Inca Roads - Zappa Plays Zappa

07.03.2008 - Rothbury Music Festival, Rothbury, MI

As a diehard Zappa fan who never had the opportunity to see Frank or the Mothers in action, Rothbury 2008 provided (among other things) my first chance to experience the closest thing I would ever see to a Frank show.

Though they have been touring since 2006, their previous tours somehow always managed to elude me.  This was disappointing, as the band’s first tour was comprised of an impressive all-star Mothers of Invention lineup, including Terry Bozio, Napolean Murphy Brock, and Steve Vai.   The new lineup, though not quite as star-studded (or even zircon-encrusted, as Frank may have preferred), proved to be a truly unbelievable collection of musicians.  In this writer’s mind, they were the most talented band at the festival which had one of the strongest lineup of artists in this century.  And that was before Ray White came out to join the band for a raging rendition of Willie The Pimp.

This is clearly seen in the band’s rendition of Inca Roads.  This song is one of the Zappa epics, and a precursor (if not inspiration) to many of the jam vehicles for bands that have come since.  This rendition did nothing to disappoint.  The song showcases each member of the group, and features a guitar solo that, in several instances, might make you wonder if Dweezil actually surpassed his father in pure guitar chops.  It would have certainly impressed Frank if for nothing else.

The performance reinforced what many have been saying; Zappa Plays Zappa is truly a tribute to one of the great rock and jazz musicians.  The show by no means comes off as cheesy or nostalgic.  The band stays true to the concept of the music, which as Frank’s music has taught so many others that have come since, encourages musicians to take the instruments that they have and to push and stretch the boundaries of their abilities and ideas.  I hope this band is around to do so for years to come.