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Aug 01, 2024 Web Exclusive By Hays Davis

That the audio of this epic piece of ’60s Los Angeles music history exists at all is incredible. Whisky a Go Go, 1968 takes the listener to the night of July 23, 1968, and a crowd drawn by an open invitation from Frank Zappa, presented through a handwritten ad in the L.A. Free Press, promising “5 full hours of unprecedented merryment, which will be secretly recorded for an upcoming record album. Dress optional.” The Whisky’s marquee that night announced “Mothers of Invention – Recording Session,” and there was a line around the block. Those fortunate enough to get in were treated to three Mothers sets as well as performances by Alice Cooper, the GTO’s (Girls Together Outrageously), street performer Wild Man Fischer, and Joe Piresanti, a New Jersey guitarist who performed Elvis Presley covers.

Whisky a Go Go, 1968 captures the full glory of all three Mothers sets over nearly three hours, and heads in nearly all directions. For “Whisky Improvisation: Episode II,” Zappa turned to the band and said, “Start playing something nice. In G minor. Make it up.” Much to their credit, the Mothers do exactly that before swinging into more familiar territory with “Status Back Baby” and the doo-wop salute of “Memories of El Monte.” “My Boyfriend’s Back” leads directly into what happened after that song’s lyrical situation with “Bust His Head.”

A lively “Hungry Freaks, Daddy” gives way to a tight and jazzy “King Kong – Part 1” and some solo turns in “King Kong – Part 2,” during which the GTO’s are called on. Zappa announces the live debut of “Brown Shoes Don’t Make It,” and even a kazoo-led “God Bless America” finds its way into one of the night’s sets. Aware of there being star presence in the crowd, at one point Zappa invites specific audience attendees to join them onstage, including members of The Rolling Stones, The Turtles, and John Mayall.

The set’s booklet includes entertaining and remarkably detailed recollections from Alice Cooper (who is interviewed by Ahmet Zappa) and former GTO Pamela Des Barres, along with additional background from Zappa “Vaultmeister” Joe Travers. Of all the storied gigs performed by Zappa and the Mothers, this one is truly one of a kind. (www.zappa.com)

Author rating: 7.5/10