The Big Note: A Guide to the Recordings of Frank Zappa Paperback – 13 May 2018

There's no way a gargantuan book like this could ever be less than interesting.But considering that it's the only one of its kind to deal with the music of Frank Zappa,the pressure is really on for it to deliver the goods. And does it ever!It's essentially a work of love for everything Frank ever created. Whether you're a casual fan orsomeone who can't survive without this music, this book will serve all your needs.Every page is filled with endless facts, quotes and information that I suspect will be new to pretty much every fan out there. I've read similar reference books on other artists, where the focus was more on the author's personal opinion.But Charles Ulrich has wisely decided to present what you want to know (and what you don't know that you want to know, but you do) in an impartial way that never feels dry or overly academic.There's a LOT of humor in here. But it's supplied in the form of quotes from Zappa's often hilariously funny musicians and friends and family.Anyway, this is the Zappa book I've always wanted. If Charles hadn't written it, I'd written it myself eventually.And we're all fortunate that didn't happen!Buy it now. You owe it to yourself.

This is a big object and a huge project by the author. I’ve only read a little about the first album, Absolutely Free (they are in alphabetical order btw) but already I am impressed and looking forward to reading the rest. It may take me a short eternity but it will be a fascinating read.For the reader SOME awareness of FZ’s music is required but the book may spark some interest in further explorations beyond what you already know. For me, sofa, it’s making want to revisit my tape exchanging days in the 1980’s and adding to my now digitised collection of concert recordings, albeit I only have a few.

What can I say that hasn't already been said in reviews in both the UK and US versions of Amazon. If, like me you have been a fan of Frank since day one, and I owe a massive thank you to whoever was playing Freak Out in a local store's record department in Rugby back in 1967, this is the book that we have always wanted. Cutting straight to the recorded material and all the variations that you get, this is the most comprehensive book of it's kind that I have ever seen. If you love the music and want to find out more about how it was put together, order a copy, you won't be disappointed. I'd give it six stars if I could.

The best bit of this book is the way it gives some detailed biographies of most of the musicians involved with Zappa. It's really good, I found myself re-listening to some tracks and looking at some albums in a different light! So cool to 're-discover' some aspects of the great man's work and to have a greater understanding of the contributing cast! VERY RECOMMENDED!

The facts the facts and nothing but the facts.A brilliant study of the works of Frank Zappa, every album and song in detail, any serious study of Zappa’s music starts and ends hereBe aware this is no critical guide to Frank Zappa the book offers no subjective point of view, it doesn’t tell you which albums are masterpieces or point out any duffers, just a comprehensive analysis of the music

Astonishing amount of detail, certainly not a light read on the train, but a definitive reference book to Frank's recordings.

Wow, big book, lots of very interesting information but is it worth the asking price? Should be £10 cheaper I think.

I always loved the music made by Frank Zappa and the great musicians who played with him; now with this well researched book I can find out exactly who played on what, where and when. Anyone who likes Zappa will love this book.

Great , incredible detail

Se vc gosta de FRANK ZAPPA, comprar este livro vai lhe deixar muito feliz!!!Chegou bem antes do prazo e vale cada centavo!!!

zappa fan...get the book...

La cosa está así, el buen Ulrich se aventó la chamba de entregar una obra que revise los detalles tanto técnicos, como de personal, como temáticos de toda la obra oficial de Zappa hasta el año 2014. Una obra ciclópea (más de 800 páginas), perfectamente organizada (alfabética, con Zappa la cronología lineal es prácticamente imposible dada la multitud de conceptos, grabaciones póstumas, discos rearmados y reediciones de aniversario) y con datos que te permiten experimentar la obra del Maestro de una forma, si cabe decirlo, más completa. Ni por asomo lo he terminado, sobre todo porque decidí escuchar cada disco después de dar lectura al capítulo correspondiente. Siendo así, en estos meses he podido regalarme la dicha de ir revisando la obra zappiana poco a poco, en lectura y sacando el disquito de su caja, remitiéndome a la experiencia de los que amamos el formato físico y reescuchando discos que hacía tiempo no sonaban. Estoy por escuchar FZ:OZ (letra F, página 174) y debo decir que he disfrutado cada página. Una experiencia completa.El libro llegó bien empaquetado, sin ningún defecto en el manejo y - hasta el momento - en la fabricación. Es pasta blanda pero bien reforzado en el lomo, está en inglés y es una maravilla. Me falta adquirir algunos libros sobre Zappa, pero este fácilmente se encuentra en el Top 3 junto al Real Frank Zappa Book y al Pooddle Dialectics.

Très complet, extrêmement détaillé, une mine de renseignements.