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Dweezil Zappa
Automatic
Most critics have been quick to whip the young Z's heavy metal fixation, as if it were somehow desecrating his dad's untouchable legacy. I'm probably alone in the argument that, given his encouraging home life and access to technology, Dweez is farther along on the learning curve in his own wild oats years (especially when compared to dad's wang dang doodle on the "Shut Up "N' Play Yr Guitar" series). Given the limitations of metal instrumentals, his extra-nimble fingerwork still has a certain caress and boldness all its own. I still have some reservations about his choice of material (like the nth cheesy covering of the "Hawaii Five-O" television theme), yet Zappa is very meticulous in his precision and selection of guitar tones. Like the elongated, fluid string-alongs (for "Fwakension"), his creation of accessory parts and offhand harmonies (like the secondary themes during his acoustic tribute to Michael Hedges, "Secret Hedges"), as well as keen sense of his own limitations (like running the fretboard only occasionally on the closing jam "Purple Guitar"). Given the choice between this and any of his late father's work is still a stretch. Given the choice between this and any of the Vai/Malmsteen/Satriani compost is becoming less of a brainer. So much so, that I really promise this to be the last review that I even mention his dad. -chip edwards (Favored Nations, 14724 Ventura Blvd., Suite 710, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403)
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