Zappa.com

Did you attend this show at the Southern Jubilee Auditorium in Calgary?

Dweezil and the band would love to read your reviews.

Please do not post in this thread if you did not attend the show.

Mikey
Zappa.com Webmeister

What can I say - simply wonderful! Having been unable to take in a show from the last tour I was understandably looking forward to this one. Since I saw FZ perform 4 times and have heard shows from this and the previous ZPZ tour, I thought I would enjoy it but not be blown away. Man, was I wrong. Seeing these guys (and girl) live was exceptional - for an FZ fan it's like dying and going to heaven. All the musicians were great and Ray's vocal abilities and stage presence haven't diminished at all over the years. The segments where DZ and the band played along with the video of FZ brought tears to my eyes.

The only drawback to the evening was having the self-proclaimed "Snotty Dick" sitting two seats directly in front of me.

Kudos to Dweezil for his chops and his dedication in putting together an ensemble and performances of quality his father would be proud of. Also for being nice to my 17 year old daughter, who loved the show (and has an amp formerly owned by Dweezil Zappa - but not still damp).

Way to go guys!

12-8-07 By way of update, I saw Van Halen last night and while I historically respected Eddie for his guitar playing ability (in the absence of diversity), in many ways Dweezil has surpassed him as a player. Ironic, considering their former perceived stature.

Also, the ZPZ DVD is exceptional - buy it!

I saw Zappa and the Mothers back in 1971 playing what was basically the Fillmore East show - "the white album with the pencil on front". Unfortunately the sound was horrible up in the stands, and we really couldn't hear it too well until we snuck down onto the main floor. But by then the concert was nearly over.

Last night made up for what I missed years ago in spades.One of the best concerts I've ever seen. Dweezil and the band were in top form - absolutely unbelievable. These guys can PLAY. Ray White is just icing on the cake with his charismatic stage presence. I've never stopped listening to Frank, and last nights set list was a fan's smorgasboard of his music. Dweezil obviously has a mission in life to bring Frank's music back to those who loved it for years and introduce it to a whole new generation. He was largely preaching to the converted last night, but there were a few younger faces in the crowd too, and thats a good thing.

The show pulled gems from all stages of Frank's career. For me the highlights were "Carolina Hard Core Ecstasy", "Brown Shoes Don't Make It", "Joe's Garage" and "Muffin Man" (to name a few - they were all great).

What I have always loved about Frank Zappa's music was its sense of humour and playfullness. Dweezil and the band kept that spirit alive last night. Even some technical glitches at the beginning of the show couldn't stop the smiles and and good-natured bantering between Dweezil and the audience. I found myself smiling, laughing and singing along a lot last night. I left feeling exhausted and happy, but looking forward to more (please?). Thanks a lot guys for a magical evening - it had eyebrows!

Last night's show at the Jubilee was a freakin' guitar clinic! Not only that but I found my un-trained ear fascinated at the complexity of the music. If I wasn’t completely mesmerized by the guitar licks, I was amazed at how tight these musicians were. Wow what a show. After Dweezil fixed his little technical problems the show seemed to wizz by. Before I knew it he was done the encor.

I'm a 39-year-old Calgarian who began listening to FZ 3 years ago. Don't ask me why I failed to 'get it' for most of my adult life, however better late than never. Most of what I listened to has been Joe's Garage I & II, Shut Up 'N Play Yer Guitar and Son of Cheep Thrills. This live performance has me salivating for more….

My favourite part of the show was also when FZ was on the big screen at the end of the show, t-shirt-less and absolutely shreading his guitar. The only way to describe it is that his fingers explode on his guitar. Truely amazing guitarism.

I was blown away by the show last night. It was an amazing experience and part of the thrill was seeing how much fun the musicians were having. Everyone could sing but Ray White was just a power house, incredible soul singer!

I laughed me arse off at the antics that go along with the songs, and the ad-lib air drum salsa during the techincal difficulties. Shows great musicianship.

My father has always been a Frank Zappa fan and my husband is a huge fan and has exposed me to the music over the years and I have to say I was an instant fan. My favorite is Joe's Garage so I was tickled to hear it last night.

I was in front and a seat to the right of "Snotty Dick" and he was obviously enjoying himself, but yeah, he was a little much. (Sorry dude).
I'm still amazed we managed to get front row center seats. What a rush!

i'm on my way to the show in edmonton right now , and i can hardly wait

We launched north a couple of hours with my old roomate's son Tyler Zappa Morris and two of his friends with a high degree of anticipation. The two hour return trip was made with a complete sense of amazement. Nothing could have prepared me for what we experianced. From start to finish the band laid down a wall of Zappa that I will never forget. Thanks Dweezil and band for your mind blowing contribution. May Frank's memory burn as brightly as your future.

Something a bit eerie for me about Thursday's ZPZ concert. This was the first concert I've been to in five years. The last one I saw was Neil Young and Crazy Horse in Sheffield, England.

The opening act for the Zappa/Mothers concert I saw in '71: Crazy Horse.

Another good thing from the ZPZ show: I ran into some old friends I hadn't seen for 14 years! At least there is symmetry: listening to the concert was like hearing an old friend in Frank's music.

Thanks again Dweezil and co: I've listened to Frank on vinyl, cassette, CD, DVD and MP3, but Thursday was a whole new level. Good luck guys, wherever you are...

Great performance by every member of the band, true professionals playing with tremendous soul ! I am in awe of Dweezil's ability to swing an axe -- a genuine guitar master.

I wanted to thank you for putting the Zappa plays Zappa tour together. I have been a Frank Zappa aficionado since grade 8 when a good friend of mine introduced me to his music. Unfortunately, I was too young to get the chance see him play live.

When I heard you were going to undertake the challenge of putting on a tour, I was very excited: especially when I found you guys were coming to Calgary.

I was not sure what to expect however. While I am not personally proficient enough a musician to play the music, I know a sufficient amount to appreciate what a challenge it would be to successfully bring Frank’s music to life (not to mention the emotional challenge it must have been, which I have no concept of). By this I mean more than just replicating the music live - to use your well chosen phrase being a ‘human jukebox’.

I was amazed by the performance you guys put on. I had expected that the playing would be excellent, but you brought the music to life in a way I would not have thought possible.

It was a revelation to me in a number of ways – since there are many dimensions to the songs that are not captured by the recordings. Nuances and dynamics between band members, the sense of irreverence, the dynamics, shape and energy of the performance: and the fact it was obvious you guys were having a blast playing – outstanding work.

I thank you and the members of the band, wish you continued success, and look forward to future performances of Frank Zappa’s music, should they be forthcoming. Would be very interested to see a performance of your music if the opportunity arises (don’t skip Calgary!)..!

M.

What to say folks? I mean, if you were there, you were blown away by the show. Band was tighter than a fist up a dialectic poodle's poop-shoot! No words can really describe it.

I fully agree with the one poster before me who mentioned the illustrious "Snotty Dick." The guy was enjoying the show but, "Dude, think of the others around you!"

Dweezil, please do this again and again and again.

Best Band Ever!!!
Kamelots

Hoping someone might be able to provide a setlist from the Calgary show. Thanks in advance.

Nope, never thought I would see Franks music played live ever again, let alone, played properly.
I just found this post, wish I would have posted right after the concert but whatever,,,.
I just want to thank you Dweezil for putting this band of amazing talent together. You have to draw up this kind of talent to play Zappa music so it's no surprise to see this level of musicianship.
I saw Frank twice, 81 & 84. I bought my first Zappa album when I was 14, One Size Fits All. And I have been pretty much fanatical about his music since I was 16. I'm now 46 and Frank still tops my list of favorites.

I only heard about Zappa plays Zappa a couple months ago. Am I ever glad I did. If you miss this tour then you ought to kick your own ass.
Even if you are not into Frank you should see it just to see what music is really about.
I hope you return next year,, and if "see you next year" means what it sounds like it means then,,, oh ya,,,, I will see you next year.

I also really enjoyed seeing Ray White. I saw him when I saw Frank.
What can you say about Ray. To say he is talented is like saying we need air to breathe,,, tell me something we don't know. It just shows you how Frank had the best with him to perform his music and Ray,, you still kick ass buddy. Holy Crap!!! what a voice.

As for the rest of the band, thank you for doing justice to this music.
Incredible job from all of you.
And Dweezil,,, my my,, haven't you turned into a little guitar slayer yourself,,, Very nice job Dweezil.

It has been said over and over again but once more won't hurt.
Dweezil,,, you are doing your Dad proud. Kudos on keeping his legacy alive.
I know you want to get Franks music out to young people(and I see it is working) but you are also doing an honorable service to all of us long time fans as well. What a treat to be able to hear such a vast array of music spanning the years. I particularly liked the Freak Out trilogy,,, unbelievable,,,, now that is definitely something I wouldn't ever dreamed of hearing live,,,, and you nailed it,,, un-freakin-believable.

Thanks all for all your hard work and dedication that it must take to learn and perform this music.
Thanks Dweezil for making it possible for me to hear this music live again.

I hope you do this for a long time. We are already planning the trip next year.
Loved it!!!!!!

Frank, you left a void. Music is just music now. What you did with this thing we call music was pure magic.
Your legacy lives on

Frank Zappa forever.
Zappa is the best.

I believe this is the proper set list for the Calgary show but corrections are welcome:

Dog/Meat
Son of Suzy Creamcheese
Brown Shoes Don’t Make It
America Drinks And Goes Home
Magic Fingers
City Of Tiny Lites
Advance Romance
Dumb All Over (w FZ video)
What’s New In Baltimore?
Doreen
Carolina Hard Core Ecstasy
Pygmy Twylyte
Dupree’s Paradise (q Packard Goose and Heavy Duty Judy)
Uncle Remus
Willie The Pimp
Joe’s Garage
Wind Up Workin’ In A Gas Station
San Ber’dino
Zoot Allures
Ship Ahoy
The Illinois Enema Bandit
Cosmik Debris (w FZ video)
G-Spot Tornado
Muffin Man (w FZ video)

It was a fantastic show and a completely different set list than the previous tour which I saw in Vancouver last December. The constant touring has made the band super tight and I hope they continue on for many years. Dweezil had some technical problems at the start as his control board was apparently programmed for the wrong set list. A brief delay after Dog/Meat and they were away.

I think people who have written in so far are being too kind to the 'Snotty Dick' moron (two rows in front of me) who kept yelling at Dweezil, standing up and turning around to wave at his friends in the balcony and waving his stupid sign throughout the show. He didn't stop me from enjoying the show but he was certainly obnoxious and annoying. The guy appeared to be in his forties and old enough to know better. If you can't handle your liquor (or your glue) stay the fuck home. Hopefully he'll behave that way in a Vancouver airport sometime where he'll be tasered and beaten into a coma.