Latest ‘Zappacast’ Episode Features David Logeman Discussing ‘Zappa ’80: Mudd Club/Munich’
The podcast “Zappacast” celebrates what is to come Frank Zappe release authorized Zappa ’80: Mudd Club/Munich with a special guest appearance from frequent Zappa collaborator David Logeman.
during the episodeHost Scott Parker and producer Phil Surkis are on hand to quiz David about auditioning for Frank Zappa’s band, the stamina it takes to play drums during a Zappa marathon performance, and his playing on Zappa’s groundbreaking album . You are what you are.
Regarding his first audition, Logeman states that he wasn’t particularly confident that Zappa would pick him for the band. “And at that point, I had absolutely no idea that I was going to do remote recording at all. I just went down because I was a fan. And I’m like, ‘Okay, wow, I’m going to meet one of my heroes.’ And I thought it was pretty much everything. I heard through the rumor mill that Frank had this reputation, that a lot of drummers go through the Zappa Band revolving door, so I had no illusions about it at all.”
Fast-forward to the end of the grueling audition, and Zappa offered Logeman the gig in characteristic fashion. “We were there for hours. In the end he [Zappa] says, “You know, I think this is going to work, and I’d love to hire you to come out.” We do not have much time. I pay a thousand dollars a week. That’s it. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been in the band 10 years or 10 days.'” Logeman responded by saying, “‘Well, I do some sessions. I can do that in a day or two.’ And he says, ‘It doesn’t matter.’ He said: “You have to tell me tonight. I will call you. Yes or no?’ And he left.” Suffice to say, Logeman made the right decision in accepting Zappa’s offer.
Logeman also revealed the improvisational spirit of Zappa’s bands in those days. “Some shows he would pause on certain occasions and we never knew when that would be, but there were also times when he barely said anything and we played and played and played. And that was a total shock to me. I could do it, but good thing I was in good shape because man I felt like I was part drummer, part athlete to be able to do this stuff, but it was definitely fun.
Hear the whole episode here.
For the latest music news and exclusive features, visit uDiscover Music.
uDiscover Music is operated by Universal Music Group (UMG). Some artists included in uDiscover Music articles are affiliated with UMG.