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Frank Zappa

Frank Zappa - In Memoriam, Hieronymus Bosch - Live Improvisation at The Bitter End

Venue: The Bitter End Location: New York, NY, United States Date: September 16, 1967

In September 1967, when Frank Zappa performed "In Memoriam: Hieronymus Bosch" at The Bitter End in New York, he was riding a wave of creative momentum following the release of the album *Absolutely Free*. Just prior to this live recording, Zappa and his band, The Mothers of Invention, had showcased their cutting-edge blend of rock, jazz, and avant-garde sensibilities, pushing the boundaries of what was expected in popular music. The live improvisation reflects not just Zappa’s spontaneous genius but also his knack for weaving complex narratives and experimental sounds into his performances, a hallmark of his career. An interesting tidbit? This performance was part of a TV show, illustrating Zappa's early embrace of multimedia as a vehicle for his art—a precursor to the boundary-pushing performances that would define his legacy. It’s fascinating how his work during this period set the stage for more ambitious projects in the years to come.

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