Ithaca College in 1975. Live at the Roxy was out but before One Size Fits All was released. Frank was sick, coming down with the flu; he felt awful. He pressed on and put on an incredible show. During that show during a song featuring Ruth Underwood doing what she does best, the song suddenly stopped and Frank said, "Ruth used to go to college here". The song continued then stopped again.....Frank said "I'll bet Ruth is thinking 'I wonder what would have happened if I graduated from here' ". He gave her lots and lots of "airtime" that night. She was amazing. Here we are nearly 50 years later and I still remember her performance! When One Size came out featuring Pojama People, and Inca Roads I heard that those songs were written while he was recovering on the couch. While he was recovering from the flu he read a book about alien visitors. I can't confirm that, but that's what I heard back in 75-76.
great Ruth story: the drumsticks of Chester :)
What a great video. I could listen to 2 more hours of these stories!
I had the incredible great luck to see all of these people play with Frank. It’s been a lifelong inspiration to me. I’m a guitar player but nowhere near this level of beauty. I thank you all and your playing still inspires me. Rarely does a week go by in the last 50 years where there is not some Zappa in my ears. So glad that near the end you folks talked about “The Lick” in the 70’s versions of More Trouble Every Day. First time I heard it was live, and just like all of you did ,I immediately started singing it. Still gives me goosebumps! Thank you all for putting so much beauty in my life, I’ll never forget any of you. Also one last thing: Terry could you please get a bigger kit!
RUTH UNDERWOOD! oh how I love her. the absolute best!
I love the props these excellent musicians give to the Mahavishnu Orchestra, the incredulous look on Ruth Underwood's face when she says Mahavishnu opened for Frank Zappa!? It's true! They were a force of nature, every member just killed it, and the music/compositions/arrangements were on another level entirely.
Saw Mahavishu at damned UNH in the early days. Mindblowing..
And this was only about 5 years after a PA system could handle bass drum and bass guitar.
The whole band was amazing, but Billy Cobham was.....synaptic blowing.
The word "synaptic" didn't exist back then.
Well, maybe a little early for its time.
Yeah, I am sure they throughly deflated zappas ego trip.
I'm still watching this, aa you should be.
These men love Ruth.
WOW I am so overwhelmed to hear this stories, bringing back lots of memories to concerts which I was allowed to experience and to all the background for Franks . Thank you very much
Amazing drummers with awesome careers here....but missing my fav...Vinnie!
Ironically, both Jerry Goodman and Jean-Luc Ponty played for the Mahavishnu Orchestra in separate times.
It's rather bitter-sweet hearing all this stuff about Frank. Miss him. Should still be alive.
A house full of masters. I'd be hard pressed to pull off any Zappa medley/ song.
This is such a great video, I’m bummed Vinny and Ainsley aren’t here too
I guess they aren't Terry's favorite Zappa drummers.. ;-(
Who knows? There could well be other reasons they're not there.
In fact Terry says here that Ainsley is one of his favourites.
Chad is a monster actually. And I really like his work with Zappa. Of course Bozzio was the most relevant one. Thinking about City of Tiny Lights played by Bozzio with Belew at vocals 🔝
Another question here. Wackerman said that he had 120 songs in his pocket during the 88 tour. But a couple of years ago I heard the number 180? You now anything about this?
The Barcelona '88 concert footage shows Wackerman absolutely killing it
Ruth's stories are the best, and I love that Diva Zappa was having a birthday party
while Chad Wackerman was auditioning 😂
One of my great regrets is never being able to see Frank and his bands perform live. A friend saw Zappa a few times and he said each time it was like "seeing God". I did see Terry with Missing Persons, and he was incredible, but I always wanted to see him and these others performing under the pressure of Frank's all-seeing eye on them
For any FZ this a MUST WATCH brilliant stories and insights from all