Comments

1. 

   dantemm wrote:

   10:58 AM, Jun 13, 2010

   FULL review with PHOTOS at: http://jazzsick.wordpress.com/2010/06/13/zpz-eugene2010/ [pic] Five years running, Dweezil Zappa and his precision-cut Zappa Plays Zappa band have toured the world bringing us a different slice of Frank’s music to our ears. Past tours have featured players from Frank’s own classic ’70s and ’80s band arsenals: Steve Vai, Terry Bozzio, Napoleon Murphy Brock, Ray White and more. There are no “old guard” members present in this year’s incarnation — but regardless of which musicians surround Dweezil’s guitar mastery, the fact remains that the genius, adventurous spirit birthed in Frank’s songs is still alive. The ZPZ band this time around is Dweezil Zappa: Guitar; Scheila Gonzalez: Saxophone, Flute, Keyboards & Vocals; Pete Griffin: Bass; Billy Hulting: Marimba, Mallets & Percussion (and lead vocals for a bit); Jamie Kime: Guitar; Joe Travers: Drums & Vocals; and introducing Ben Thomas on lead vocals. [pic] With no opener, the band kicked into their long set a little after 9pm… they played a super tight, super long set. Having seen the ZBZ band with Napoleon Murphy Brock and Ray White in the past, I was skeptical of this “new guy” Ben Thomas. After the first vocal belt, there was no more skepticism… Ben can sing (and plays a mean trumpet, harmonica and cow bell, too). He handled the lows and highs, and carried the tunes in a way that would have made Frank proud. [pic] Throughout the set, each band member got their time to shine… “Echidna’s Arf” was probably the tightest song the band played… lightning fast, and spot on. Dweezil had killer solos on “Florentine Pogen” and “Pick Me, I’m Clean.” “Big Swifty” & “Mystery Roach” showed off great solos from Billy on marimba, Scheila on sax, and Jaime on guitar. Joe’s drum solo at the end of “Latex Solar Beef” would what I thought could have ended the show, but (lucky for us) they stayed out and finished the main set with “Apostrophe” that featured Pete’s fuzzy, dirty bass groove and solo. Here’s what they played: Setlist: about 2 & 1/2 hours * Purple Lagoon * Stinkfoot * Daddy Daddy Daddy * What Kind of Girl Do You Think We Are? * Florentine Pogen * Big Swifty * Mystery Roach * Advance Romance * The Blue Light * Pick Me, I’m Clean * Blessed Relief * Echidna’s Arf * Keep It Greasey * Easy Meat * The Little House I Used To Live In * Latex Solar Beef (with hints of Willie the Pimp) * Apostrophe * Encore: Lonely Little Girl * City of Tiny Lites * Cosmik Debris * I’m the Slime [pic] As in the past, amazing musicians this time out. Some of the highlights were the aforementioned tight “Echidna’s Arf,” “Florentine Pogen,” and the more gentle “Blessed Relief.” The only song I was craving that wasn’t played was “Peaches En Regalia,” but it was nice to hear some older, rarer Frank songs being trotted out in lieu of the “fan fave” Peaches. As far as sound quality, near the front it was OK, but I heard from people in the middle and back that it was a bit muddy. Regardless of that downside, the evening showed off a super tight band who gave their all! ZPZ band, Eugene loves you! Come back soon! [pic] ~Dan

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2. 

   jaobaker wrote:

   09:48 AM, Jan 17, 2010

   This is my favorite place in the world. Its a good idea to camp when you goto concerts here, to avoid DUI. They do set up road blocks after some shows. Try www.sleepybearcampground.com it's a blast!