Zappa's Universe


Zappa's Universe is a 1993 Frank Zappa tribute album featuring alumni from many of Zappa's bands. The music was compiled from a series of concerts from four consecutive nights of concerts at The Ritz in New York City, and filmed for a concert video of the same name. Steve Vai’s cover of the song "Sofa" from the album won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance in 1994.

Exposing Zappa’s illness

When the Zappa’s Universe project was first underway Frank Zappa was supposed to be part of the project, but by the time of the shows he had become too ill to attend, with his absence leading to speculation about his health in the press. This led Zappa's children, Moon and Dweezil, to publicly confirm their father's prostate cancer for the first time, during a press conference in the fall of 1991. His cancer had been first diagnosed in the spring of 1990.

Track listing

All Songs were written by Frank Zappa
  1. "Elvis Has Just Left the Building" – 2:48
  2. "Brown Shoes Don’t Make It" – 7:26
  3. "The Jazz Discharge Party Hats" – 4:48
  4. "Inca Roads" – 9:38
  5. "Mōggio" – 2:46
  6. "Nite School" – 5:00
  7. "Echidna’s Arf " – 3:53
  8. "Hungry Freaks, Daddy" – 3:28
  9. "Heavenly Bank Account" – 4:12
  10. "The Meek Shall Inherit Nothing" – 2:54
  11. "Waka/Jawaka" – 3:28
  12. "Sofa" – 3:51
  13. "Dirty Love" – 7:03
  14. "Hot Plate Heaven at the Green Hotel" – 6:28

Personnel

Musicians

The Persuasions

Rockapella

  • Barry Carl
  • Elliot Kerman
  • Scott Leonard
  • Sean Altman

Production staff

Record Production