Cheap Thrills

by Frank Zappa

Product Description:

CHEAP THRILLS is an Enhanced CD containing both a full audio program as well as multimedia computer files.

Personnel includes: Frank Zappa (vocals, guitar, Synclavier, synthesizers, drum programming); Bobby Martin (vocals, saxophone, keyboards); Ray Collins (vocals); Steve Vai (acoustic & electric guitars); Mike Keneally (guitar, synthesizer, vocals); Ray White, Ike Willis (guitar, vocals); Captain Beefheart (harmonica, vocals); Bunk Gardner (alto & tenor saxophones); Albert Wing (tenor saxophone); Kurt McGettrick (baritone & bass saxophones, contrabass clarinet); Walt Fowler (trumpet, flugelhorn, synthesizer); Bruce Fowler (trombone); Don Preston (piano); Tommy Mars (keyboards, vocals); George Duke, Alan Zavod (keyboards); Scott Thunes (bass, Mini-Moog synthesizer); Chad Wackerman (drums, electronic percussion); Terry Bozzio (drums).

Compilation producer: David Greenberg.

This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files.

CHEAP THRILLS serves as a 40-minute introduction to the varied world of Frank Zappa's vast catalog. Drawn from a dozen different releases, most of the tracks are live. However, Zappa used the stage the way other artists use the studio (and the way he used the studio as well)--as a platform for experimentation. He recorded nearly all of his performances and indeed, many of them became cornerstones of assorted albums, when not constituting an album in its entirety. Long before many other acts were even aware of the process, Zappa was refining his approach to live multi-track recording.

"Hot Plate Heaven At the Green Hotel" (from the album BROADWAY THE HARD WAY) is one of several fine guitar workouts included here. "Zomby Woof" is a fine testament to both his skills as a bandleader and his ear for hiring impressive players. The earliest song included in this set is "Cheap Thrills" from the 1968 release CRUISING WITH RUBEN & THE JETS. The latest song here is culled from his final tour in the late eighties.