Frank Zappa - 1970 - Khaki Sack · Funky Nothingness.

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“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.”

Th Band :

Associated Performer, Vocals, Guitar, Studio Personnel, Mix Engineer: Frank Zappa
Associated Performer, Keyboards: Ian Underwood
Associated Performer, Bass: Max Bennett
Associated Performer, Drums: Aynsley Dunbar


The Frank Zappa Estate has unveiled a behind-the-scenes video documenting the making of the forthcoming Funky Nothingness project from the legendary musician.

In part one of the series, Vaultmeister Joe Travers and Mastering Engineer Chris Bellman detail the upcoming Zappa release, a never-heard-before collection of rarities and a considered sequel to Zappa’s 1969 seminal album Hot Rats.

Bellman shows the process behind cutting the lacquer at Bernie Grundman Mastering, and Travers talks about how the record has “never been heard before after 53 years. Check out the whole clip below.

The sessions, which took place primarily in February and March 1970 at the new studio, featured Zappa once again in the producer’s chair and joined by several of the musicians that played on Hot Rats, including Mothers member Ian Underwood (keyboard, saxophone, rhythm guitar), violinist and vocalist Don “Sugarcane” Harris, and Wrecking Crew bassist Max Bennett. The five-piece band was rounded out by Aynsley Dunbar, who had just relocated to Los Angeles and moved in with Zappa following his invite to join the band. 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. 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.
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Funky