Album Info
| Artist: | Frank Zappa |
| Album: | Waka / Jawaka |
| Released: | USA & Europe, 2022 |
Tracklist:
| A | Big Swifty | 17:26 |
| Electric Piano [Ring-modulated & Echoplexed Electric Piano] - George Duke | ||
| Guitar, Percussion - Frank Zappa | ||
| Slide Guitar - Tony Duran | ||
| trumpet [Many trumpets], Chimes - Sal Marquez | ||
| B1 | Your Mouth | 3:12 |
| Baritone Saxophone [Baritone Sax], Piccolo Flute [Piccolo] - Mike Altschul | ||
| Guitar - Frank Zappa | ||
| Piano [Tack Piano] - George Duke | ||
| Piccolo Flute - Mike Altschul | ||
| Slide Guitar - Tony Duran | ||
| Tenor Saxophone [Tenor Sax] - Joel Peskin | ||
| trumpet, Vocals [Vocal] - Sal Marquez | ||
| Vocals [Vocal] - Chris Peterson | ||
| B2 | It Just Might Be A One-Shot Deal | 4:17 |
| Acoustic Guitar, Other [Electric Bed Springs] - Frank Zappa | ||
| Lap Steel Guitar [Hawaiian Guitar], Vocals [Vocal] - Jeff Simmons | ||
| Slide Guitar, Vocals [Vocal] - Tony Duran | ||
| Soloist [Pedal Steel Solo], Pedal Steel Guitar [Pedal Steel Solo] - "Sneaky Pete" Kleinow | ||
| trumpet, Vocals [Vocal] - Sal Marquez | ||
| Vocals [Vocal] - Erroneous, Janet Ferguson | ||
| Washboard, Tambourine - Aynsley Dunbar | ||
| B3 | Waka / Jawaka | 11:18 |
| Bass [Fuzz Bass] - Erroneous | ||
| Guitar - Frank Zappa | ||
| Piano, Synthesizer [Mini-moog] - Don Preston | ||
| Piccolo Flute [Piccolo], Bass Flute, Bass Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone [Tenor Sax], Baritone Saxophone [Baritone Sax] - Mike Altschul | ||
| trombone, Baritone Horn - Billy Byers, Ken Shroyer | ||
| trumpet [trumpets], Flugelhorn [Flugel Horn], Chimes - Sal Marquez |
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Description
Frank Zappa's "Waka/Jawaka", released in July 1972, is often seen as a continuation of the jazz fusion explorations he began with "Hot Rats" in 1969. This album, recorded during a period when Zappa was recovering from injuries sustained in a stage incident, showcases his ability to innovate and push musical boundaries even under challenging circumstances.
The album opens with "Big Swifty", a sprawling, 17-minute jazz fusion piece that sets the tone for the record. The track is a masterclass in improvisation and arrangement, featuring intricate horn sections and a rhythmically complex foundation. Zappa's guitar work is as sharp as ever, weaving through the composition with precision and flair. The interplay between the musicians is remarkable, highlighting Zappa's skill as a bandleader and his knack for assembling talented ensembles.
The title track, "Waka/Jawaka", closes the album and serves as another highlight. It's a dynamic piece that blends elements of jazz, rock, and avant-garde music, showcasing Zappa's eclectic influences and his ability to merge them into a cohesive whole. The track's structure is both ambitious and accessible, making it a standout moment on the record.
In between these two epics, "Your Mouth" and "It Just Might Be a One-Shot Deal" offer a change of pace. "Your Mouth" is a bluesy, vocal-driven track with a playful edge, while "It Just Might Be a One-Shot Deal" features a whimsical, almost surreal quality, complete with pedal steel guitar that adds a country flavour to the mix. These tracks demonstrate Zappa's versatility and his willingness to experiment with different styles and genres.
"Waka/Jawaka" is often considered a precursor to Zappa's next album, "The Grand Wazoo", which was released later in 1972. Both albums share a similar sonic palette and were recorded with overlapping personnel, including notable contributions from musicians like George Duke and Aynsley Dunbar. The production on "Waka/Jawaka" is crisp and detailed, allowing the complexity of the arrangements to shine through.
While "Waka/Jawaka" may not be as widely celebrated as some of Zappa's other works, it remains a vital part of his discography. The album captures a transitional period in his career, bridging the gap between his earlier, more rock-oriented material and the sophisticated, jazz-influenced compositions that would define much of his later output. For fans of Zappa's music, "Waka/Jawaka" offers a fascinating glimpse into his creative process and serves as a testament to his enduring artistry.
