Don Preston, keyboardist extraordinaire on such Mothers of Invention albums such as Weasels Ripped My Flesh and Just Another Band From L.A., has joined the Blowin’ Smoke Rhythm and Blues Revue as keyboardist and horns arranger. Don was the original keyboard player for Frank Zappa’s groundbreaking band, playing with them at such shows as the Fillmore East concerts. Don, who has also performed with everyone from John Lennon to Captain Beefheart to Nat King Cole, will be a welcome addition to “Fuzzy” Knight’s legendary band. With a background in rock, blues and jazz, as well as scoring feature films such as Apocalypse Now, Don will bring some new original songwriting skills to the Blowin’ Smoke Rhythm and Blues Revue as well as orchestrating the horn charts for the band as they enter the studio this year for their 20th anniversary year album.
The Blowin’ Smoke Rhythm and Blues Revue with the Fabulous Smokettes is entering their 20th year since being formed by bassist/vocalist Larry “Fuzzy” Knight. Reminiscent of the bands “Fuzzy” heard and played with as a youth in Detroit, performing original blues and R&B songs as well as covering tunes by Aretha Franklin, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins and other top performers of the Motor City Sound.
Larry “Fuzzy” Knight himself added about the collaboration, “I’ve always admired Don Preston’s recordings and live playing with Frank Zappa’s ‘Mothers of Invention’ and the ‘GrandMothers’. Don is not only a great musician, he’s a maestro. Don will be writing music charts for the Blowin’ Smoke horn section, both for live performance and for our up-coming studio album that we will begin recording this year. He will also be contributing his own original songs and compositions to the band. I’m looking forward to this musical collaboration with the one and only, Don Preston”.
Don Preston will be performing in his first appearance with the Blowin’ Smoke Rhythm & Blues Revue on Saturday, January 24, at Harvelle’s Nightclub, 1432 4th St., in Santa Monica. 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. $10. Info: (310) 395-1676 or check Harvelle’s website.
Do you know if the Grandmothers are still playing?
They just toured Europe in November. nothing new showing after that—-yet!
Elise, I spoke with Don recently and learned the Grandmothers are no longer. Total bummer.
Yeah, that sucks. Maybe they will reform as the great-grandmothers at some point.
Congradulatioms on your new gig. Hope you will tour soon. Come to Dallas.
Mr Don Preston Is Most Certainly One Of America’s Greatest Musicians Ever. I Admire And Respect This Great Man.