Comments:

Rating: *** 1/2
 
This 3 CD set is a collection of Zappa guitar solos from the late 1970's.  Gee, I wish I could remember what happened to the spiffy box it came in.  In that spiffy box is a little booklet that includes some liner notes that are actually fairly intelligent for a change.
 
There was never a guitarist like Frank Zappa.  He called his improvised solos 'spontaneous composition' or 'air sculptures' and there is no contemporary guitarist who takes the chances on stage that Frank took.  His sense of rhythm and tonality are more reminiscent of 20th Century classical composers than the modern guitar stranglers.  Yet Zappa offered solid chops and a sensiblity that bespoke of his roots in the great blues guitarists he enjoyed growing up in southern California.
 
Shut up and play yer guitar is an extensive showcase of the artist at his very best.  While many of his musical concepts are extremely complex, you don't have to be a Julliard graduate to grasp the excitement and the beauty of the performances on this album.  All you have to do is listen with open ears.  For a lot of people, it would be easier to get the degree at Julliard, but give it a shot and remember that practice makes perfect, even if you're just listening.