Posted on 11/15/2021 6:18:45 PM PST by mylife
RUTH UNDERWOOD: A MOTHER OF INVENTION
An integral part of Frank Zappa’s band the Mothers of Invention, Ruth Underwood stayed mostly in the background on stage and in the studio, filling the sound with her indispensable contributions on marimba, harp, xylophone, vibraphone and drums. Her reputation, as a multi-instrumentalist and composer, has only grown since the Mothers disbanded in the ‘70s. Ingrid Jensen, after taking a look at the musical legacy of Ruth Underwood, declares her ‘the undisputed queen of rock ‘n’ roll percussion’.
It was 1967 when Ruth Komanoff first saw Frank Zappa perform in New York City, where the Mothers of Invention were playing a six-month residency at the Garrick Theatre, and Ruth was in the process of completing her musical education at the prestigious Juilliard school.
A classically trained percussionist from the age of 16, Ruth was astounded by the seemingly incongruous combination of humor, theatrics and consummate musicality that defined the avant-garde freak show she saw that night at the Garrick Theatre. She was instantly hooked.
“Oh, In the Sky”-The Mothers of Invention at the Garrick Theatre, 1968:
(Excerpt) Read more at youtube.com ...
She is amazing.
I saw her play with Frank once.
Incredible.
L
Inca Roads
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqp71DOJ3aY
I got to see them live. I was like 14, lol. I got to go to the concert by myself, probably because my rents were hoping someone would kidnap me. I was just thinking about that the other day. My seat was in the “bleachers” but really close to the stage. SO LOUD. Haha.
I only saw Frank once. 1976 good band amazing show.
saw Aerosmith at age 14 wondered what Dad was thinking!! W00t!!
She was a killer when she played Frank’s music. Saw Frank with her a few times.
For the record....for ALLLLLLLL the abuse Zappa took over his lyrics being sexist, racist ____ist, take a gander at the Roxy & Elsewhere lineup...
From L to R, by back, middle, front row: Napoleon Murphy Brock, Jeff Simmons, Chester "Genesis touring drummer" Thompson, Ruth, Tom Fowler, (THE) George Duke, Ralph Humphries, FZ, Walt Fowler.
Frank was a capitalist, hated unions, and hired the best. Suck it, bitchez.
I didn’t remember Ruth because she joined the band later. I do remember Suzy Creamcheese (the original Jeannie Vassoir from Freak Out) not the later imposters.
I saw Zappa 5 times. Each show was outstanding. He always delivered.
L
Ladies and Gentlemen, Watch Ruth.
All through this film,
Ruth has been thinking,
What can I possibly do
That will amaze everyone?
I think she's come up with the answer, just keep your eye on her...
Roxy has to be a Desert Island Disk for everyone.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.