All of Frank's releases during his life time are listed here (except for the Beat The Boots series.) The discography tour will be gradually expanded to include the archival releases by The Zappa Family Trust as well.
The Mothers of Invention Phase One: 1966-1970
The original Mothers of Invention featuring the rhythm section of and Estrada, Black and Preston and the indispensable reed work of Ian Underwood. (Technically Lumpy Gravy is not a MOI album, and features a studio orchestra, but it's still an integral part of Frank's musical zeitgeist of the time and something of a conceptual sister album to the MOI disc We're Only In It
For The Money. Lumpy Gravy also introduced the world to Frank's concept of the "The Big Note.")
The Mothers of Invention Phase One: 1966-1970
The original Mothers of Invention featuring the rhythm section of and Estrada, Black and Preston and the indispensable reed work of Ian Underwood. (Technically Lumpy Gravy is not a MOI album, and features a studio orchestra, but it's still an integral part of Frank's musical zeitgeist of the time and something of a conceptual sister album to the MOI disc We're Only In It
For The Money. Lumpy Gravy also introduced the world to Frank's concept of the "The Big Note.")
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The Mothers of Invention Phase Two: 1970-1971
The Phlorescent Leech and Eddie band featuring ex-Turtles Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan on vocals and British blues rocker Aynsley Dunbar on the drums, and joined by Mothers alumni Preston and Underwood. Chunga's Revenge technically was not a "Mothers" album but its the closest thing to a studio album that Frank did with the Mothers 2.0. And 200 Motels, while "featuring" the Mothers of Invention 2.0 is more accurately (though imperfectly) described as a soundtrack to the Frank's feature movie release of the same name.
The Phlorescent Leech and Eddie band featuring ex-Turtles Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan on vocals and British blues rocker Aynsley Dunbar on the drums, and joined by Mothers alumni Preston and Underwood. Chunga's Revenge technically was not a "Mothers" album but its the closest thing to a studio album that Frank did with the Mothers 2.0. And 200 Motels, while "featuring" the Mothers of Invention 2.0 is more accurately (though imperfectly) described as a soundtrack to the Frank's feature movie release of the same name.
Frank's instrumental albums for "jazz ensemble.": 1969 and 1972
The first installment in this series, Hot Rats, was recorded and released between the dissolution of the Mothers 1.0 and the formation of Mothers 2.0. The next two releases follow the dissolution of the Flo & Eddie line up forced upon Frank by having been pushed off a stage into an orchestra pit in London England.
The first installment in this series, Hot Rats, was recorded and released between the dissolution of the Mothers 1.0 and the formation of Mothers 2.0. The next two releases follow the dissolution of the Flo & Eddie line up forced upon Frank by having been pushed off a stage into an orchestra pit in London England.
The Mothers of Invention Phase 3: 1973-1975
The Mother of All Rock Fusion Bands.The Mothers 3.0 came in a number of sub-editions but the nearest constant feature was the presence of George Duke on keyboards, Tom Fowler on bass, & the double drum set partnership of Ralph Humphries & Chester Thompson. The mallet percussion of Ruth Underwood is also a constant save for Bongo Fury.
The Mother of All Rock Fusion Bands.The Mothers 3.0 came in a number of sub-editions but the nearest constant feature was the presence of George Duke on keyboards, Tom Fowler on bass, & the double drum set partnership of Ralph Humphries & Chester Thompson. The mallet percussion of Ruth Underwood is also a constant save for Bongo Fury.
Life After The Mothers: Zoot Allures and the "Lather-series"
After Frank's first release during the post-Mothers period, Zoot Allures, came a series of albums that we're originally conceived as parts of a four vinyl disc box set. "Lather," didn't see light of day until some 2 decades later, 3 years after his death. (In CD form of course. Links to both the 1996 release and the Zappa Records 2012 reissue release linked below.)
The 1980's: Rock'n Teen Age Combos
An era of rock ensemble experimentation stylistically, commercially and as regards personnel as well. More elaboration to follow. (NOTE: Sheik Yerbouti and Joe's Garage are really 1979 releases. Further, Zoot Allures and Zappa In New York listed above, are stylistically akin to this period)
'88 to '91 Rock'n Teen Age Combo Supreme
The era of rock ensemble experimentation gels into what could be considered a Mothers 4.0 line-up. More comment to follow. (Links to both the 1995 and 2012 reissues of "Best Band..." included below.)
Frank's Instrumental Releases of the 80's & 90's
The London Symphony Orchestra album was a two part release: '83 & '87. Francesco Zappa is truly a "cover" album of the chamber works of an 18th century Italian composer arranged by Frank for the Synclavier. Jazz From Hell was released in 1991. Note too that our first introduction to Frank working instrumentally with the Synclavier can be found on Boulez Conducts Zappa, and on Frank Zappa Meets The Mothers Of Prevention, though neither of them are exclusively Synclavier recordings. Although Civilization Phaze 3 was released after his death, as far as I can gather it was his last active project and ought to be considered his last "album."
