Zappa Archives Open Up For “Funky Nothingness”
More tracks from Frank Zappa’s archive have come to see the light of day in a new album called Funky Nothingness. The album features 25 rare and previously unreleased tracks with more than three and a half hours of music. The collection of compositions are thought to have been planned as a sequel to his iconic album Hot Rats.
As such, it features several of the same musicians, including Ian Underwood (keyboard, saxophone, rhythm guitar), violinist and vocalist Don “Sugarcane” Harris, and bassist Max Bennett, with drummer Aynsley Dunbar filling out the lineup. Aside from his work on Hot Rats, Bennett was among the session aces in the Wrecking Crew and recorded with everyone from Elvis to Ray Charles to Frank Sinatra and more.
“Together the group recorded hours’ worth of original compositions, inspired covers and extended improvisations that drew from Zappa’s R&B and blues roots, while blending influences of the emerging jazz fusion scene,” a press release states. “Largely instrumental, these recordings showcased the guitarist’s virtuosity, while offering what could have easily been the sequel to Hot Rats, had it ever been released.”
Zappa Vaultmeister Joe Travers says, “‘Funky Nothingness’ delivers on all fronts, showcasing Zappa’s love for rhythm and blues, picking up where Hot Rats left off with extended instrumental work-outs fusing rock, jazz, and classical elements into music that can only be described as ZAPPA.”
Check out Bennett’s work on “Khaki Sack”:
Funky Nothingness is out now on CD, vinyl and as a digital download (iTunes and Amazon MP3).
Funky Nothingness Track List:
CD 1: Funky Nothingness – The Album
- Funky Nothingness
- Tommy/Vincent Duo I
- Love Will Make Your Mind Go Wild
- I’m A Rollin’ Stone
- Chunga’s Revenge (Basement Version)
- Basement Jam
- Work With Me Annie / Annie Had A Baby
- Tommy/Vincent Duo II
- Sharleena (1970 Record Plant Mix)
- Khaki Sack
- Twinkle Tits
CD 2: Zappa/Hot Rats ’70 Session Masters and Bonus Nothingness
- Chunga’s Revenge (Take 5)
- Love Will Make Your Mind Go Wild (Take 4)
- Transylvania Boogie (Unedited Master)
- Sharleena (Unedited Master)
- Work With Me Annie/Annie Had A Baby (Alternate Edit)
- Twinkle Tits (Take 1, False Start)
- Twinkle Tits (Take 2)
CD 3: Zappa/Hot Rats ’70 Session Masters and Bonus Nothingness
- The Clap (Unedited Master-Part I)
- The Clap (Unedited Master-Part II)
- Tommy/Vincent Duo (Unedited Master)
- Chunga’s Revenge (Take 8)
- Halos and Arrows
- Moldred
- Fast Funky Nothingness
