Forty-five years ago ‘Sleep Dirt’ was released, an album originally conceived as ‘Hot Rats III’.
It could be understood as a continuation of the emblematic instrumental works ‘Hot Rats’ (1969) and ‘Waka/Jawaka’ (1972), although the latter is completely devoid of vocals.
‘Sleep Dirt’ is a foray into jazz fusion and progressive rock, a departure from Frank Zappa's trademark acid humour.
At times pretentious in its technical deployment, in other sections it enhances the instrumental virtuosity.
This is a recommendable work for those who wish to delve into the purely instrumental side of the composer's work.
One of the standout tracks on Sleep Dirt is the album's title track, ‘Sleep Dirt’, which combines elements of jazz fusion with virtuosic guitar solos.
Another notable song is ‘The Ocean Is the Ultimate Solution’, a long and complex piece featuring orchestral arrangements and intricate time changes.