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Back on Halloween Dweezil Zappa continued a tradition his father started in the
'70s of
performing in New York City on October 31, when he played the Beacon Theatre on
Manhattan's Upper West Side. For his finale on that fateful night, Dweezil finally
performed one of the few songs in his father's repertoire that had previously been off
limits -
"Watermelon In Easter Hay."
The instrumental "Easter Hay" was debuted in 1978 and soon after not only became a fan-
favorite but a favorite of Frank's as well. On the liner notes for 1996's Frank Zappa
Plays The Music Of Frank Zappa Dweezil Zappa noted, "When Frank was asked whether or
not he felt he had written or recorded anything that was unique or special to him he
replied, 'Yes.' He then mentioned the names of 3 guitar instrumentals; 'Black Napkins,'
'Zoot Allures' and 'Watermelon In Easter Hay.' He considered these his 'signature pieces."
Zappa Plays Zappa formed in 2006 and has performed many of Frank Zappa's tunes over the
past
seven years, but not "Watermelon In Easter Hay." In 2008, Dweezil talked about "Easter
Hay" with Lancaster
Online, "That one I want to play, but it's always been a tragedy, that song.
Emotionally, it's so devastating that I kind of — can't focus on it. When I start playing
it, you know, it's too overwhelming. So, eventually I'll overcome that. But that's one
where, if I do play it, I will learn the whole thing in its entirety, note for note,
because it's so perfect. You can't possibly make it any better."
On October 31 the time was finally right for "Easter Hay." Dweezil nailed his father's
distinctive tone and phrasing. Earlier today Dweezil shared video of the
performance via his YouTube channel:
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[Published on: 11/9/13]
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