Comments on: Frank, Gail & Ravel’s Gardener, Sitting In A Tree

By: Sterbus

Sterbus — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 18:16:49 +0000

…maybe because it was actually arranged by Scott Thunes?

By: Barry's Imaginary Publisher

Barry's Imaginary Publisher — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 11:02:13 +0000

Listening right now. Thanks Benedict.

By: Benedict

Benedict — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 10:33:28 +0000

Here’s the interview:

http://www.mediafire.com/?82vzn2z94a0

By: Frank B.

Frank B. — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 18:24:21 +0000

Hey! Thanks a lot for this informations!!! I didn’t expected it,
Thank’s to all!!! Best Regards Frank B.

By: Barry's Imaginary Publisher

Barry's Imaginary Publisher — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 11:03:37 +0000

Benedict: perhaps try something like DropSend?

Gilles: the gardener was an heir of the Ravel estate.

By: Gilles

Gilles — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 09:25:50 +0000

I’m confused, Gail was the Frank’s gardener or the housekeeper?

By: Benedict

Benedict — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 09:09:27 +0000

Found it! Infact the interview starts with Bolero.

NC: “[Bolero's] a bit tuneful for you that, isn’t it?”
FZ: “I think that Ravel’s Bolero is one of the greatest pieces of music ever written.”

It’s 45min long and 32MB big, where should I post it?

By: Benedict

Benedict — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 09:04:47 +0000

I downloaded a Zappa interview from 1989 which was on BBC Radio 1. Zappa was interviewed by Nicky Clarke, he discusses Bolero during the interview. From memory he said the same as Gail. Nicky Clarke also asks some questions about the constitution and comes over as the sensationalist tabloid journalist he is. I’ll see if I’ve still got the interview lurking on my harddrive.

By: xorg

xorg — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 22:26:11 +0000

There’s a nice irony about Gail and FZ being on the receiving end of the copyright owner vigourously defending their rights!

AS for why FZ played the tune in the first place, I suspect it was mainly because he could play anything with the 1988 band. And there’s nothing unusual about playing cover versions. Even the Beatles, Stones, Miles Davis and Dylan have done it.

By: KnirpsForMoisture

KnirpsForMoisture — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 20:58:07 +0000

Let’s not forget the other version he did - “The Sealed Tuna Bolero” from 200 Motels…

Actually, I quite like the ‘88 version of Ravels “Bolero” - they did a great job.

Now, who remembers the piece when it was used in the film “10″ starring Dudley Moore & Bo Derek?!!!!!!!

By: Gavo

Gavo — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 18:27:43 +0000

I’m sure I read somewhere that he just thought it was a great melody. Simple as that.

By: Frank B.

Frank B. — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 17:01:10 +0000

I’ve been to Stuttgart 88 and i never will understand why Frank
has wasted his time playing this bolero. As a composer there was
nothing to do - even playing a composition note for note from another person. Was it a sign that he can play everything and we will eat it?
(sorry for my worst english)

By: bernard

bernard — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 15:34:34 +0000

I don’t know why he did this.

- Possibly just for fun. You have a big band, this enables you to perform … this? Strictly commercial: be sure people will listen as they know the tune. It’s available in all record stores.
- Education? An attempt to learn audiences about one of the ( minor) tunes of 20th century classical music? No. FZ didn’t feel like having a mission to educate.

Just fun. He did not even decompose / deconstruct it.

Thus: pleasing audiences. The wrong way to show that you’re a great composer. Against the back drop of ” serious ” people not taking you seriously.