Frank Further (2015)

For big band, with an important part for marimba (typical of many of his 1970’s bands), which could be played on synth if necessary. Though it does not include any actual musical quotations - and is thereby copyright-safe - Frank Further summons the ghost of Frank Zappa by incorporating a few of his favorite quirks and techniques.  A hard rock backbeat punctuated by sudden meter changes (á la Cheepnis), modal and sarcastically sinister unison lines (á la I am the Slime), and i-IV vamps are among the devices employed.  A little later on, Frank himself will show up to offer some commentary in the form of a Zappa impersonator. This person will step up to the mic during some planned silences to utter famous Zappa quotes; he also plays the cowbell (a “symbol of unbridled passion,” according to Zappa) during the last vamp. These silences can be drum fills if no impersonator is available. About 7:45 with two solos and no repeats. $40 for acore, parts, demo recording; order here. (Note that the demo recording below - of a live performance - includes an added part for ‘cello; these lines are covered by other parts in the standard big band version.)