AOD & Zappa Plays Zappa

Assembly of Dust took the main stage after PBS. What most impressed me last year,(the first time I heard them) was their ability to include many flavors of sounds into an original one that is pleasing to listen to. AOD's muscianship is evident in their solos, when the lyrics have been sang, their instruments take over to demonstrate the song's passage into instrumental expression. I was most impressed with Nate Wilson's keyboard solo heard at the end of their setlist which extended itself into a jazz like harmonic structure. Piling chords to the top of his instrument he crusades in climax.

Their song, "That's how it Goes" expresses singer Reid Genauer ability to express insight into a 'a man's tarnished reputation' justifying his actions with the line, 'vices are the the spices' of life - cute.

From the onset Zappa plays Zappa is a rebellious concoction of obtuse harmonies, shifting meters and tempo, and bold arrangements. The music is flavored with progressive rock motives, heavy metal grooves and lyrics that are anti- establishment in nature. At one point the voice of Eric Cartman from South Park is imposed over the music speaking of dildos and such. The next group of lyrics seem to consist of one phrase, 'you're an asshole'. The idea of censorship holds no weight in the sound world of Zappa.

The set is musical in that it blends instruments and ranges to create a sort of mayhem. I can feel the bass go through my bones practically as a guitar wails registers above it. With time signatures I couldn't play into to save my life, the music of Zappa seems to thrive within.

Switching over to a 'blues about love' there is a clear form to the song, its intense buildup is emotional and satisfying.

A xylophone/ synth solo is featured in one piece, and uses a serious stretch of harmonies. The solo is matched in intensity with a subdivided beat in the drums with accents on the cymbals.

Zappa's music is sophisticated in that it seems highly orchestrated and thought out, a feat not every musician can accomplish. Chromatic harmonies, close knit vocal harmonies and unexpected chord resolutions create a new sound world for my ears to follow, a retreat from the ordinary.

A drum solo with lots of double bass and tom tom rolls characterizes the opening section of a mid = set song and then gives way to a heavy insistent distorted bass guitar. The meter changes to a compound one and a sax plays jazz like riffs over the waves of distortion.


"Hot Wax" uses a cleaner guitar to articulate the phrasing, as hints of flute are heard above it. There are changes in mood by way of meter and melody - does that make you think of hot wax?

If you listen to Zappa's music expecting to hear relative harmonies and traditional endings your are listening the wrong way. One must have an open mind and a spirit that is ready to rock in a vast and changing universe.

Zappa plays Zappa conclude their set with "Cosmic Debris". A dynamic round of blues solos around the band make for a climactic ending. As I look around me at the huge of number of people rocking out, playing air guitar it makes me think of the sheer power that musical sound has over us.
My 2nd day into the vibes has been one filled with so much, imagery, color, walks of life and society all coming together to celebrate music. Within the orbits of hula hoops and the smiles of strangers I'm starting to feel what this festival is all about. I'm glad I have another two days to deepen that understanding.