“Funky Nothingness” is available now for pre-order in multiple formats! Take a listen to the first single “Work With Me Annie/Annie Had a Baby” through the YouTube player below:
The unearthed vault recordings feature unreleased and rare tracks, and more than three and a half hours of never-before-heard compositions, covers, and jams recorded primarily in February and March 1970 at the recently opened Record Plant located in Los Angeles. It features Zappa in the producer’s chair as he is joined by several of the musicians that played on “Hot Rats,” including Mothers member Ian Underwood (keyboard, saxophone, rhythm guitar), violinist and vocalist Don “Sugarcane” Harris, and Wrecking Crew bassist Max Bennett. The five-piece band was rounded out by Aynsley Dunbar, who had just relocated to Los Angeles and moved in with Zappa following his invite to join the band.
Together the group recorded hours’ worth of original compositions, inspired covers and extended improvisations that drew from Zappa’s R&B and Blues roots, while blending influences of the emerging Jazz Fusion scene. Largely instrumental, these recordings showcased the guitarist’s virtuosity, while offering what could have easily been the sequel to “Hot Rats,” had it ever been released.
“Funky Nothingness” will be available in a three-disc expanded deluxe edition that contains outtakes, alternate edits, and unedited masters from little known recording sessions. It will also be available as a double LP on both 180-gram black vinyl and limited edition clear violet 180-gram vinyl, and available digitally for streaming and download on June 30th.
Pre-Order here: https://frankzappa.lnk.to/funkynothingness
Tracklist:
Side 1
A1. Funky Nothingness
A2. Tommy/Vincent Duo I
A3. Love Will Make Your Mind Go Wild
A4. I’m A Rollin’ Stone
Side 2
B1. Chunga’s Revenge (Basement Version)
B2. Basement Jam
Side 3
C1. Work With Me Annie / Annie Had A Baby
C2. Tommy/Vincent Duo II
C3. Sharleena (1970 Record Plant Mix)
Side 4
D1. Khaki Sack
D2. Twinkle Tits