The Grand Wazoo

Along with its predecessor Waka/Jawaka (July 1972), this album represents Zappa's foray into big band music, the logical progression from Hot Rats (1969) (which used a much smaller lineup). This was the last release on Zappa's own Bizarre Records label. ==Recording and production==

This was the second Zappa album released in a period where he needed to use a wheelchair. Zappa was unable to tour after being assaulted and pushed offstage into an orchestra pit during a concert on December 10, 1971, at the Rainbow Theatre in London, UK. The album is mostly made up of instrumental pieces, similar in style to those of three previous albums: Hot Rats (October 1969), Burnt Weeny Sandwich (February 1970), and Waka/Jawaka (July 1972). ==Track listing==

Musicians ; "The Grand Wazoo" and "For Calvin (And His Next Two Hitch-Hikers)" • Mike Altschul - woodwind • Billy Byers - trombone (including solo on "The Grand Wazoo") • Joanna Caldwell - woodwind • Earl Dumler - woodwind • Aynsley Dunbar - drums • Tony Duran - guitar (including bottleneck guitar solo on "The Grand Wazoo") • Erroneous (Alex Dmochowski) - bass • Alan Estes - percussion • Fred Jackson - woodwind • Sal Marquez - vocals, trumpet (including solo on "The Grand Wazoo") • Malcolm McNab - brass • Janet Neville-Ferguson – vocals • Tony "Bat Man" Ortega - woodwind • Don Preston - minimoog (including solo on "The Grand Wazoo") • Johnny Rotella - woodwind • Ken Shroyer - brass, "contractor and spiritual guidance" • Ernie Tack - brass • Frank Zappa - guitar (including opening solo on "The Grand Wazoo") • Bob Zimmitti - percussion ; "Cletus Awreetus-Awrightus" • Mike Altschul - woodwind • "Chunky" (Lauren Wood) - vocals • George Duke - keyboards, vocals • Erroneous (Alex Dmochowski) - bass • Aynsley Dunbar - drums • Sal Marquez - brass • Ken Shroyer - trombones • Frank Zappa - vocals, guitar with: • Ernie Watts - C Melody Saxophone (the "Mystery Horn") solo ; "Eat That Question" • Mike Altschul - woodwind • George Duke - keyboards • Aynsley Dunbar - drums • Erroneous (Alex Dmochowski) - bass • Sal Marquez - "multiple toots" (brass) • Joel Peskin - woodwind • Frank Zappa - guitar, percussion with: • Lee Clement - gong ; "Blessed Relief" • Mike Altschul - woodwind • George Duke - keyboards • Aynsley Dunbar - drums • Tony Duran - rhythm guitar • Erroneous (Alex Dmochowski) - bass • Sal Marquez - brass • Joel Peskin - woodwind • Frank Zappa - lead guitar Production • Producer: Frank Zappa • Engineer: Kerry McNabb • Arranger: Frank Zappa • Special assistance: Paul Hof • Photography: Ed Caraeff, Tony Esparza, Barry Feinstein • Cover illustration: Cal Schenkel • Art direction: Frank Zappa • Spiritual advisor: Kenny Shroyer • Contractor: Kenny Shroyer • Burritos: Ernie's Taco House • Pizza: two guys from Italy • Barbecue desiccated chicken: Hollywood Ranch Market == Notes ==