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Hey ZFT – ZPZ gave a fine concert in Oslo, and they deserve only praise for that. However, I feel the urge to point out that the notion that they are something essentially different from other tribute bands is based on a line of thinking that can’t be sustained by reason. And to illustrate that point, I have to say that The Grande Mothers gave an even better show of Frank’s music here only a few weeks ago. IMO they were more authentic, more musically sensitive and all in all more rewarding than your lot. The great Roy Estrada is still a soul giant, while the ZPZ wants a musical soul that projects the individuality of the players more honestly. Don Preston remains the same musical idealist that comes through in the Uncle Meat film. And The Grande Mothers’ soloing made a lot more sense than the show-off ramblings of your admittedly technically adept crew. Ben Thomas is a good singer, but Napoleon Murphy Brock is something else (which Frank clearly saw). After all, Frank’s direction mostly just allowed people to be themselves in an unfamiliar setting. Anyone who has been directed by him has thus given a unique and personal contribution to the project/object. So the good old guys really don’t need any permission or excuse to play this music, because it’s theirs also. Why don’cha do them right?
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