The ‘Zappacast’ podcast is celebrating the forthcoming Frank Zappa launch entitled Zappa ’80: Mudd Club/Munich with a particular visitor look from frequent Zappa collaborator, David Logeman.
During the episode, host Scott Parker and producer Phil Surkis are readily available to ask David about auditioning for Frank Zappa’s band, the stamina it takes to play drums throughout a marathon Zappa efficiency, and his enjoying on the seminal album from Zappa, You Are What You Is.
Regarding his first audition, Logeman explains that he wasn’t notably assured that Zappa would select him for the band. “And at that time, I had no idea whatsoever that I would even have a remote shot. I just went down because I was a fan. And I think, ‘Okay, wow, I’m going to meet one of my heroes.’ And I thought it would be pretty much it. I heard through the grapevine that Frank had this reputation of a lot of drummers going through the revolving door of the Zappa Band, so I didn’t have any illusions about it at all.”
Fast ahead to the top of the grueling audition course of, and Zappa provided Logeman the gig in signature trend. “We were there for hours and hours. At the end, he [Zappa] says, ‘You know, I think this is going to work, and I’d like to hire you to come out. We don’t have much time. I pay a thousand dollars a week. That’s it. Doesn’t matter if you’re in the band 10 years or 10 days.’” Logeman responded by saying, “‘Well, I’m doing some sessions. I make that in a day or two.’ And he goes, ‘Doesn’t make any difference.’ He said, ‘You have to let me know tonight. I’m going to call you. Yes or no?’ And he left.” Suffice it to say, Logeman made the best determination in accepting Zappa’s provide.
Logeman additionally revealed the improvisational spirit of Zappa’s bands throughout these days. “Some shows he did stop on certain occasions, and we never knew when that would be, but there were also times when he didn’t hardly say anything and we would be playing and playing and playing. And that was a complete shock to me. I was able to do it, but good thing I was in good shape too because man, I felt like I was half drummer, half athlete to be able to do this stuff, but it was sure was fun.”
Listen to the complete episode right here.