Zappa Plays Zappa

Thursday, Jan. 30

I don’t care if you call us a tribute band,” Dweezil Zappa, son of Frank Zappa, says in a promotional video for his latest tour. “I’m paying tribute to my father in the truest sense of the word. I really respect his music and I feel like it deserves to be honored.” The tour hit the road for the first time in 2006, and Frank’s second-born has gone back out every few years since. The latest trek celebrates Roxy and Elsewhere, the 1974 live album by Frank Zappa and the Mothers that Rolling Stone said is “about as close to a traditional musical form as the Mothers are ever likely to come”—though that still doesn’t land the band anywhere near the mainstream. Blending jazz and rock with whatever else inspired him, Zappa was an eccentric musical genius. He released more than 60 albums before he passed away from cancer in 1993, and his relationship with his audience defines the term “cult following.” Adored by musicians more than by casual rock fans, there’s no denying he was a true original. And who better to carry his torch than Dweezil, who got his first guitar at 6 and has become a virtuoso in his own right. You’d have to be to tackle the Zappa catalog.

Other artists have been similarly inspired: Natalie Cole sold seven million copies of Unforgettable, which paid tribute to songs her father Nat King Cole made famous; Roseanne Cash’s 2009 album The List comprised some of her father Johnny’s favorite tunes; and Rufus Wainwright included a cover of his dad Loudon Wainwright III’s “One Man Guy” on his 2001 album Poses. Dweezil hasn’t had the same commercial success as these artists, but neither did his father. For those hoping to get the full-on Zappa treatment and are willing to shell out nearly $200: A ticket to the show will run you $40, access to sound check plus a tour poster another $65, and a preshow guitar masterclass from Dweezil runs an additional $75. The Neptune, 1303 N.E. 45th St., 682-1414, stgpresents.org. 8 p.m. $40. All ages.

DAVE LAKE