Hot Rats

Thing is, Frank didn't like having to work with other musicians; he had to because the technology available during his time required them, and for live performances.

If Frank was around today, I'd bet he'd be making his records solo using a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), sampling, etc.... 

Zappa is notorious amongst drummers for his brutal auditions. He wrote parts for the applicants to play, parts intentionally extremely difficult to play. Some found him to be a sadist who enjoyed humiliating other musicians. One drummer Zappa was very impressed by and greatly respected was Vinnie Colaiuta.

But different writers/musicians value different playing "philosophies"/styles in their accompanists/sidemen. Danny Gatton, a virtuoso guitarists-guitarist (a far better guitarist than Zappa. Ask anyone ;-) had very different tastes in drummers than did Zappa.

Gatton to his new drummer during the break after the drummer’s first set on stage with Danny:

"You know all that fancy sh*t you play?"

The drummer: "Yeah."

Gatton: "Don’t."

grand wazoo is even better!

I had the pleasure of attending the Halloween show on peir 17 in New York City in the late 80,s. I sadly don't remember much of the show, it was almost a version of Woodstock, but being a lifelong Frank fan I know it was an incredible show.

I can't imagine my collection not having at least a fair sampling of his music.  I'd be ashamed!