This came out in 2004 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
Any musician who’s tried to learn Frank Zappa songs knows how tough they can be to play.
But really, the most difficult aspect of Zappa’s music isn’t the notes — it’s the attitude. And that, sadly, is something French big band LeBocal are sadly lacking on their FZ tribute album “Oh no! … Just Another Frank Zappa Memorial Barbecue!” Listening to this polished hour-long set dominated by jazzy versions of ’60s and ’70s Mothers-era oldies like Take Your Clothes Off When You Dance, King Kong, Grand Wazoo and Duke of Prunes, it’s obvious this 21-piece ensemble possess ample chops. What they don’t have, sadly, is the unpredictability and irreverence that Zappa utilized to temper and personalize his technical prowess for listeners. In other words, they’re trying too hard — and not hard enough at the same time.
