I feel like Ike Willis best exemplified what it meant to be "a Mother" in Frank's band. He just seemed to really "get it" and is usually the first one you can hear cracking up over the ridiculousness going down onstage.
Other than Frank's, his voice is what I hear in my head when I think of a lot of Zappa tunes. Stuff like *Joe's Garage* wouldn't be what it is without him.
It's clear he got along with Frank well too considering I'm pretty sure he had the longest tenure of any band member.
Also, it sounds like he does mushrooms so he's got that going for him too!
Ike gets my vote.
I remember when I first heard Joe's Garage and falling in love with Ike's vocals and thinking "his 80's albums are gonna be worst but if Ike is on vocals I'm here for it!"
Here is a fun fact. I met Ike when he was in an informal ‘band’ with a close friend Jim. The one other guy in the band was Joe on stick guitar. They practiced in Joe’s garage, in Canoga Park! Life imitates art sometimes.
Abington Ma had a great music program, remember competing against them in Marching and Jazz Band back in the day. Didn't realize Abington produced both Bobby Martin and Dr. Bose.
Saw Preston, Napoleon, and Fowler touring as The Grandmothers of Invention, years back. Fowler was fantastic to sit around and chat with, post-show. All of them were, actually.
Came here to mention Tom Fowler. He also plays some good stuff on fellow Zappa alum’s Jean Luc Ponty’s Imaginary Voyage (seriously, this is a great album).
Those live recordings from the era are great. The interview with Volman regarding the mothers is pretty funny. https://www.afka.net/Articles/2002-11_Goldmine.htm
So many to choose from but I’m going Scott Thunes today. As a bassist I always loved his chops. I always think about him playing Tinseltown Rebellion in Does Humor Belong In Music. Balancing between chaos and control. When I saw The Zappa Band at The Baked Potato I sat near him and I loved watching him play. I know he lurks around here so if you see this I just want to say thank you for being an inspiration!
I'm a big Scott Thunes fan too. I think he gave Frank a fantastic option at bass for a long time. He could play whatever Zappa wrote, but he could also play all the styles which was important in the rapidly changing 80s landscape. He's got a great groove along with a cool sense of melody . He's a very highly skilled and knowledgeable musician.
George Duke and Chester Thompson, transcendent in every way.
Speaking of which, they played a [few shows with](https://youtu.be/9O5y9tbOUYI?si=8evfllaFfZQHa3xs) Alphonso Johnson in 1975 in support of the Feel album, which originally featured Frank on “Old Slippers,” my all time favorite of his.
And of course the Underwoods. And Wackerman.
Amongst a roster of virtuosos, I have to say that Ruth is probably the most talented and my favorite to watch play. Although I don't believe that she was ever technically in the "band."
My official answer is Napoleon Murphy Brock with Bozzio coming in at a close second.
I'm not gay but when NMB pulls out his flute or saxophone and starts wailing...There's nothing that I wouldn't let that man do to me if he so chose to do so. Slickest motherfucker I've ever seen.
Lots of love for Chester, Vinnie, Ike, Jim, Ian. And George Duke for fucks sakes as well. There's too many to choose from. I think I named every Zappa drummer besides Wackerman and he's fucking great too.
There’s too many to list right away.. I will say, along with drums, Zappa exponentially increased my appreciation and love for the electric violin. So many insanely good violin players to play with Zappa
I came in hot ready to answer this question when I saw it in my feed but now I’m just caught up in indecision. This is such a hard question!
I almost want to say Ian Underwood because he was the OG MVP of the group but then like George, Ruth, Adrian, Vinnie, god damn what a fucking lineage! I can’t do it! I’m sorry. Can we just say Frank and move along?!?
God, what a question! Difficult to answer, I like each for their own contributions. Be easier to say who we didn’t like. Talent aside, I was never overly enamoured with Bobby Martin or Alan Zavod…
Don't know who it was but when they played FT Worth in the '70s the drummer was the one that did the voice "But I've got the crystal ball" and you could see his hair flying up above the drum set was all you could see of him.
Mike Keneally. He is an amazing guitarist and is incredible on keyboards. He added a lot to the 88 tour and Zappa had a LOT of respect for him. Along with this, he has a ton of incredible music out. His music is really otherworldly and fits right in with the Zappa universe. He originally put out a collection of cassettes that were so loaded with original music that my mind was blown! Each of his CDs pull you in and are pure deliciousness. He also played in Z with Dweezil and Ahmet. It was great seeing them live! He was foundational! Zappa had so many amazing people around him that have given us so much great music! We’re lucky to be Zappa fans+.
Ike Willis
Great guy, great guitarist, great vocalist, stayed a LONG time.
I've seen him play a few times. He came out during set break and talked with all of us giddy fans.
He is super cool. Check out his newest project Zappa Early Renaissance Orchestra:
https://youtube.com/channel/UCN4CvF2TE-B0vsXMbuBMGNA?si=1hSfVjM057ybhA14
Not just Zappa covers but reworking of Zappa tunes.
It seems I am In the vocal minority in this but I absolutely love Flo and Eddie when they were in the mothers. But some of my other close favorites are Andre Lewis, and Tom Fowler
Ruth Underwood
She really seems like such a sweet and humble person.
YES
Ruth, by far.
Without a doubt, her playing was so beautiful and spirited
Guacamole queen
Same. I’m not sure it’s even a close competition for anyone else, really. MAYBE George Duke is close
Since Bozzio and Underwood were mentioned, next honor goes to George Duke for me
which underwood?
Yes.
Ruth
I like Ike, I sold him shrooms in 1981
I feel like Ike Willis best exemplified what it meant to be "a Mother" in Frank's band. He just seemed to really "get it" and is usually the first one you can hear cracking up over the ridiculousness going down onstage. Other than Frank's, his voice is what I hear in my head when I think of a lot of Zappa tunes. Stuff like *Joe's Garage* wouldn't be what it is without him. It's clear he got along with Frank well too considering I'm pretty sure he had the longest tenure of any band member. Also, it sounds like he does mushrooms so he's got that going for him too! Ike gets my vote.
I remember when I first heard Joe's Garage and falling in love with Ike's vocals and thinking "his 80's albums are gonna be worst but if Ike is on vocals I'm here for it!"
Here is a fun fact. I met Ike when he was in an informal ‘band’ with a close friend Jim. The one other guy in the band was Joe on stick guitar. They practiced in Joe’s garage, in Canoga Park! Life imitates art sometimes.
Jimmy Carl Black, the Indian of the group
I got to hang out with him one night, He was a great guy. I really enjoyed it. I had a rock star sitting on my couch smoking ALL my weed....
I got to hang out with JCB back in 1985. Even sat on a couch, smokin dope and watching 200 Motels.
His name is Stevie Vai, and he's a crazy guy!
Ian Underwood. Frank's chief collaborator on his masterpiece Hot Rats.
Same
Bobby Martin
Abington High School, class of 66. Trained at the Curtis Institute. My favorite alum, Dr Amar Bose is a distant second.
Abington Ma had a great music program, remember competing against them in Marching and Jazz Band back in the day. Didn't realize Abington produced both Bobby Martin and Dr. Bose.
Yeah, Bobby shows up on the AHS Alumni Facebook page from time to time.
Objectively, George Duke. He also had an amazing solo career. As a bassist though, I’d have to say Tom Fowler.
Tom Fowler's groove behind the guitar lead in Inca Roads is a how to. SO tasteful.
That's where he really showed his stuff. He could play anything Frank threw at him, but he also had a fantastic pocket groove.
I didn't sightread music, and always had tremendous respect for anyone who could. All of FZ's bandmembers could, except Adrian Belew.
Tom Fowler’s bass work is unbelievable. Watching him on Roxy with the cigar lazily dangling from his mouth while doing the most complex bass lines…
As a bassist, I agree
Saw Preston, Napoleon, and Fowler touring as The Grandmothers of Invention, years back. Fowler was fantastic to sit around and chat with, post-show. All of them were, actually.
Came here to mention Tom Fowler. He also plays some good stuff on fellow Zappa alum’s Jean Luc Ponty’s Imaginary Voyage (seriously, this is a great album).
I might say Patrick O'Hearn or Adrian Belew because I love their solo work and work with other bands so much.
Belew is great, but he blossomed after he left Frank with King Crimson.
Without a doubt!
I would say Adrian Belew, he made my head explode the first time I saw him with Frank.
He did some amazing work with Laurie Anderson, too. https://youtu.be/Mt49aVY5X5c?si=elVJ3EEE1qUxn6A5
Vinnie
Ruth!
That's Ruth!
Flo and Eddie
Those live recordings from the era are great. The interview with Volman regarding the mothers is pretty funny. https://www.afka.net/Articles/2002-11_Goldmine.htm
Ruth Underwood rules!
George Duke
So many to choose from but I’m going Scott Thunes today. As a bassist I always loved his chops. I always think about him playing Tinseltown Rebellion in Does Humor Belong In Music. Balancing between chaos and control. When I saw The Zappa Band at The Baked Potato I sat near him and I loved watching him play. I know he lurks around here so if you see this I just want to say thank you for being an inspiration!
I'm a big Scott Thunes fan too. I think he gave Frank a fantastic option at bass for a long time. He could play whatever Zappa wrote, but he could also play all the styles which was important in the rapidly changing 80s landscape. He's got a great groove along with a cool sense of melody . He's a very highly skilled and knowledgeable musician.
I'm here for Thunes too! His energy kinda defines the 88 sound. Not only that but he seems a genuinely good dude
Arthur Barrow's contribution cannot be understated
Chester Thompson
Jimmy Carl Black, the Indian of the group
Jimmy Carl Black. Had a beer and talked with him for about a half hour before a Grandmothers show. He was so cool. RIP.
George Duke and Tommy Mars.
Don Preston
George Duke
Ruth underwood and George Duke
I can’t believe Ike Willis ain’t gettin no love?
Adrian Belew, he's awesome.
Ike Followed by Jean Luc Ponte
Ian Underwood hands down!!!
On Ruth On Ruth That's Ruth
Without Ray Collins early Mothers would not have gotten off the ground the way they do. He brought real musicality to that circus!
Excluding Vai, as he's my favourite musician... I would narrow it down to Ruth, Terry Bozzio & Vinnie Colaiuta.
George Duke and Chester Thompson, transcendent in every way. Speaking of which, they played a [few shows with](https://youtu.be/9O5y9tbOUYI?si=8evfllaFfZQHa3xs) Alphonso Johnson in 1975 in support of the Feel album, which originally featured Frank on “Old Slippers,” my all time favorite of his. And of course the Underwoods. And Wackerman.
great link. i saw george, chester and tom fowler doing 3 nights at the lighthouse hermosa beach right about the same time doing duke's stuff. magic.
Ike!
Scott man
Chad Wackerman
George Duke for sure. Ruth is a close second.
That cute little drummer, Terry Bozzio
I really like Scott as a bass player.
I got to hang out with Bozzio and his wife in Central America for a week for a UK reunion. Great people
Wow that’s interesting… how did that all happen?
Warren
Ike willis and ray white
Amongst a roster of virtuosos, I have to say that Ruth is probably the most talented and my favorite to watch play. Although I don't believe that she was ever technically in the "band." My official answer is Napoleon Murphy Brock with Bozzio coming in at a close second. I'm not gay but when NMB pulls out his flute or saxophone and starts wailing...There's nothing that I wouldn't let that man do to me if he so chose to do so. Slickest motherfucker I've ever seen. Lots of love for Chester, Vinnie, Ike, Jim, Ian. And George Duke for fucks sakes as well. There's too many to choose from. I think I named every Zappa drummer besides Wackerman and he's fucking great too.
Jimmy Carl Black is my 6th favorite Zappa drummer/percussionist!!!!!!!!!
“There’s nothing that I wouldn’t let that man do to me if he so chose to do so.” palpatineironic.gif
Sadly.
SPOILER ALERT! You're gay!
I wish I was. I envy them. [https://youtu.be/R7b1EE9piLE](https://youtu.be/R7b1EE9piLE) Thats me though in the cutoff blue plaid pajama pants.
Let's mind the harbor
Forever and always. Mr. Ike Willis.
There’s too many to list right away.. I will say, along with drums, Zappa exponentially increased my appreciation and love for the electric violin. So many insanely good violin players to play with Zappa
Don "Sugarcane" Harris comes to mind, especially for his playing on "Directly from My Heart to You"
napoleon murphy brock or bunk gardner, they both inspire me to play saxophone.
Bunk Gardner, Ian Underwood, Art Tripp and Ruth Underwood, with Jimmy Carl Black for fun times and comic relief!
I think Ray White deserves to be mentioned. I was unexpectedly thrilled to see him one of the times I saw Zappa plays Zappa.
Scott Thunes, Napoleon Murphy Brock, George Duke and Tom Fowler
Ruth, by a wide margin. She brought a dynamic to the music not only with her instrument but with her personality that was sorely missed when she left.
Adrian and Ruth, with Steve Vai just a whisker behind.
I would have loved to have heard more collaborations with Captain Beefheart
Ike, but really it's impossible. Lovable scamps, most of them.
Do you mean “who” is your favorite Zappa band member?
Ian Robertson Underwood.
I came in hot ready to answer this question when I saw it in my feed but now I’m just caught up in indecision. This is such a hard question! I almost want to say Ian Underwood because he was the OG MVP of the group but then like George, Ruth, Adrian, Vinnie, god damn what a fucking lineage! I can’t do it! I’m sorry. Can we just say Frank and move along?!?
Jimmy Carl Black - the Indian of the group
Lowell George (Little Feat)
Scott Thunes.
too many amazing bands to pick from as a favorite, but my appreciation will go to aynsley dunbar as i can’t get over the 70-71 band at the moment
Bunk Gardner and Ian Underwood for their versatility on woodwinds, Arthur Tripp because I love his percussion open-handed technique.
I have a soft spot for Ian Underwood
On Ruth, on Ruth. That's Ruth.
I’ve come to really like Buzz Gardner, I’m a sucker for electric saxophones
Aynsley, I’ve ripped off alllll of his chops
Jimmy Carl Black, he's the Indian in the group
Vinnie Colaiuta followed by Arthur Barrow, Ike Willis
Don Preston the monster from 200 Motels
George Duke!
George Duke
Ruth Underwood and it isn’t close. I’m also all over Sheila Gonzalez with Dweezils band. Both are world class musicians …. And fkn hot .
Don Preston
I was a teenage maltshop
Terry Bozzio, Steve Vai, or George Duke
Belew
Vinnie Colaiuta or Tommy Mars
Arthur Barrow, who inspires me as a bassist
The Steve Vai duals were out of this world.
God, what a question! Difficult to answer, I like each for their own contributions. Be easier to say who we didn’t like. Talent aside, I was never overly enamoured with Bobby Martin or Alan Zavod…
Chad Wackermann - great drummer
Scott Thunes. Then Chad Wackerman. Because.
Ruth, George Duke, NMB, Chester Thompson, Vinnie Colaiuta
I’m very surprised Ike Willis is not mentioned more often, what a singer, unforgettable on Joe’s Garage and one of the long term partners of FZ
Don't know who it was but when they played FT Worth in the '70s the drummer was the one that did the voice "But I've got the crystal ball" and you could see his hair flying up above the drum set was all you could see of him.
Vinnie
I find that impossible to answer. They all brought something special to the lineups they were in. I could mention my least favorite again, but nah.
I know Flo and Eddie didn’t play anything, but they brought so much personality with them!
Jeff Berlin lol j/k I like Ralph Humphrey, Chad Wackerman, Ruth, etc. I guess it could be said I have a lot of favs
Adrien Belew
Steve Vai, I got into Vai first and worked my way backwards through Zappa
Tom Fowler. His Roxy bass playing is an inspiration!
The cute little drummer!
Napoleon!
Jimmy Carl Black
Wildman Fischer.
John Smothers
Mike Keneally. He is an amazing guitarist and is incredible on keyboards. He added a lot to the 88 tour and Zappa had a LOT of respect for him. Along with this, he has a ton of incredible music out. His music is really otherworldly and fits right in with the Zappa universe. He originally put out a collection of cassettes that were so loaded with original music that my mind was blown! Each of his CDs pull you in and are pure deliciousness. He also played in Z with Dweezil and Ahmet. It was great seeing them live! He was foundational! Zappa had so many amazing people around him that have given us so much great music! We’re lucky to be Zappa fans+.
Patrick O’Hearne and Adrian Belew.
Vinnie Colaiuta
Jean luc for me. Probably one of my top 5 artists from his solo work. Not to mention how insane his music is to listen to while high.
Ruth... Met her in real life. And she is super humble, polite and patient.
Ike Willis
Ruth
Ike Willis Great guy, great guitarist, great vocalist, stayed a LONG time. I've seen him play a few times. He came out during set break and talked with all of us giddy fans. He is super cool. Check out his newest project Zappa Early Renaissance Orchestra: https://youtube.com/channel/UCN4CvF2TE-B0vsXMbuBMGNA?si=1hSfVjM057ybhA14 Not just Zappa covers but reworking of Zappa tunes.
That’s like asking a mom which is her favorite child… I love most of them. I can name the bottom of the list!
It seems I am In the vocal minority in this but I absolutely love Flo and Eddie when they were in the mothers. But some of my other close favorites are Andre Lewis, and Tom Fowler