Frank Zappa: Ian Underwood Whips It Out

Track

Ian Underwood Whips It Out

Group

Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention

CD

Uncle Meat (Rykodisc 10506/07)

Buy Track

Musicians:

Ian Underwood (alto sax) and a band possibly including Frank Zappa (guitar), Billy Mundi, Jimmy Carl Black or Artie Tripp on drums, Roy Estrada on bass, and Don Preston on keyboards

.

Composed by Frank Zappa

.

Recorded: Copenhagen, circa late 1967 - early 1968

Albumcoverzappaunclemeat

Rating: 92/100 (learn more)

The song is called "Ian Underwood Whips It Out." Or, to use the full name, "Ian Underwood Whips It Out (Live on Stage in Copenhagen)." Unfortunately the title supplies almost all the specifics we know about this hot jazz performance. Most accounts will tell you that there are 11 musicians on this track, but I find that hard to believe. Of course, the drums and sax are so dominant and the recording quality so poor, that you might have the Royal Danish Orchestra lost in the mix for all I know. But all the action is coming from Ian Underwood's horn, which is smokin' on this heady dose of energy jazz. This is one of the best 'free jazz' tracks of the era -- and it is hidden away on a rock album? Go figure!

Reviewer: Ted Gioia

Tags:

Comments are closed.