b o b

This Harmonia is not the same as the 70s German band (at least I don't think they are), or the 70s Canadian band Harmonium. Rather, they're a 90s Italian chamber group who play classical instruments. I have no idea whether they have any other releases - this is the only one I've heard of. The music on this disc is split into two camps. The first half of the CD contains faithful covers of Zappa songs, played tastefully by the small ensemble. Some have complained that the music lacks "eyebrows" (FZ's term to describe the attitude of his music), but I personally like Harmonia's arrangements. Particularly nice is the solo piano arrangement of "What's New in Baltimore?", which has become my favorite version of the song. The "Peaches En Regalia" cover is also nice, and sounds surprisingly full. The other half of the disc is made up of semi-original pieces - music done in the style of Zappa, with occasional quotes from Frank's music thrown in. This stuff is also nice, although they bog down into some noodling with electronics at one point which makes for the dullest section of the disc. My favorite quote is in "A Frank Lesson", where the "Willie the Pimp" theme is played in a stately, refined way that is totally alien to the down and dirty sound of the song on Hot Rats. Inspired. This is another disc that is probably only of interest to hard core Zappa collectors, but if you're in that camp then it's certainly worth picking up. Another potential audience would be anyone who enjoys chamber music and has been considering getting into Zappa. review by Bob Eichler — undated —