Listening to Frank Zappa - Inca Roads 

Ive been listening to Zappa since I was 14,Im 64 now and still here stuff i havnt heard before..simply amazing..Ruth Underwood the marimba player is Julliard trained.fantastic.They are all cream of the crop musicians

Frank Zappa and the brilliant musicians surrounding him are simply one of the best bands ever in human history. A fun trip in every sense, clever, funny and ridiculously talented. They never got boring, decades and decades in, and even hard fans never knew what to expect next, a level of playful chaos that may never be surpassed in technique or style. RIP Frank.

Frank Zappa is music that should be remembered. Greetings.

Frank is so much more SG than Angus !! Frank is 100 times the musician. IMO

Listen to the studio version. That way you wouldln't be distracted by the video. And the solo is even more satisfying

George Duke is amazing and Ruth Underwood is off the hook

Roxy And Elsewhere is the most incredible live album I've ever heard. Particularly the song "Don't You Ever Wash That Thing", I couldn't recommend it enough.

Frank has been in my life for the past 50 years. God bless the man and the unbelievable bands.

Zappa bands, steely dan lineups....and that's all you need.

the Claymation was done by hand, and each scene was pieced together by hand, by "the amazing Mr. Bickford", that Zappa had discovered!

Over the years, there's literally been a cavalcade of musicians coming out of the Zappa school of music. Everyone who's anyone in the music industry has played for Zappa. If you were the best, you sought to get into his band. What he composed and how he approached music was unique. It certainly was challenging and Zappa was demanding but at the same time, the musicians said they'd never had more fun playing for anyone. Zappa LOVED a good laugh, and he often got one from his musicians. He loved free spirits and fun, wacky, experimental stuff. Zappa, no one like him.

Inca Roads is an all time classic. Everyone gets a chance to shine in this tune and there is some seriously complex stuff going on!

Genius at work. One of the best composers of orchestral/instrumental music in the 20th century. Should be on every music teaching curriculum.

Start at the beginning and work your way to the end. It will take you many years, and be quite rewarding.

Been listening to Zappa since Absolutely Free. An absolute genius. Thank you Frank - rest in peace.

Progression of brain reassignment starting at age 16 in 1977: just another band from LA, Hot Rats, Overnite Sensation, apostrophe, bongo fury, one size fits all, grand wazoo, all digested by age 17. Transformed. The studio version of Inca Roads is perfection.

Great to watch Jim’s face during George’s key solo - that’s a man getting lost in this wonderful music. This may be sacrilege but I think Dweezil does this solo even better - if you get a chance you must see him live.

It’s interesting to see the reaction of someone who has never heard Frank Zappa or at least more than just his “strictly commercial” music. This is a great intro., both the song and the concert. Probably my favorite of his line ups and this tour was amazing not only because two of the members had only been in the band for a few months, but also this song Inca Roads developed as this tour went on, before it was released on One Size Fits All. Having a top 40 mind and approaching explaining what they hear is funny. He mentions the SG he is playing and Angus Young, later David Gilmore. Of course Zappa predates AC/DC and even Syd Barrett Pink Floyd. The fact that “Valley Girl” was his biggest “hit” says it all about the industry and the pop format. Zappa was writing orchestral pieces in the early 60’s. His commercial material was a means to an end for him. A great song to start out with for sure.

Damn. I haven't seen this in 25 years. Zappa and the band were unmatched. I saw him in 84 or so and it was one of my all time favorite shows.

I’ve been a fan since 1966 at the age of 12 !!! Of his 114 official releases I have 98% of them !!! George Duke on Vocals !! ONE OF THE FINEST KEYBOARD PLAYERS EVER !!! RUTH UNDERWOOD !!! INCREDIBLE

Montana, Overnight Sensation amazing guitar solo, really !!! Anything with the Mothers of invention...

Brilliant band indeed! 💯🎶 I’m always amazed seeing Bruce Bickford’s claymation too. Trippy yes, and very time consuming to make with a film camera and level of detail. Awesome stuff here and reaction 👌🏼

"Why don'tcha sharpen it, then ?"

Zappa birthed Steve, Steve birthed Devy... Greatest musical lineage of our time.

I saw Zappa in '78 at the fox theater in Atlanta. Words can't describe the experience.

The whole ONE SIZE FITS ALL album. Studio version of INCA ROADS plus a cross section of some of Zappa's style.

One of THEE Greatest Tunes...EVER..... Add Frank's Playing..... it turns into AWESOME!!!! How cannot you not LOVE this tune?????

Burnt Wienie Sandwich, Grand Wazoo and Wakajiwaka all studio albums. The later two were made while Frank was recuperating after having been thrown into the orchestra pit I think at Royal Albert Hall by a lunatic.He almost died and broke a lot of bones.

So glad your giving Zappa his due! I love his music and had met him numerous times. Amazing human.

I feel Zappa's best CD would have to be You cant do that on stage anymore Volume 2 the Helsinki concert...I dont feel I have ever heard another album where the musicians are so in tune with each other. They just start playing and seem to keep feeding off of each others brilliance !!!

One of the greatest American Composers. Frank grew up listening to Stockhausen, Stravinsky, Varese, and R&B and it shows.

Most Zappa is incredible. Joe's Garage is my favorite. Need to hear start to finish this double album. Vinny Colaiuta's drums are out of this world

zappa and vai live duet version of "stevies spanking" in rome italy......'82? jim ..... i simply cannot stress enough how utterly incredible that performance is. i promise you...... youll be completely floored.

Every time you hear something different in that song

Zappa was a true musician. From Classical, to Jazz, Rock, Parody, and more, he did it all and did it well. I bought this lp at a record store the 1st day it came out.

As Frank would say...they played all the right notes. Glad I have been listening to him since Freak Out in 65.

As someone new to Zappa you may not realize that all his stuff was composed on sheet music.

Inca Roads is a song that is impossible to understand the first time. My first time, I didn't get it at all. It was just gibberish. The second time, I grew interested. The third, I began to like it. The fourth, I loved it. The next 500 listens, it was my number one favorite song of all time and still is. Listen to the album version next to hear the incredible bass much clearer.

Welcome to the mind of FRANK ZAPPA ....and just as you said "Genius" Just start with the two Albums "Overnite Sensation" and "Apostrophe"..Your mind is about to open up wider.... AND WELCOME to what music could be....beyond the radio...Congratulations

In addition to the virtuosity, it inspires reverence to see a gifted artist reaching for something...a new vision, forms of expression. Thanks!

Hes son Dweezil Zappa has a dvd "Zappa Plays Zappa". A great start for new Zappafans since he keeps the music fresh and the list of songs is a nice start. Good Zappa albums to start with: Hot Rats Over Nite Sensation Apostophe Sheik Yerbouti Them Or Us Zappa in New York Best Band You Never Heared In Your Life

r.i.p. bruce bickford...

Zappa had to be difficult to play with. Everything is perfection in his band. Not to mention the music is difficult to play. I loved this stuff! Oh, and what a great guitarist!

This BLEW YOUR MIND man!! Zappa does that.

Priceless to see your face as the first 5/4 bit breaks loose. I can practically see you count it out. You really got into this piece for a first hearing. Respect! If you like this, you'll really like pieces such as Echidna's arf (of you), G-spot tornado, St. Alphonso's pancake breakfast, ...

You really need to follow this up with Willie The Pimp. One of the best guitar solos ever recorded.

Watch the movie: Baby Snakes, the second half is basically a Halloween Show with Terry BOZZIO on Drums !!! FRANK WROTE HIM A SONG CALLED: THE BLACK PAGE !!! PS: I WAS THERE AT THIS HALLOWEEN SHOW !!!!

The only word to describe Frank Zappa's music is indescribable

Clay animation by Bruce Bickford. Check out his stuff.

Glad to see these children are discovering the more unique music of my teens! I started listening to Zappa in '66 or '67 and remember my mother opening my door, looking at me and asking, "What in the hell are you listening to?" 56 or 57 years later I still have Zappa in my collection! Funny thing is, I also have Hank Williams Sr. and Patsy Cline! I guess it comes from being raised in the deep south from '52 to '70 when I went into the military! One of my favorites that you'll rarely if ever hear is Sky Pilot by Eric Burden and the Animals! I was listening to that in '66 or '67, it was a favorite in Vietnam at that time! Try it! It sort of gets to the heart of the matter! ✌

Despite all the reactions...... This music does not need Words, nor judgement.... its beyond❤️

Once in the news back in the day he wrote this song they were saying they found in Peru a landing spot for an Alien spaceship, so Frank made a song about it.

Real music. I think you got it, Jim.

One of the tunes that i can listen to over and over and never get tired of it. such perfection with everyone. this live version is just as brilliant as the studio version. george duke on keyboards is so amazingly talented. as is the rest of the band. some of zappas best work.

Apostrophe and Over-Nite Sensation are arguably his two greatest albums. Front to back amazing.

Ruth Underwood on Xylophone, very underrated but very integral to Zappa music of the day.

"Inca Roads" is based on the book and documentary "Chariots Of The Gods", about the Incas building landing pads for extraterrestrials. This may be the best group of musicians he had, with Ruth Underwood on marimba and percussion and George Duke (later a record producer) on keys and vox. This is entertaining, but I still like the original 1975 album version, mostly due to the guitar solo. Zappa does some pre Van Halen tapping on the guitar neck using his pick. I saw this band (with the addition of Jean Luc Ponty) on a double bill with the Mahavishnu Orch. in 1973, and the 2 standouts for me were Ruth Underwood , and the Mahavishnu drummer Billy Cobham. Besides writing music with scatalogical lyrics, which is one aspect of what he did, he also had albums of re-framed live guitar solos, and wrote 20th C orchestral music. Everybody in his band had to pass rigorous auditions. Frank wrote a number called "Ruth Is Sleeping", because she would learn her parts faster than anyone else, and might doze off as Frank went over parts with other members of the band. There is a very informative doc on Y.Tube called "The Drummers Of Frank Zappa". Zappa played SGs since 1970, before AC/DC were formed. Before that I remember Clapton's psychadelic one with the Cream (1966-68) but I guess I'm just old.

You got it backwards - Angus Young played Frank Zappa's guitar, not the other way around. Great reaction to one of my all time favorite songs. Thanks and please do LOTS MORE FRANK ZAPPA. You won't regret it. Try Peaches En Regalia from Hot Rats - it's a classic.

I grinned all the way through. Again! Inca Roads ~ one of my all time favourites! Ever.

I always thought it was a reference to people like 'Erich von Däniken' and his 'Chariots of the Gods?' type books that became popular in the late '60s and '70s. One of his best Albums. As for Dweezil, he's playing in Southampton Guildhall this December. ( Shame we haven't got the Gaumont for bands anymore ).

When I was a teen, I introduced a musician friend to Zappa with the album Apostrophe, and it was a life changing experience. Most of the clips on YT are chopped up poorly since the songs run together. I suggest doing a full album, or at lease side one.

The sheer musicianship in this Zappa song particular is completely out of this world. Music made to humble musicians.

I will never get tired of this. It gets better every single time you listen to it.

So happy I got to see this band when I was 14

I always click on Zappa. The man was a genius! Highly intelligent!! I would have had someone to vote for if he was still alive!

Seeing you enjoying this masterpiece was so cool 🙌🏼 I was vibing to it too even though I watched this show about a thousand times already hahaha

Always went to his annual Halloween shows in NYC, he was the best!

Love watching Frank conduct the song from centre stage

"Wow, WOW!" Is right! This is one of the most badass pieces of music ever. The "Adventures of Gregory Pekkary" is phenomenal but I have never found a good live performance.

EVERY Zappa guitar solo is unique, ad lib. If you went to four shows in a weekend, you would not hear the same solo twice.

You have a very long & exciting journey ahead of you. Thanks.

There is a great video of George Duke talking about Frank making him sing

I just subscribed. Glad you like Frank Zappa.

It is true to say that FZ changed my life. Shortly after a release from prison and the probability of a return, a friend gave me a cassette tape recording of the FZ album Sheik YaBouti. It stopped me in my tracks and left me wanting to hear much more of this weirdness. Through listening to Frank and seeking out his truth I met a lot of really sound people whom I would never have otherwise I dare say, these people helped to civilise me and were passive role models in that I saw there was a life that did not involve being an asshole, I'm happy to say I grabbed it with both hands.

I started listening to Zappa back in 1971. I was sixteen and fell madly in love with a girl that worked at my local record store. More lust than love. Every time I went to see her at the record store Zappa was playing. I ended up loving Zappa instead. I've loved him ever since. The great thing about Zappa is the wonderful mix of musical styles. One album will be largely jazz and Avant Gard, the next might be more rock, the one after that could be bluesy, and then he'll throw a real curveball with an album of doo-wop. I would advise you to take a listen to "Doreen", the version from Crush All Boxes, it's an unreleased album but you can listen to it on RU-vid. Aforementioned "Doreen" has the best vocal arrangement you will hear, as fine an example of doo-wop as you will come across. I mention this as being an example of the curveball. However there are many fine examples, of all the listed types of music, to be found within the clade that is Zappa.

After being turned onto Zappa in the early 70s by my friend, when he would play his Hot Rats album as we sat in his room getting roasted on Hawaiian bud, I lost contact with his music and became involved in other things. But in the last few years I've discovered more of Zappa's music, and his more popular songs, and I'm blown away by the intricacies and diversity of his art! Try 'Don't Eat the Yellow Snow', 'I'm the Slime', 'Peaches en Regalia', 'Andy', 'Montana', (jazzy) 'Pink Napkins', 'Willie the pimp'.

On Ruth!!! That's Ruth!!! One of the more brilliant performances in the Rock genre...Ruth Underwood, is she in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!!!

Frank was on the Inca roads in 1973 in Cuzco-Peru

The sheer joy in Frank’s music is a wonder to behold.

UNBEKIEVEABLE!! Your commenting was brillaint. John Nawn

It’s funny how Frank was so clinical and cerebral in his composition, yet so emotive and lilting in his guitar work. The contrast is stark. Real giants on the stage there, with George Duke and Chester Thompson. Ruth Underwood is a force of nature.

Jim Newstead, any live version of Franks's What's new in Baltimore is worth a serious listen. Thanks for keeping Frank alive.

Entertaining....what else could you call this ... so varied, so complex, so beautuiful...unusual....a spcae ship is trying to land , people...be careful...

This was the best reaction video I have seen, I knew the track and it was great to see your reaction you will go back again and again

Not 20 years my friend!!! EAGLE ROCK ENTERTAINMENT and the Zappa Family Trust are pleased to announce the first official release of A TOKEN OF HIS EXTREME, an original program created by FRANK ZAPPA for TV. Recorded on August 27, 1974 at KCET in Hollywood, A TOKEN OF HIS EXTREME features Frank Zappa with five incredibly talented band members for this extravaganza of live music. The line-up exists of Frank Zappa-guitar, percussion, vocals; George Duke-keyboards, finger cymbals, tambourine, vocals; Napoleon Murphy Brock-sax, vocals; Ruth Underwood-percussion; Tom Fowler-bass; Chester Thompson-drums

Thank you for bringing this creative ingenious to the fore-front .. such a musical tour-de-force , lucky to ride on his coat tails.. 😳

"Blessed Relief" .. give that a try ;)

Recording Zappa's intricate musical ideas in the studio is hard enough, but assembling the musicians who can perform it live in front of an audience with such fantastic excellence shows his artistic musical genius. Ruth Underwood is killing it!

Yep, Zappa was not only a genius musician, but very prolific. So, so much material. My suggestion: Billy The Mountain It's a very long song, depending on the version, it's between 20 and 40 minutes. Not as much technical musicianship, but it's a fun story with tons of improv and comedy, brought to life by Flo and Eddie who were members of the Turtles ("Imagine me and you", yeah, THAT band) that joined his band for a while after the Turtles broke up. Just a different facet of his immense and bizarre catalog.

YES!!! Finally! Thank you for doing this

No worries! Start anywhere. I guarantee you wont git bored. But like you said there is a SHITLOAD. And its all bloody brilliant! Have fun jim!!!

Zappa music when you get it and like it it is for life.This music needs active listening

Ruth Underwood. Virtuoso percussionist. Frank considered her to be the best musician he ever had in his band.

Saw them in 1973 and was amazed. I had never heard anything like it before. I still haven't heard anything like them. Technically superb they added warmth to Zappa's music. I think he was delighted with them.

So good.

Master piece ..freaky ?..listen to weasels ripped my flesh ..big swifty ...grand wazoo ..I have so enjoyed youre honest appreciation of one of my musical gods, all the best to from ...maxxx...from Australia ..

Loved your analysis of what is perhaps my favorite song of all time. If you get a chance, listen to the version on "One Size Fits All". Same version but he swapped the guitar solo from another performance, that, IMO, is one of the greatest solos of all time. Long Live Zappa!

Yes! You're listening to the best version! ^-^ my favorite Zappa song of all time. That band, circa '74, was the best group in my opinion. Duke, Fowler, Murphy, Thompson and the wonderful Ms. Underwood. Sooooo good

You picked one of his best songs in indisputably the best version on one of his best albums ever! Greta choice! Thanks for your other subscriber for pushing it so hard >.> They're just so on point, by far my favorite iteration of The Mothers

Finally a reactor that gets it! Sorry I am a bit late to the party, but that got me subscribed and will be waiting for more with baited breath, Thanks.This will give you a little time to assemble the vocabulary required to properly react to Uncle Frank-musical Genius and all round great human.