Search - Persuasions :: Frankly a Cappella: The Persuasions Sing Zappa
Persuasions Frankly a Cappella: The Persuasions Sing Zappa Genres:Special Interest, R&B, Rock, Broadway & Vocalists Frank Zappa dug R&B vocal groups so much that he lovingly parodied them from time to time and even committed a straightforward version of the Channels' "The Closer You Are." Putting his money where his heart was, he ma... more »de the Brooklyn-bred a cappella outfit the Persuasions one of the first signings to his Bizarre label in the late '60s. They playfully and seriously return the favor with Frankly A Cappella; after all, when you've transformed "On Top of Spaghetti" into a soul classic, how hard can it be to smooth out "Lumpy Gravy"? The bom-bom-boms of "Electric Aunt Jemima" are a natural for these street-corner symphonists, but they cover a lot of Zappa's broad musical map. A flicker of rage underlies the hilariously irreligious "The Meek Shall Inherit Nothing," the post-civil-rights comment of "You Are What You Is," and the teen-woe tale "My Guitar Wants to Kill Your Mama." But Zappa might have been most proud of what the Persuasions do with "Love of My Life"; here, they come within striking distance of providing him with his very own "The Closer You Are." --Rickey Wright« less
Frank Zappa dug R&B vocal groups so much that he lovingly parodied them from time to time and even committed a straightforward version of the Channels' "The Closer You Are." Putting his money where his heart was, he made the Brooklyn-bred a cappella outfit the Persuasions one of the first signings to his Bizarre label in the late '60s. They playfully and seriously return the favor with Frankly A Cappella; after all, when you've transformed "On Top of Spaghetti" into a soul classic, how hard can it be to smooth out "Lumpy Gravy"? The bom-bom-boms of "Electric Aunt Jemima" are a natural for these street-corner symphonists, but they cover a lot of Zappa's broad musical map. A flicker of rage underlies the hilariously irreligious "The Meek Shall Inherit Nothing," the post-civil-rights comment of "You Are What You Is," and the teen-woe tale "My Guitar Wants to Kill Your Mama." But Zappa might have been most proud of what the Persuasions do with "Love of My Life"; here, they come within striking distance of providing him with his very own "The Closer You Are." --Rickey Wright
A Great Sing-Along, One of the Best FZ Tribute Recordings
Sir Charles Panther | Alexandria, Virginny, USandA | 02/20/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ah, the ultimate irony, the epitome of unintended consequences. I've been trying subtly and very delicately for a few years now to expose my five-year-old daughter to all manner of music, rock, jazz, classical, pop, world, and she stuns me with her love of the Persuasions singing Frank Zappa.Such is the lure of this wonderful recording. One of FZ's oldest and most successful proteges, the Persuasions got their start from FZ way back in the 60s. This is their tribute to the man who loved their music and gave them their break.The choice of "Lumpy Gravy" as the introductory track was truly inspired, expertly voiced and arranged (and it's my daughter's favorite, because it has no words). "Love of My Life" is an absolute delight, a doo-wop lullaby. My other favorites are "Tears Began to Fall," "The Meek Shall Inherit Nothing," and "Any Way The Wind Blows." These three tracks are the more wide-open tracks on the album, with broader, sweeping melodies and harmonies, rather than the tight, technical arrangements of many of the other tracks. This is to take nothing away from any of these; this entire CD is an absolute gem, with all of these covers outstanding. Whether you are a hard-core Zappahead or a novice looking for a point of entry, this recording is a superior addition to your collection.I only wish the Persuasions could have been persuaded to record a few more tracks, like "Sofa," "Florentine Pogen," "Son of Orange County," "Take Your Clothes Off When You Dance," or "Uncle Remus." "Peaches En Regalia," now that would've been an a capella challenge like no other."
The Mills Brothers with an edge!
S. M Marson | Lumberton, NC | 05/04/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As I write, I am listening to FRANKLY A CAPPELLA: THE PERSUASIONS SING ZAPPA. Listening to it for the first time, I had trouble controlling my laughter. It's a hoot! The idea of hearing a Zappa composition a cappella is beyond the realm of my imagination. After listening to it several times, I stopped laughing and listened intensely. The Persuasions are talented and quite amazing. Their reproduction of musical instruments with the human voice is impressive. Imagine successfully performing "My Guitar Wants to Kill Your Mama" without a guitar. They are the Mills Brothers with an edge!Although all the 16 tracks are good, I was particularly impressed with their performance of Zappa's classics "Lumpy Gravy," "Electric Aunt Jemima," "You Are What You Is," "Harder Than Your Husband," and, of course, "My Guitar Wants to Kill Your Mama."Lastly, one needs a quality stereo system for this CD. A listener will not be able to appreciate the slight and stirring nuances of the sound on PC. Zappa fans will thoroughly enjoy this presentation."
5 stars and more!
J. Blomberg | PresidioStockade, Ca, USA | 06/12/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a genuine labor of love, and it sounds in every note. A cappella at its most exuberant. As Gail Zappa said about it in an NPR interview it's "real good for ya!" Let the Persuasions lead you in a sing-along-with-Frank."
Frankly, Zappersuasion Is All Reet. Snat!
El Lagarto | Sandown, NH | 05/13/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is heaven on a half-shell and I can't recommend it highly enough. For those who consider Frank Zappa to be a maniacal misogynist with a sophomoric sense of humor, here's at least one reason to love him. In the late 60's FZ was establishing his own record label, Bizarre. After an audition consisting of a tape recording played over the phone, one of the first groups he signed was the Brooklyn-based a cappella phenomenon, The Persuasions. As they would demonstrate over and over in years to come, The Persuasions reinvigorated and redefined the world of doo-wop, an art form which at the time seemed destined for the ash heap of history. Their technical brilliance, sheer joy, and willingness to experiment and innovate made the Persuasions a unique national treasure.
Although Zappa and The Persuasions seems like a very odd pairing, it really isn't. FZ had a deep love for doo-wop, which can be traced all the way back to his first album, Freak Out! While Cruisin' With Ruben And The Jets may be FZ's only exclusively doo-wop offering, songs like Valerie from Burnt Weenie Sandwich appear at regular intervals throughout his work. Consequently, hearing FZ material performed by the kings of doo-wop is a true delight, and The Persuasions go far beyond even the loftiest expectations.
This is one of those rare CDs where every track is a keeper. That said, special praise must be showered on certain highlights. Electric Aunt Jemima has never sounded better, and The Meek Shall Inherit Nothing manages to lambaste both government and religion without being nasty while providing a good beat and laughs along the way. You Are What You Is serves up a feast of acidic social commentary both hilarious and bang on target - just priceless. Find Her Finer cooks, and My Guitar Wants To Kill Your Mama (a dynamo on the FZ effort, Weasels Ripped My Flesh) delivers the same payload - without a guitar! Tears Begin To Fall takes you out in grand style, a real thriller you'll return to over and over.
At first, one is tempted to think of this as a novelty CD, in fact it is nothing of the kind. Frankly A Cappella is a loving, and appropriately nutty, tribute to a master by some fellow musicians who appreciate his art and are grateful for the role he played in launching their careers."