Zappa Vocal Legend Napoleon Murphy Brock Releases Vintage Live Recording

7/5/2011 - San Jose, CA - Much to the elation of Napoleon Murphy Brock fans across the globe, a rare live recording from the actual night that Frank Zappa first met Napoleon Murphy Brock has been released on CD titled 'This Is What Frank Zappa Heard - Communication Plus Live at the Red Noodle Waikiki, Hawaii'. This very significant historical document is now available and ready to be shipped to you to complete your collection of the history of The Mothers Of Invention. Frank was actually in the audience this very night, listening to two sets of music performed by Napoleon Murphy Brock and his 5-piece musical ensemble called "COMMUNICATION PLUS". After Zappa saw and heard this performance, he said to NMB, "Hello, my name is Frank Zappa, and you are my new Lead Vocalist." Having never heard of Frank Zappa or the Mothers of Invention, Napoleon asked Frank who was in his band. When he replied with the names Jean Luc Ponty, George Duke, Ruth Underwood, Tom Fowler, Bruce Fowler, and Ralph Humphey, Frank told Napoleon that this ensemble would now be complete with him, Napoleon (as the Lead Vocalist, saxophonist, flutist and Front Man), and that no audition, other than what he had heard that evening, would be required. All that Napoleon need do was to come to 5831 Sunset Blvd in Hollywood, listen to the band, and accept, if he liked what he heard.
Napoleon had no idea what he would hear, see, or experience, but continued forward with an open mind. After listening to the band play five songs - non-stop - he knew at that very moment that he had come face to face with his destiny. There had been years of preparation for this historical evaluation that was not totally understood during those years, but the preparation continued with the knowledge that, one day, it all would be revealed to him. This was that moment, and the picture was clear.
Napoleon accepted. And then the journey began....
Frank knew that something most important was yet to take place. Napoleon, with his voice, saxophone, flute, "and Fantastic Dancing", was to be the Interpreter of the music for the fans. This incarnation of The Mothers was raised to a new level of theatrical expression, energy, enthusiasm and entertainment.
Originally recorded on Teac Reel-To-Reel 4-Track, the recording was restored and digitally enhanced in Hamburg, Germany, at Master Pinguin Studio's Audio Lab by owner director master engineer Ralph Kessler www.masterpinguin.de. The original stereo analog sound was preserved.
You will be able to hear exactly what Frank heard. But a word of advice to the listener: The best way to put yourself in the area of thought processes that Frank experienced during this performance, and to be able to imagine what he imagined, having this combination Lead vocalist/sax/flute player, who also played sax and flute parts and solos while singing in the same song, you must remove yourself from where other people are talking. Frank would always say, "LISTENING IS AN ART." It is impossible to listen to these tracks while someone is in the room talking while you are trying to listen. If you listen in focused silence, you might be able to imagine how Frank visualized Napoleon doing what he heard and saw him doing on stage that very night, but in HIS compositions and the compositions of Frank Zappa and The Mothers Of Invention.

Project/Object Returns To The South With Legendary Zappa Band Members

For Immediate Release


Project/Object Returns to the South with Legendary Zappa Band Members

1/31/2011 - New York, NY – Project/Object continues their mission of performing Frank Zappa’s music with a rotating lineup of Zappa’s most beloved band members. On this tour the band will be joined by alumni Ike Willis and Ray White, and at selected gigs, Denny Walley, Don Preston and Bunk Gardner. Project/Object’s collaboration with these legends is a testament to the bands desire to present Zappa’s music as it was recorded and performed live, while also developing creativity in live performance.


Ike Willis is the legendary Zappa vocalist and guitarist whose career with Frank began in the role of “Joe” on the quintessential Zappa album Joe’s Garage, and continued for over a decade. He toured with Zappa’s band in 1978 and appeared on every Zappa tour thereafter, as well as almost 30 Zappa albums. Ike also played an integral role in Zappa’s legendary final tour in 1988. Ray White is a vocalist and guitarist who was drafted into Zappa’s band in the fall of 1976, forming a memorable vocal harmony partnership with Ike Willis on later tours in 1980 and 1984. He participated on the albums Zappa in New York, Joe’s Garage, Tinsel Town Rebellion, You Are What You Is, and many more. Denny Walley, who also recorded and toured with the late Captain Beefheart, toured with Zappa playing slide guitar in the mid 70s, and guested on records in the early 80s as well. Don Preston and Bunk Gardner, appearing at the tour closer in NJ, are part of the original lineups of Zappa’s “Mothers Of Invention”, touring and recording the late 60s classics beloved by most of Zappa’s fan base.


Frank Zappa is one of the Twentieth Century’s most important composers. His effect on the modern music landscape is undeniable. Formed in the early 90’s, Project/Object is on a mission to bring this music to the masses by faithfully recreating the live Zappa experience – with the people who were integral to Zappa’s classic sound. In every new market they visit, Project/Object pleases the Zappa connoisseurs and converts the curious into dedicated fans.


The confirmed dates and alumni appearances for the 2011 fall tour are below. Information on the band, specific dates, and where to buy tickets at www.projectobject.com.


February 9 Jammin’ Java Vienna, VA Ike Willis
February 10 Visulite Charlotte , NC Willis, Walley
February 11 Stella Blue Asheville, NC Willis, Walley
February 12 Smith’s Old Bar Atlanta, GA Willis, Walley
February 14 The Pour House Charleston, SC Willis, White,
February 16 Ram’s Head Annapolis, MD Willis, White,
February 17 Pour House Raleigh, NC Willis, White,
February 18 Kirk Ave Music Hall Roanoke, VA Willis, White,
February 19 8x10 Baltimore, MD Willis, White,
February 20 Sellersville Theatre Sellersville, PA Willis, White,
February 22 Mexicali Teaneck, NJ Willis, White, Preston, Gardner