The Muffin Men 'Play Zappa' - Academy Liverpool 29 May 2010
Some twenty years ago, bassist Roddie Gilliard put together The Muffin Men to celebrate the fiftieth birthday of the late, great Frank Zappa. This original show was to be a one off, but over 900 shows around Europe and 14 CD releases later they are still going strong. The lineup has changed and evolved over the years and has included four original members of The Mothers of Invention / Frank Zappa bands; including the late Jimmy Carl Black.
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The Liverpool Academy was full of expectation and the audience had to wait through a distraction of a totally unnecessary support act. The increasing buzz of the crowd erupted when the band came on stage; musician after musician, keyboardist after keyboardist, lead guitarist after lead guitarist - why have one when you can have two? They started off with the classic ‘Willie The Pimp’ from the iconic ‘Hot Rats’ album before the jazz-rock ‘Peaches En Regalia’. The audience were hooked; becoming more vocal in showing their appreciation to the musicianship before them. The band showed their skills to the full with ‘City Of Tiny Lights’; a song with varying tempos and moods - stunning!
There was a time of reflection as we were introduced to Jimmy Carl Black’s pink holdall containing maracas, tambourine and other artefacts. How could they have been so mean as to allow the man to walk around in public with that?
There then followed a medley of ‘Mothers songs and then the crowd pleasing ‘Cosmic Debris’. The sublime sax solo on ‘Pygmy Twilight’ was followed by the re-introduction of original band member, Bammo on lead guitar; his return to the band being heralded with having a turn to sing three songs; ‘Suicide Chump’, ‘I’m The Slime’ and ‘Wino Man’. He’s a very accomplished musician and plays in several popular bands including Red Rock with ex Nutz bassist Keith Mulholland.
Between songs, the crowd were baying for their own personal favourites to be played; ‘Zoot Allures’ melted into ‘Yellow Snow’ which then became ‘Black Napkins’ - they came thick and fast and included some very rich rock and jazz improvisations around these classic Zappa compositions. After ‘San Bernardino’ came the rousing finale ‘My Guitar Wants To Kill Your Mama’. A great set, a great band, a great evening.
The Muffinz are not a covers band. Yes, they do play Zappa tunes but they interpret the music by putting their own spin on it. In the true nature of Zappa himself, there are guitar solos galore, keyboards, flute, sax, humour, brilliant musicianship and above all great entertainment. Catch them when you can.
To view all photos taken during this set click here. There are 3 available.