A Watermelon in Easter Hay
The instrumental track as it appears on the album Joe's Garage by Frank Zappa. The album describes the life of a musician who lives in a dystopian world where music has been made illegal so he is forced to resort to dreaming of imaginary guitar notes. The narration (provided by the Central Scrutinizer, a government agent who enforces all the laws that haven't been passed yet) which occurs before this track is as follows:
"This is the Central Scrutinizer. Joe has just worked himself into an imaginary frenzy during the fadeout of his imaginary song. He begins to feel depressed now. He knows the end is near. He has realized at last that imaginary guitar notes and imaginary vocals exist only in the imagination of the imaginer, and ultimately, who gives a fuck anyway? ... So he goes back to his ugly little room and quietly dreams his last imaginary guitar solo..."
While keeping a lot of the melodic elements that are in the original song, for the solo I decided to give my own improvisation inspired by the spirit of that solo.
Пікірлер: 706
His last imaginary piano solo
@duster71
4 жыл бұрын
Frank's idea of Heaven.
@simonpepper9721
2 жыл бұрын
Well said smarty pants.
@OzgurOguz
2 жыл бұрын
last from which macro syllable faith limitation Z?
@dorrienibberson5388
Жыл бұрын
🤣
@dlpasco
Жыл бұрын
❤
If anybody sees this I'm so happy people are continuing to find, be inspired by, and comment on this video. It's nice to see people give a fuck!
@makelikeatree1696
3 жыл бұрын
Dude, I keep coming back to this again and again. Thank you.
@adabofeverything7120
3 жыл бұрын
Such an incredible video. Thank you for making this. (3 years after this comment)
@wkitor
3 жыл бұрын
Hello, I want ask you one thing. Do you have the partiture for piano this music?
@JabrHawr
2 жыл бұрын
i give a fuck, to this and to Peaches En Regalia too. thank you, Robert, for all these Zappa covers
@gabrielemariaesposito3971
2 жыл бұрын
I AM. THANK YOU FOR THIS MASTERPIECE
Even the Central Scrutinizer had a tear in his eye over this one
this song sounds like grief. the never ending conundrum of conscience. heartache is so big and deep but so simple-two-dimensional in the way light is. the sun shines on me and i miss my dad.
@apprenticeofpoo
Жыл бұрын
Your comment those 10 months ago has made me cry.
@knifelyfe6565
Жыл бұрын
Wow! You get it.The original version is a masterpiece.Checkout Dweezil Zappa doing his dad's version.Bring the tissue.You'll need it.
@zegermanscientist2667
9 ай бұрын
The song is about a music lover in a world where music is forbidden, and as he loses his mind, he dreams up one last guitar solo in his head that no one can take away from him. The entire concept album is probably the pinnacle of Zappas work.
@soberobserver1646
6 ай бұрын
I miss my sister.
@tyleralberty4993
4 ай бұрын
The last dying breath of the most amazing music that was never played 😭
Robert has worked himself into an imaginary frenzy...
I am happy to see that Frank's music lives on with our next generation. Played with conviction and much appreciated.
@Dragonking-fd1qv
3 жыл бұрын
FINALLY!
@tomkitchen9457
7 ай бұрын
I recently told a friend, who needs interesting music that's hard to play? Music students.
I will pay for your travels for you to play this at my wedding processional. My dad is the biggest Zappa fanatic I know, and it would be the most incredible thing ever.
@Corkskrew999
4 жыл бұрын
I hope he took/takes you up on that.
@noname1st139
4 жыл бұрын
Wow that's 1 hell of a wedding with this guy playing piano, can I come 🤣😂
@alkuhseltsur9243
4 жыл бұрын
I hope something like this happened. My daughter doesn't have my musical tastes and she's a delight so that's fine. But as your dad I would sit there weeping with joy at having the sweetest coolest daughter in the universe if she set something like this up for my benefit and hers. You're right. Most incredible thing ever.
@williamondegreen
3 жыл бұрын
@@alkuhseltsur9243 reading this comment while this played made my eyes tear up more than usual during this song.
@GregMuniz7
3 жыл бұрын
That’d be so dope. Did he come out for your wedding?
He used to cut the grass. He was such a nice boy.
Glad To See A Young Person Who Appreciates Frank Zappa!
@philippelehuta4399
7 жыл бұрын
Wayne Danberry j'en
@RafaelHMedinaMCompositor
6 жыл бұрын
"Glad to see a young person who appreciates Frank Zappa" and watching him playing like that!!!
@freekhaveman6503
5 жыл бұрын
Wayne Danberry frank Zappa is timeless
@somekidwithacomputer2939
3 жыл бұрын
ok boomer
@georger.williams6275
3 жыл бұрын
. . . Wow!. How Old Were We? Me, 13, "The Soul Giants" . . . Then With Verve: "The Mothers Of Invention."
I'm having it put in my will to have this played at my funeral. The 2013 version by Dweezil performing in London. He cries when he plays. Kills me every time.
@thestraniero
4 жыл бұрын
I've always thought the same thing. It sounds like a spirit being set free...
@dekerpeld
4 жыл бұрын
Ï
@GansoBomb
3 жыл бұрын
I've told me wife the same.
@blfz70
3 жыл бұрын
I've let my wife know, as well
@jericf5935
Ай бұрын
Do you have a link?
I imagine heaven being like this sound. In Brazil, we have a lyric where it says: "One day the air was filled with love And in all their splendor the voices sang His song echoed through the fields Climbed the mountains and reached the universe And a star shone showing the way "Glory to god in the highest And peace on earth to men of goodwill"" Robert, your interpretation of his unique sound explains these lyrics. Thanks for sharing with us.
Joe has just learnt another instrument
Great job on a truly fantastic piece of music, this will be played at my funeral. I was at a local restaurant a couple of years ago and I had gotten to know the house pianist. One evening , he walked by my table to go on break and I mentioned this composition, he went outside to smoke a cig and pulled this up on You Tube. He walked back in , sat down and played this perfectly,.....I was blown away !
@prqshn
Жыл бұрын
I want it my ‘celebration of life’ party as well. Not to mention, Pat Metheny’s “Last Train Home”.
@knifelyfe6565
Жыл бұрын
It's just a couple of the same notes but how they're phrased is the genius of Zappa.Its tough watching Dweezil do this masterpiece.
@knifelyfe6565
Жыл бұрын
@@prqshn I want Jerry Jeff Walker's "Leavin Texas" at mine.
@pippopanenero
Жыл бұрын
My funeral. Frank Zappa Watermelon in Easter hay Genesis Firth of Fifth Beatles Golden Slumbers Steve Hillage Palm Trees Caravan Winter wine ❤
From a 45 year lover of Frank Zappa and his music I say that is a great interpretation Robert. This is one of Frank's most moving pieces and thanks for sharing it here.
@MarieLaveau56
7 жыл бұрын
R.H. Omea I agree. It is beautiful.
@TheProsirius
6 жыл бұрын
Totaly Agree. Same here, listen 35 Years to Franks Music, and i luv this Version. Great >3
@donjulioelmagnifico2156
2 жыл бұрын
I have been listening and reciting Franks music for over 50 years. This song will be one of the songs I have chosen to represent my life long love of music to be played at my memorial services. Everyone that truly knows me will be disappointed if Frank is not played then.
@johnsolis7631
Жыл бұрын
Dats so funky, even Obama likes it.
@GT380man
Жыл бұрын
@@johnsolis7631 Obama is satanic & centrally involved in the global coup d’etat.
Watermelon in Easter Hay is no doubt my favorite composition by FZ .. I watched him create music on the Tonight Show with Steve Allen on a bicycle in 1963 .. in 1966 I bought his Debut Double Album "Freak Out" .. with the Mothers of Invention .. I knew right then guitar was my instrument .. in a very complex 9/4 tempo this track makes anyone weep especially when you know the story motivating this composition .. or if you were lucky enough to watch him play it live .. RIP Master Zappa
@yaquinta
6 ай бұрын
What is the story of this song?
As most people who clicked on your link, I was curious to hear how this guitar piece would translate to piano. Well done for having the courage to take it on and doing it justice!
Nothing is beautiful compared to this. Hey Frank Zappa see what you have created.
This is Zappa 's most emotionally moving composition. I even think more so by being played on piano. Great choice and great performance.
I don't know how you managed to capture the magic on piano but this is spectacular and haunting. Thanks so much for posting this!
unemployed, depressed and hating every single bit of the world around me...i load up youtube and i see this song A Watermelon in Easter Hay. This has happened every time i lose a job...thanks for your piano piece...very emotional :)
this is my husband's 2nd birthday without him for he would of been 56 today and I found this outstanding piece played on the piano by this young man it brought tears to my eyes as this was one of his favorite songs by frank I know he is looking down at us with his beautiful big smile Happy Birthday Michick My Love xxxxxoo
@zspazz1
7 жыл бұрын
this is from his wife of 26 years using his site
Frank would be impressed but then ask you to do it in 7/8 reggae! Beautiful job!!
@dvened
5 жыл бұрын
xD
@TheZappa01
5 жыл бұрын
Difficult thing to do, unless of course, you are Steve Vai, or Zappa himself
A lovely requiem for FZ !!! R.I.P. Frank, we all sorely miss you . . .
That's really pretty, had me teared up 30 seconds in. Dweezil says this is the most emotional song he plays of his dads. Well done man.
This was a great rendition of a great work of music. The Central Scrutinizer had to admit that Joe was always free.
can we all just appreciate how beautiful this chords progression sound in piano, zappa was such a genius.
It doesn't surprise me at all how well this translates to Piano. I wish one of these 10K+ people who liked it [10 dissenters] would put you in front of an in-tune piano in a more acoustical friendly space with some quality mics and record this for real. good job. if you're ever near Philly I can arrange for that very thing.
once Zappa was DJing on radio and said the full title is "trying to play a guitar solo with this band is like trying to grow Watermelon In Easter Hay" and he closed the show with it. Maybe it was ""Playing a guitar solo with this band is like trying to grow a watermelon in Easter hay""
Brilliant......beautiful.....One of my favorite Zappa tunes, and this kid just gives it the treatment.
Joe's Garage is a fantastic album. Great choice and wonderful performance.
@benbarletta2927
Жыл бұрын
This album got me into Zappa! I heard the odd piece, and saw him on some of the late night shows, but when I heard that album, I was totally hooked!!!
Well.... Just going to throw this out there. But watching this was the first time I've ever teared up listening to a Zappa song. Rock on man!
@duster71
4 жыл бұрын
Been listening to my God since 1974 when I was 14. I cry every night that my God has left us,but he left so much to enjoy. Music is my religion and Frank Zappa is my God.
@myshadow8118
4 жыл бұрын
you should pull up Dweezil Zappa - Watermelon in Easter Hay (London 2013)
It began, for me, at age 15 and now it's 53 years later, and I still listen to Zappa most of the time. Brain food, soul food and entertainment food. I repeat what others have stated: this is one of his most moving pieces of music. Thank you Robert and the host of others who have played this song, the best of whom is, in my humble opinion, his own son Dweezil. Zappa was in the same (or better) league as Beethoven, Mozart and Brahms. If those cats had the equipment Frank had, they might have sounded like Frank. But, no. No one has ever been as free and creative and broad minded mentally and musically as Frank Zappa. RIP dear Frank. You are and always will be in my heart.
Much praise! Whatever your discipline, so well played! For All you Zappa fans out there, take yourself back to the 79's and put this MAN in Any of those older writings
Bravo Robert, Bravo...When I recently saw Dweezel play this song he fore warned the audience that he sometimes gets emotional when he plays it ....And he did...It was Beautiful....
@anthonybernero9720
2 жыл бұрын
Wow. That sounds incredible.
Here I visit again imagining Frank and family sitting around eating a watermelon sitting on Easter hay today.
It is very nicely to watch him playing without sheets of notes. This feels more trustworthy and authentic. Thanx for these momories.
This is seriously one of the best things I've ever heard.
Very particular melody with a highly suggestive signature rithm. High emotional impact due to it's summoning nature of love,death and a sort of hopeless hope...light and dark.sorrow and consolation...everything and everywhere...a lesson of something elusive of utmost importance as only a musical genius of Frank Zappa was capable of....really awsome....
Wunderschön gespielt auf dem Klavier 🎹👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
A Watermelon In Easter Hay?!! Don't you boys know any nice songs?
@AngelLopez-xg2jn
4 жыл бұрын
Aqui tienes una gran canción.
@svagrod
4 жыл бұрын
That was GREAT !!!
@nesseq
4 жыл бұрын
Yeah, I know a couple. Stick it out, Catholic Girls, Crew slut, Jewish Princess, Honey don't you want a man like me. You know, the romantic songs by Zappa.
@serenaym3974
4 жыл бұрын
Well, it depends on the mood, but most of the times I prefer a beautiful piece than just a nice song.
@Luka_WiFi
4 жыл бұрын
I have been in you Bobby Brown goes down Muffin Man
7:36 You nailed it here with the subtle slow-down and the augmented chords. Great job man
Those first couple notes bought it all back! I still have the Live cassette I first heard Frank play this. Think it was You Can't Do That Onstage Anymore. Man this chokes me up. I can still see Frank onstage at Merriweather Post Pavilion.
Nice cover version. ''The Last Imaginary Guitar Solo'' (they played it over Frank's obituary on the BBC when they did a special after they'd announced he had died. It literally brought me to tears). Now it is the last imaginary piano solo. I've noticed over the last 5-10 yrs or so that there's been a lot of musicians and music students putting up cover versions onto KZread etc of Frank's work. Great to see the next generations, the new generations of musicians studying Frank's work (and YES & King Crimson etc). Maybe there is a glimmer of hope for humanity after all.
Never thought that song would work on piano since bending the string is pretty much the essence of the song (and of Joe), but the sustain of the low notes really makes up for that! Also you conveyed the growing intensity of the song and the slight, syncopic variations of the notes right after the 'bend' very well. Great job man!
Don't tell Frank, but this song always put a tear in my eye. This version is beautiful too, thank you.
I’m a hardcore zappa fan and this is fucking gorgeous... I love how you interpreted this legendary piece of music and Made it your own.
Happy to have found this splendid piano rendition of Zappa's masterpiece. Now what about Night school!
Bravo! Young Man! Very true homage to the creator, so good I thinkl you would have been employed! 5 Zappa stars for me!!!! Beautifilly covered!
This is the song I want played at my funeral. The melody speaks of freedom and sadness to me...
I think it's lovely. I hope he sees these comments.
@soldtobediers
6 жыл бұрын
''There are Artists who wrest us up, & place us intoThemselves! These are the 'One's' who continue to wrest us up... Even beyond Their rests in peace.'' -gilpin 4618
excellent shared and liked. nice pace Frank is smiling....
This was amazing, and might I add , possibly the best cover of that song I have heard. Spine tingling beautiful music
@chrislong69
6 жыл бұрын
Nice! Here's my version - one hot summer's evening in 2006 - kzread.info/dash/bejne/h5WI3LCpfNG_krA.html
Дивно, емотивно....у овом хладном и безосећајном свету, лепо је чути мелодију коју само душе са емоцијама могу исказати....
This is truly keeping in the tradition of Zappa. I'd love to hear more of his stuff covered on orchestral instruments.
Always nice to see others appreciating Zappa's music. Nice performance. Sounds great on the piano.
@michaelmoran9213
6 жыл бұрын
chaosmos24 ii
Music is my religion and Frank Zappa is my God.
I obviously can’t speak for Zappa but I feel like he would not only approve, but enjoy this. He would take you into his fold. He would push you and challenge you and put you on point and let you shine because he was a modern day maestro and that’s what maestros do.
i discover Frank because of my dad, this is our song. thank you for duplicate the awesomeness of the song by playing it in piano.. Much greetings from Mexico
Why do I like this on a Piano better ? Awesome playing !!! Right to the soul...you captured it perfectly.THANKS FOR SHARING!
If anyone would have asked me if this piece can be played on piano in an really impressive way, I would have said NO. Now I say YES!
Robert, that piece has always had a particularly profound effect on me. I'd get that same feeling every time I listened to it. I also found it to be, for me, a necessary and integral part of the Joe's Garage album, which puts the listener through some real changes. I sort of ~needed~ that last piece to bring me back from that dystopian and horrible world we seem to be approaching as I write this. For what it's worth, your interpretation gave me that same sense of 'returning safely after a long and sometimes terrible experience...;-) Anyway, that's what I got out of the piece on the album and it's what I got from your performance. Thank you.
@NinjaCS
4 жыл бұрын
how’s this for dystopia...!
What a great interpretation of this piece! Congratulations!!!
Everytime I hear a Frank recording of this I get the chills and tear up. You got the same sir. 🙏
Just found this 7 years after you posted. Thank you. Frank would approve; you brought a lot of people together with your interpretation. Hope you are carrying it on!
Amazing..... played this to my girlfriend who hates Zappa and she loves it..... I then tell her its Zappa! Ha! I will turn her (naive, blinkered musical mind) or you will Robert. Love it!
This is so great piano solo playing for me.This song is my best favorite song of FZ.
Awesome , absolutely fantastic , It is not imaginary anymore.
Sadly, the piano doesn't cry like the guitar but this is a heroic attempt to capture the feeling of this piece. I applaud you for caring and even trying.
What a beautifully played performance of a masterpiece of our time. I can only hope that people 100+ years from now can hear a rendition of this powerful composition.
No words to describe how good this interpretation of the song is 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 thanks
Beautiful. Comsic. Outstanding. Well done man. 👍 ☮☮☮
As beautiful as the soul who composed it. The mordern day composer refuses to die.
...Grew up with Frank Zappa's music...thank you.
A beautiful adaption to such an incredible piece. Think about this, it's in a major key, and yet the music is so, so sad. The mastery of Zappa to be able to tap into this rare, unique offering, it's like this composition has a spellbinding magic all it's own. He performed this with his band, him on guitar, yet listen to how wonderfully this piece can be adapted to fit any adept arrangement. Thank you.
Beautiful….Thanks keeping Franks work alive!!
God save Zappa music
Composers never die, Played so well
Oh my goodness! A wonderful rendition. Superb! Thank you so much for posting this. T.
dam...immediately got choked up on the first few notes... and I see EXACTLY to the right of ---> is Frank Zappas last interview...and the picture is Frank, with the full, bushy beard. So sad...
I can hear the central scrutiniser smiling and see him orchestrating additions and changes and tones
Made me cry, wonderful
Gorgeous. Zappa would be proud.
Frank would appreciate the quality of this version and the impeccable timing - great job dude
Man I love it, you totally nailed the melancholic, sad, bitter feeling of this absolute FZ's masterpiece The requiem of Joe.
Mesmerising arrangement, solos right in the pocket, marimba and bell parts all there! Well done!
One of my many favorite Zappa’s
This is one of Zappa's great compositions, and you've done a great job of giving it new life with a piano arrangement. Kudos to you.
Frank felt this from beyond The veil. Beautiful. Thank you.
Never felt compelled to comment before. Long time Frank fan. I was feeling this tune all day yesterday because it was a rainy day. Today bright and sunny and I listen to this rendition. Great adaptation, thank you, most inspired. Keep at it. Most blessed.
Zappa was totally bad ass! Underrated guitar player. Great job!
thank you for one of my FZ favorite song
Gracias Bob, la vuelvo a escuchar una y otra vez, y mi cuerpo y mi alma se curan de tanta oscuridad, las luces brillan en el jardín y vuelvo a ilusionarme como cuando era un niño. Tu versión del meridiano de esta gran melodía vino a rescatarme, a buscarme para ir jugar nuevamente con mis instrumentos. Un gran abrazo desde Buenos Aires Argentina para vos. Jorge Orse, nube para mis amigos
This was fantastic! Well done, young man. Frank would be proud.
@ronfrey5327
Жыл бұрын
agreed...
to me f z was my fav guitarist. range of styles he was the best buy most of all he gives us (A Watermelon in Easter Hay) some beautiful harmonic stuff. i feel proud for f z that people like do it justice.THANK YOU
Wow, that felt really good. Honestly, thank you very much. Bravo!
Nice job. One of my favorite pieces of all time. (But ultimately...)
@TheZappa01
5 жыл бұрын
Who gives a f.. anyway
Maybe anyone who listens to this wii realise frank was one of the truly great composers of the 20 th century ... Thank you
Lou Reed i know how you loved to put down Frank, but inspite of some of the brilliant stuff you put out there this blows away anything you put out , and there is a basement full of Zappa genious creations....tks for upload
One of my favorite Zappa compositions. Rendered here with respect and admiration.Thank you.
Sounds great on a piano. I think it's my favorite piece by Zappa, although I'm a long way from having hear it all. Joe's Garage is probably my favorite.