THE PERSUASIONS
Frankly Acapella (Earthbeat Records)
Reviewed by Bill Holmes

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Great Googly Moogly! Completing the karmic circle that began thirty years ago when Frank Zappa signed them to his record label, The Persuasions recorded twelve classics from the late composer's vast songbook. Lead singer Jerry Lawson had the sextet take on "Lumpy Gravy" to emulate a diverse montage of horns, pianos, guitars and percussion, feeling that if they could handle the complexity of that piece, they were ready for anything. Obviously, they nailed it.

The vocals are drop-dead gorgeous on the fifties-tinged "Any Way The Wind Blows", "Love Of My Life" and "Tears Begin To Fall", but as a gospel-tinged harmony group, their rendition of "The Meek Shall Inherit Nothing" is especially biting. And what these guys can do with their voices is astounding. Lawson's powerful belting on "Cheap Thrills" recalls the great Levi Stubbs of The Four Tops, but the most amazing part of that song is the trombone duet between Zappa alumni Bruce Fowler and the Persuasions' Jimmy Hayes. Y'see, Fowler is using an actual trombone, but Hayes is scat-singing! Try to tell the difference - it's not easy. Another Zappa alumni, guitarist Mike Keneally, also guests on "My Guitar Wants To Kill Your Mama", but aside from his and Fowler's appearances, all other sounds are made using only voices. It's obvious that guests and group alike were having a great time (although Lawson says "we never worked harder on a project"), and the spirit of Frank Zappa hovered over the proceedings in the form of the famous rubber chicken from the stage shows. Even the cover art pays homage to the great FZ.

As a special nod to their late mentor, there are three musical interludes that cleanse the listener's mental palate between sections, and a bizarre "Mystery Track" for a coda. No need to whet my appetite for Frankly Acapella, though. In fact, I'm hungry for more - Volume Two, please!

© 2000 - Bill Holmes