Frank Zappa - Hot Rats (1969) [Classic Records 200g LP] Definitive Master vinyl rip in 24-bit/96kHz & CD-format

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From the sturdy slipcover and record sleeve to the heavy vinyl, Classic Record's reissue is superior to the original in every way. The music emerges from a quieter background with minimal tape hiss which allows the steep dynamics to power through ruthlessly. This is a very high-energy recording made even more so by Michael Hobson's magic. - James Darby/stereomojo.com

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After releasing a 'mother lode of Mothers' (of Invention) classics, by 1969 leader Frank Zappa was ready to breakthrough other musical barriers that were still holding popular music in a conservative headlock. Being one if not the first album to be recorded using 16 tracks (twice the number being used at the time on both sides of the Atlantic), Hot Rats became a leading edge in both modern recording technology and the evolution of jazz/rock- fusion. Mostly instrumental, it features six original compositions; three loose jam pieces, the remainder being tight ensemble arrangements. Some of the finest players around come together in varying combinations, all-the-while showcasing FZ's guitar virtuosity. Among others, Lowell George of Little Feat-fame lends guitar, jazz violinists extraordinaire Don 'Sugarcane' Harris and Jean-Luc Ponty plus fellow Mother Ian Underwood's keyboard and woodwind work, complete the leader's advanced vision. Last but not least, the legendary Captain Beefheart brings his unique pipes to the infamous Willie The Pimp. Soon to become a concert staple and fan favorite thereafter, Peaches En Regalia is truly a modern jazz standard, eventually covered by the likes of Phish and The Dixie Dregs. Also included are Son of Mr. Green Genes, Little Umbrellas, The Gumbo Variations and It Must Be A Camel. Mastered and cut directly from the original analog master tape by Bernie Grundman under the supervision of Gail Zappa. This LP features Classic’s proprietary ultra quiet vinyl formula and our 200g Super Vinyl Profile II pressed on specially outfitted semi automatic presses for maximum sonic fidelity.




Track listing

All songs written and composed by Frank Zappa.

Side one

1. "Peaches en Regalia" 3:38
2. "Willie the Pimp" 9:25
3. "Son of Mr. Green Genes" 8:58

Side two

4. "Little Umbrellas" 3:09
5. "The Gumbo Variations" 12:55
6. "It Must Be a Camel" 5:15

Personnel

Frank Zappa – electric guitar, percussion, octave bass
Ian Underwood – organ, clarinet, flute, piano, saxophone

also featuring

Max Bennett – bass on all tracks except "Peaches en Regalia"
Captain Beefheart – vocals on "Willie the Pimp"
John Guerin – drums on "Willie the Pimp", "Little Umbrellas" and "It Must Be a Camel"
Don "Sugarcane" Harris – violin on "Willie the Pimp" and "The Gumbo Variations"
Paul Humphrey – drums on "Son of Mr. Green Genes" and "The Gumbo Variations"
Shuggie Otis – bass on "Peaches en Regalia"
Jean-Luc Ponty – violin on "It Must Be a Camel"
Ron Selico – drums on "Peaches en Regalia"
Lowell George - guitar (uncredited)[9]
Harvey Shantz – Snorks

Production

Producer: Frank Zappa
Director of engineering: Dick Kunc
Engineers: Cliff Goldstein, Jack Hunt, Brian Ingoldsby, Dick Kunc
Arranger: Frank Zappa
Cover design: Cal Schenkel
Design: Cal Schenkel, John Williams