Zappa's Guitars & Style- w/Mike Keneally, Thomas Nordegg, Bob Rice & Merl Saunders Jr

[Sean]

Had a great look at Frank's style and gear today. Check it out!



**For Episode #58 we take a close look at Frank Zappa's guitar style. Also, we look at his guitars over the years and his work with the ground-breaking mid 80s "sequencer", the Synclavier. We are joined by Zappa guitarist Mike Keneally. We catch up on the music he's currently working on, including a new solo album. Then we take a look at Frank's style and Mike demonstrates various pieces like Alien Orfice and Echidna's Arf, to name a few. After that we are joined by three techs that have worked with Frank over the years. The legendary Thomas Nordegg (tech for Steve Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen, Mike Keneally and more). Thomas started teching with Frank in 1976. Bob Rice joins us as well. Bob worked closely with Frank for years as his Synclavier tech on ground breaking albums like, Jazz From Hell. Bob toured with the 1988 lineup too and also worked with the likes of Neil Young and Roger Waters. Merle Saunders Jr, also was part of the 1988 Zappa tour and he also teched for the likes of Michael Jackson on his 1987 Bad tour. The guys share many personal memories of Frank, and other anecdotes. Also, we take a look at the guitars Frank favored over the years and discuss some of the songs they are featured on.

[pb2015]

Will set aside some time to watch this soon.

[StarThrower]

Great conversation! I'm only about a half hour in but I'm looking forward to the currently forming and ambitious Keneally album later this year. And enjoying the Zappa guitar talk. Nice SG Mike is playing there!

[chalkpie]

Excellent....looking forward. Did you play name that Zappa tune in 2 seconds or less?

[mozo-pg]

Looks like a very interesting interview. Bookmarked.

[Udi Koomran]

Saw it - its fantastic

[Troopers For Sound]

Really loved that And it's reminded me to order the Zappa's Gear book!

Matt.

[calyx]

Just great, great stuff. Am 2/3rds into the thing, and it's just fascinating. I happen to be in a Zappa binge at the moment, so this comes at exact the best time, with Charles Ulrich's book being dissected at every available opportunity. Was lucky to catch the 1988 tour when I was just 14 (and unable to comprehend most of what I heard that night), and saw Mike again at NEARfest 2004 and more recently as a sideman to Joe Satriani. Great stuff !

[Troopers For Sound]

I happen to be in a Zappa binge at the moment, so this comes at exact the best time, with Charles Ulrich's book being dissected at every available opportunity.

Which neatly describes my life currently The Big Note is really incredible.

Matt.

[profusion]

Wow, that was great! Nice interviews all around.

[proggy_jazzer]

Fun conversation full of great anecdotes, information, and lit throughout with the obvious mutual respect and love those guys hold for each other. Thanks, Sean!

[mozo-pg]

That was one of the most fun interviews you conducted Sean. Mike is so clever and entertaining. It must have been great to just see him create on the spot. I'm just watching now where all the guys are invited into the chat room...

[Sean]

Thank you, Greg! That one is turned out to be my most popular interview yet. I really enjoyed it.

[StarThrower]

That one is turned out to be my most popular interview yet. I really enjoyed it.

I stayed for the full three hours. Lots of great stories like Bob Rice connecting with Zappa through a chance meeting while waiting in line to buy a passport. Gotta make time for the Levin/Torn/White interview.