bobonzappa.com
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Calvin Schenkel recounts his relationship with Frank Zappa, covering their independent project collaborations, Zappa’s ad agency (Nifty, Tough and Bitchin’) and the origin of the Burnt Weenie Sandwich. He describes the challenges in defining a professional relationship with Frank, and…
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Working with Zappa & Beefheart – artist Cal Schenkel – Part 2
Bob continues his talk with artist Cal Schenkel about his experiences with Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart. They discuss Cal’s artistic collaboration, the contributions of Schenkel and Beefheart, their influence on Zappa’s work, and the challenges of recognition in the…
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Behind Zappa album covers – artist Cal Schenkel – Part 1
Calvin Schenkel began working for Frank Zappa in 1967, immediately becoming his entire art department. He produced iconic album cover images, including in addition to Zappa, covers for Tom Waits, Tim Buckley and Three Dog Night. His design for Captain…
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Lost Frank Zappa college radio interview from 1967
This radio interview with Frank Zappa from November 13, 1967, was discovered back in 2017 after being thought lost. The quality is exceptional. It is one of the more insightful interactions with Zappa. He explains the nuances of live vs…
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Beyond Sound: Zappa’s Civilization Phaze III [Part 11]
What does it mean to be inside the piano? Bob Dobbs and guests bounce off Zappa’s CPIII as they weave through themes of sensory experience, materialism and the individual pursuit of purpose, punctuated by references to cultural figures and metaphors.…
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Beyond Sound: Zappa’s Civilization Phaze III [Part 12]
Zappa’s types of ‘cheese’ In this final installment, Bob Dobbs and guests explore CPIII using themes from the ‘Lumpy Gravy’ era and Zappa’s editorial “Say Cheese.” It reflects on how Zappa’s work symbolizes American culture and societal values, examining his…
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Beyond Sound: Zappa’s Civilization Phaze III [Part 10]
CPIII and the Project/Object Bob and guests use Civilization Phaze III to explore Frank Zappa’s Project/Object concept and how it relates to culture, technology and society at large. Bob Dobbs is a McLuhan Scholar and Zappa researcher. 00:00:00 – Commercializing…
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Beyond Sound: Zappa’s Civilization Phaze III [Part 9]
CPIII’s commentary on the American cultural industry Bob’s discussion uses CPIII to probe America’s cultural exports, the music industry, and Zappa’s art in relation to Marshall McLuhan. They look into Zappa’s conceptual continuity. The discussion concludes with Zappa’s insights on…
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Beyond Sound: Zappa’s Civilization Phaze III [Part 8]
Zappa’s menippean satire. Bob Dobbs and guests explore Frank Zappa’s impact as a menippean satirist, his unique approach to art production, and his role during the transition from analog to digital media. They contrast Zappa’s style with contemporaries like Bob…
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Beyond Sound: Zappa’s Civilization Phaze III [Part 7]
Xenochrony: Zappa’s psychic aspect Bob’s panel explores Frank Zappa’s psychic ability to predict media trends, a phenomenon he termed “xenochrony”, and his spontaneous creativity like the naming of ‘Yellow Shark’. The narrative weaves through personal stories, historical connections, and encounters…