Frank Zappa bassist in 1968 tour?

CoffeeBass · #1 12-08-2008, 10:00 PM

Hey TB,

I need some help figuring out who was playing bass for Zappa around 1968 on tour. I think it may have been my Father

Here's the story. My dad passed away when I was 12. My half brother (different mothers) recently was in texas for a family funeral on his mothers side and asked how his mother ended up in washington when the rest of the family was in the south. Turns out she got on a train to go from California to Texas and met our Father who at that time was touring with Frank Zappa (who was also on the train). Now, we are not sure if he was playing in another band that opened for Zappa or if he was playing FOR Zappa, but my brother did some research and found an unreleased album from 1968 (around the right time) that said "a special thanks to Bob Ross" which is my father's name. That is all we have right now. We would have thought the story was remembered wrong if he had not found the special thanks. Also, it is not unlikely that my father would not have told many people about it (he was odd and a bit unstable at times).

I am wondering if there is a resource to find out who played with Zappa when he was touring in the sixties? I am sure that the info is out there somewhere. I am going to do my own searching, but if there is anyone here that can point me in the right direction I would really appreciate it.

Thanks,

Coffee

Zappstorius · #2 12-08-2008, 10:05 PM

Studio albums from around that time list Roy Estrada as the bassist at that time. I'll be on the search with you brotha!

I just searched and they listed Bob Ross as an arranger for the Lumpy Gravy Album...

nysbob · #3 12-08-2008, 10:35 PM

The first Mothers of Invention bassist of record is Roy Estrada. That certainly doesn't mean your dad wasn't involved or did gigs, though.

I had the honor of meeting Frank in the 70's, He was charming, gracious, ascerbic - everything you would expect. What a talent!

CoffeeBass · #4 12-09-2008, 08:35 AM

Boy I've never had that reference made before

Thanks for the research Zappstorius. My dad would have been around 20 when that album came out, and while my dad was a good musician, I doubt he would be arranging for Zappa at 20 years old. Still, I don't doubt that he was involved someway.

Cheers,

Coffee

Lichtaffen · #5 12-09-2008, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swerve

Bob Ross eh? I think I've heard of him. Did he look like this?

I was waiting for that. Zero sensitivity.

Don't discredit the fact that Frank wouldn't hire someone who was 20. How old was Steve Vai when he was hired by Frank? I can't remember off hand, but he was very young, still attending Berklee.

Swerve · #6 12-10-2008, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lichtaffen

I was waiting for that. Zero sensitivity.

Don't discredit the fact that Frank wouldn't hire someone who was 20. How old was Steve Vai when he was hired by Frank? I can't remember off hand, but he was very young, still attending Berklee.

Sorry that came across as insensitive.I didn't mean to disrespect anyone. I'm a huge Zappa fan. Just having some lighthearted fun.

Sincere apologies.

deaf pea · #7 12-10-2008, 10:17 AM

Roy Estrada was the bassist with the Mothers of Invention on record AND on the road in the late 60's . . .

GM60466 · #8 12-10-2008, 01:41 PM

Jim Fielder also played a few sessions with MOI in '67 & '68.

nysbob · #9 12-10-2008, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GM60466

Jim Fielder also played a few sessions with MOI in '67 & '68.

That's true.

I just checked my vinyl Lumpy Gravy and Bob Ross does indeed get a special thanks, along with Smilin' Jack. He's not listed among the bassists though.