Who is Frank Zappa
Frank Zappa wasn’t just a guitarist or composer – he was a full-spectrum musical force. Blending rock, jazz, classical, satire, and pure absurdism, he built one of the most uncompromising catalogues in modern music. Zappa demanded extreme precision from his musicians, ran his bands like elite ensembles, and rejected almost every commercial norm of the music industry.
Known as a cruel task master, a consummate professional and a FREAK, Zappa has had a mix of good and bad press – from music journalists and past band
members alike! But beneath the sarcasm, satire, and confrontational public persona was someone deeply serious about artistic integrity, musicians’ rights,
and fair treatment – values that shaped not just his music, but how he operated behind the scenes.
Working with Tina Turner?
It’s no secret that Zappa has had some world class players in his bands, even putting names like Terry Bozio and Steve Vai on the map! In the early 1970s, Zappa worked with The Ikettes (the powerhouse backing vocal trio from Ike & Tina Turner’s revue) on albums including Over-Nite Sensation and Apostrophe (’). Zappa learned that Ike Turner was underpaying them for session work and controlling their movements, even when they were hired by other artists. Rather
than accept the low rate he was quoted, Zappa quietly paid the Ikettes significantly more, making sure the money went directly to them.
He also invited them to spend time in his studio – and paid them – even when they weren’t recording, so they’d have somewhere safe to go when Ike was being particularly abusive. Zappa never made a public issue of it. He just used his leverage to protect musicians and treat them fairly. It’s a story that cuts through the stereotype of Zappa as purely caustic or cynical, revealing
someone whose ethics were as uncompromising as his music.
Required Listening
While there are so many Zappa albums, and a few obvious shouts (Freak Out! And Joe’s Garage to name a couple), I have comprised this list based off of the fact that you might never have heard Zappa’s music before.
Over-nite Sensation and Apostrophe (‘)
Zappa was certainly on a hot streak during the recording of these two albums, with the bulk of the recording sessions for the albums being recorded at the
same time! This is a fantastic entry point into the world of Frank Zappa’s music. The song-writing, the sense of humour, the outrageous arrangements and the
seminal guitar work on these albums will form a great foundation as you make
your way through back-catalogue.
Sheik Yerbouti
A bombastic masterpiece, Sheik Yerbouti, features some of the most
memorable songs, played by finest players in the Zappa pantheon. Standout songs here are gonna be Bobby Brown Goes Down, Jewish Princess and City of Tiny Lights. With this and Joe’s Garage released at a similar time these albums form a union similar to Over-Nite Sensation and Apostrophe.
Broadway the Hardway
One of the final albums Zappa released before he stopped touring, Broadway the Hardway, is another landmark in the Zappa back-catalogue. This live album
is comprised of reworking of favourite Mothers of Invention songs, completely new material only recorded on live albums, and even a duet with Sting sing The
Police hit Murder by Numbers. This might just be my personal favourite album of Zappas’, featuring his one of the strongest line-ups (with veterans Bobby
Martin, Scott Tunis and Ike Willis), political satire and humour. Zappa was truly a force of nature, and this album makes for a wonderful cherry on top of
beautiful, and enigmatic cake.
There was only one Frank Zappa, and this list doesn’t even make a dent! What rare gems did you discover? Hit us up on socials and let us know your favourite Zappa Albums. Who knows – I might even cover a few of his amazing guitar styles in our lessons in the future – y’know… if ya want?