Frank Zappa-Roxy & Elsewhere (1974)

Recorded at Hollywood's legendary Roxy Theatre between December 10 and 12, 1973, "Roxy & Elsewhere" was Frank Zappa's third live album. Released as a double LP, it contained previously unreleased material of unquestionable quality, while also showcasing the enormous versatility of the brilliant American musician. During those years, Zappa had assembled one of his best lineups, featuring George Duke (keyboards), Don Preston (synthesizers), Frank Zappa (guitar and vocals), Chester Thompson (drums), Tom Fowler (bass), Jeff Simmons (guitar), Ruth Underwood (vibraphone), Bruce Fowler (trombone), Napoleon Murphy (saxophone), Walt Fowler (trumpet), and Ralph Humphrey (percussion). The content of this live recording ranges from jazz rock and fusion to operatic and ironic rock, with a bluesy undercurrent and a series of ingenious instrumentals, in addition to Zappa's usual banter and humorous, sarcastic dialogue. The jazz rock/blues of "Penguin In Bondage", the humorous funk of "Dummy Up", the twisted rhythm and blues of "Village of the Sun", the energetic jazz rock of "Cheepnis", and the progressive jazz fusion of "Be-Bop Tango" showcase the excellent talents of all the musicians involved in this double album, beginning with Zappa's heart-wrenching guitar solos and continuing with the magnificent work of George Duke, Ruth Underwood, Chester Thompson, and Napoleon Murphy.