The Hidden Beauty in "Get Whitey"

One of my favorite tracks on the Frank Zappa/Ensemble Modern recording The Yellow Shark is "Get Whitey." It is remarkable in that in the middle of a deluge of the extreme, such an invitingly complex piece can take center stage. Don't get me wrong: I get a huge kick out of "Welcome to the United States" as much as anyone and this version of "Be-Bop Tango" is maybe, I think, second only to the Roxy and Elsewhere recording. But despite such incredible work, "Get Whitey" contains something special.

I particularly am attracted to the harmonic combinations (primarily the white notes of a keyboard) and how they complement the intricate figures spun over that base. While much of Zappa's work tends force your attention due to pitch content and never ending rhythmic complexities, "Get Whitey" is somewhat of a passing ghost that is alluring the listener into the music.

In addition to the base layer, the textural combinations are much more ethereal. Harsh tambours are afforded their place, but so much is based around warmer colors and naturalistic textures that, at least for me, it becomes much more relatable than most of Zappa's catalog.  

All in all, this piece certainly has the distinction of being one of the few examples of Zappa's music that leaves you relaxed when you reach the last note. Give it a listen - you won't be disappointed.