Warren, has just released a tribute to Frank Zappa, entitled (appropriately enough) thanks 2 frank, although the album was recorded almost two years ago. The reason I've combined the show with the recording is because both were live projects.
Warren is probably best known to the world as a current member of Duran Duran (since 1986's Strange Behaviour album), but his very impressive resume includes membership in Frank Zappa's late 70's line-up (he joined in '78) where he was involved in the Joe's Garage project and the Human Juke Box tour - which is immortalized on "Tinseltown Rebellion," "Shut Up and Play Yer Guitar,""Any Way the Wind Blows," and "You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore."
He followed that by forming Missing Persons with Dale and Terry Bozzio - and former Zappa sidemen - which involved writing credits on four albums and three North American tours, between 1980 and '86.
This solo album and the accompaning promotional performance at the Under Acme, clearly demonstrate "pop music" is not Warren's first passion. They also showcase Warren's incredible technical prowess. Frank's influence is subtly present, although I would catagorize Warren's style as upper echelon "speed metal" - ala Joe Satriani, David Chastain, Michael Harris, or (Zappa veteran) Steve Vai.
Warren, however, does not sound - or play - like these contemporaries. There are seeming "cliches" - the squealing/processed wail, the lightning arpeggios, the frequent and intense key/rhythm changes
- yet there's something different... something more powerfull and developed about his writing, arranging, and performing. It's as though his "pop writing/arranging" has nurtured a melodic sensibility lacking in these other "gunslingers." Okay, except Joe Satriani.The album was recorded live, primarily in the studio, but there is one track - the title cut - which was recorded at the Stone Pony (NJ) in July of '94. The promotional performance March 26th, was all that... and more. Over two and a half hours, encompassing just about everything Warren's ever done AND bonus material by Frank Zappa (which was conspicuously absent from the recording) - "Transylvania Boogie," "Chunga's Revenge," and a third, unknown-by-me , The Doors - "Crystal Ship" (the only song with vocals, I might add, most of them by the audience, and (the obligatory) Duran Duran - a gentle and hauntingly beautiful rendition of "Ordinary World." I think it's safe to claim, Warren's one of a handful of guitarists today, that can - and more importantly should - perform Zappa's catalogue. His versions of "Transylvania Boogie" and "Chunga's Revenge" were worthy tributes/interpretations, not note-for-note attempts at reproduction.
While the album is flawless - the songs were recorded live in the studio (with Zappa alummni and current Sting sideman, drummer Vinnie Colaiuta and session bassist, Pino Palladino in the studio - Warren's brother, Jerry, played drums and Nick Beggs joined him on guitar for the Stone Poney performance of Thanks 2 Frank) with the best performances choosen for the album - the performance at Under Acme, was slighly flawed. This is due, not to poor playing or a lack of skill by the sidemen - Dweezil drummer, Joe Travers and bassist, Wes Weymiller (both of which were phenomenal, too) - but to a sophisticated catalogue performed after "homework" (listening to the music and learning the parts) and a single rehearsal. As a result, some of the more difficult passages seemed to be performed by three musicians instead of a band. Everyone was playing correctly, but they didn't quite gel into a unit. Another obvious shortcoming was evident when Warren started to perform one of the songs in a different key than Wes had learned it, requiring a brief conference. If this band were to tour extensively, I'm certain each performance would be a musical tour de-force.
There was one unforgivable aspect - IT WAS TOO FREAKIN' LOUD!!! I mean, way-too-freakin' loud. Beyond-the-threshhold-of-human-endurance loud. And it was in a basement, instead of an arena, which compunded the problem. Fortunately I had earplugs (I've learned the hard way), but my companions were completely fatigued after only 30 minutes.
I'm not certain this material is going to be widely performed; it's two years old and Duran Duran have a tour scheduled around the release of their next album, later this year. I didn't really expect to ever hear Warren perform this music live. It was a rare treat, to be able to experience his energy and playing under such intimate conditions (less than 100 people, most of them friends or musicians). If he does do a solo show in your neighborhood, wear earplugs. Otherwise, you'll have to settle for this outstanding recording, which offers a glimpse of his ability.
