Frank Zappa loved Halloween and played six shows in N.Y.C. over the course of four nights in 1977. The set lists were largely the same from show to show, and this three-CD set is essentially a distillation of those shows to a single show over the course of the three discs. This is the band that recorded
Sheik Yerbouti, featuring
Adrian Belew and
Terry Bozzio, and the musicians turn in great performances every night.
Zappa's extended soloing is on full display here, as are his abilities as a master of ceremonies, expertly working both the band and the audience all night long.
Zappa's music and live shows are not for everyone, but fans are sure to be pleased. [Each of the six complete shows is also available as a download or on a USB thumb drive.] ~ Sean Westergaard