Son of Invention: Dweezil Zappa's Rox(Post)rophy Tour Lands at The Parker And Charms Audience Like Baby Snakes

Joanie Cox Henry

Jan 274 min read

By Joanie Cox-Henry

Dweezil Zappa's Rox(Postrophy Tour) is an homage to the 50th anniversary of his Father Frank Zappa's albums Apostrophe (') and Roxy & Elsewhere, however experiencing this tour live and in person is nothing short of magic in its purest and most authentic form.

Dweezil Zappa isn't just playing his father's music—he's reanimating it, transforming each composition into a living, breathing creature that prowls the stage with ferocious intelligence and depth. On a curiously cold South Florida night at The Parker Jan. 22, Dweezil Zappa delivered a setlist that was part archaeological dig, part avant-garde symphony.

In lieu of performing either album note for note, Dweezil Zappa artfully opted to play versions of songs from those records that may be lesser known. It paid off in a very priceless way. This show, from start to finish, was a magnificent adventure opening with "Don't Eat The Yellow Snow" and "St. Alfonzo's Pancake Breakfast" and proceeded to lift off into "Cosmik Debris" and "Echidna's Arf (Of You)" showcasing rapid tempo changes and complex time signatures.

Dweezil Zappa is touring with a dynamite band. Scheila Gonzalez remains a powerhouse multi-instrumentalist, her saxophone and keyboard work adding essential color and texture while her vocals capture some of the most demanding harmonies in the Zappa catalog. Ryan Brown's drumming provides both the muscular drive needed for the rock elements and the nuanced touch required for the more complex fusion passages. Kurt Morgan's animated bass work demonstrates both remarkable technical facility and a deep understanding of the material's rhythmic intricacies. Adam Minkoff's guitar interplay with Dweezil creates rich textural layers, while his vocals nail some of the most difficult melodic lines. There are moments when he appears to be evoking the spirit of Frank Zappa himself and it's truly a sight to behold. Bobby Victor's killer keyboard work and whimsical stage presence fill out the sonic palette masterfully, from percussive rhythmic comping to intricate solo passages.

The Main Dweeze: Dweezil Zappa's sound check with his band at The Parker — **The Main Dweeze**: Dweezil Zappa's sound check with his band at The Parker

During soundcheck, the band went over Zappa classics such as the rhythmically rich "Inca Roads" and "Punky's Whips," the legendary melodic love letter paying homage to dynamo drummer Terry Bozzio's (mostly) “heterosexual crush” on Punky Meadows, who was guitarist for the hard rock group Angel. Zappa also led a Q&A for a few lucky VIPS. He answered questions about what it was like growing up with such a famous father. A typical day in his life included heading over to Edward Van Halen's house and witnessing Yoko Ono shrieking and nonchalantly rubbing elbows with other popes of pop culture through the years. One of my favorite questions was when someone in the crowd asked Dweezil why he doesn't rock a mustache and soul patch like his father did. "Because I'd look like a Spanish pirate," Dweezil cleverly responded. Frank Zappa’s iconic Les Paul from the cover of Shut Up 'N Play Yer Guitar was also on display for a select few for photo opps. It was surreal seeing that instrument in person and knowing Zappa's epic legacy and all his guitars are in good hands with his super-talented son.

Long-time Zappa fan, bass player, and guitarist Fernando Santomaggio headed to Dweezil Zappa's soundcheck with South Florida Concert News before the big show. Here's what the seasoned musician who has been deeply influenced by the Zappa family had to say about the experience.

"I feel Dweezil paid his father's music due respect and reverence," Santomaggio says. "Also, the part where Dweezil conducted the band was total Frank with the duck call and '80s medley."

Gonzalez delivered impressive renditions of "99 Luftballoons," "Livin' On A Prayer" and "Hotel California" using a vuvuzela horn and a duck call. It was such a fun highlight of the night even Dweezil Zappa couldn't contain his joy over that moment. Zappa shouts out random song challenges to Gonzalez and the band, and this fearless musician is always happy to oblige. At other recent shows, Gonzalez took on "Hello" by Lionel Richie and "Suspicious Minds."

While Santomaggio laments not getting the chance to see Frank Zappa perform live, seeing Dweezil Zappa perform was fulfilling for him on a completely different level.

"I've always regretted not seeing Frank Zappa," Santomaggio shares. "Meeting Dweezil and seeing his dad's guitars used to play his music throughout this performance was a very close 'second.' It was an unforgettable show."

As a long time Zappa fan myself, both Frank Zappa and Dweezil Zappa's music has always struck a curious chord with me. Frank Zappa's flawless ability to blend technical complexity with melodic accessibility while sustaining a sophisticated approach to composition and arrangement has always impressed me.

Inside Frank Zappa's sonic laboratory, genres melt and mutate like musical molecules in a mad scientist's beaker, where doo-wop harmonies might crash headlong into avant-garde jazz freakouts, all while socially biting lyrics tap dance atop compositions that would make Stravinsky's head spin. While his contemporaries were content pushing the boundaries of rock, Frank Zappa was busy obliterating them entirely, creating a universe where sophisticated orchestral arrangements could share space with toilet humor, and virtuosic guitar solos could emerge from sassy satirical songs about dental floss. His music remains a wild amalgamation of high-art complexity and low-brow comedy that somehow manages to be both intellectually challenging and ruthlessly entertaining, proving that serious music doesn't always have to take itself so seriously.

All images by Larry Marano: