napoleon murphy brock Frank Discovered Napoleon Murphy Brock in a Hawaiian nightclub leading a top 40 soul band. After that, he played in Frank Zappa's band for a number of years. "Napi" provided vocal, sax, flute, and/or keyboards to Apostrophe ('), Roxy & Elsewhere, One Size Fits All, Bongo Fury, Zoot Allures, Sleep Dirt, Sheik Yerbouti, Them Or Us, Thing-Fish, You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore Vol. 1, You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore Vol. 2, You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore Vol. 3, You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore Vol. 4, You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore Vol. 6, Frank Zappa Plays The Music Of Frank Zappa, FZ:OZ, Quaudiophiliac, and on the Beat The Boots disk Unmitigated Audacity (BTB). His performance can be seen on the Zappa movies "Baby Snakes" (in the background), The Dub Room Special, The Amazing Mr. Bickford (in the background), and The True Story Of 200 Motels. He has played & recorded with George Duke, gigged with his band the Nighthawks and has performed with the San Francisco Opera. He teamed up with Bogus Pomp in October 1999, and also performs with Project/Object from time to time. The picture on the right is from 3/10/2002, in concert  with Project/Object in Eugene, Oregon. He performed at Zappanale in 2002, 2003 and in 2004, releasing his solo album "Balls" in 2002. In 2003 and 2004 he toured and recorded with the Grand Mothers Of Re:Invention.
June 2003 he played Frank Zappa compositions with Denny Walley's Zappa Corner Band and with Ed Palermo's Big Band at The Umeå Internationella Kammarmusik Festival. April 2004, Napoleon played "Absolute Zappa" with Kristjan Järvi's Absolute Ensemble. June 5, 2004, Ike Willis, Ernie Watts and Napoleon Murphy Brock performed with the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival Big Band, performing an all-Zappa set. November 27, 2004, Michael Brostlap and the Metropole Orkest, featuring Napoleon Murphy Brock did a concert at 'The Oosterpoort', in Groningen, the Netherlands. A couple of days earlier, Napoleon recorded an episode for Charles Pater's "Blindfold Test", a radio show in which the guest has to comment on various pieces that Charles picks out of his record collection. Broadcast in January 2005. The picture on the right shows Napoleon Murphy Brock together with Charles Pater, 2004/11/24.
October 2004, Napi did a couple of concerts with Sheik Yerbouti in Germany. A DVD of these performances got released in 2006. August 2005, Napoleon Murphy Brock participted in the Zappanale festival again. In 2006/04 - 2006/06 and 2006/10 - 2006/12, Napoleon toured with the Zappa Plays Zappa band. Napoleon Murphy Brock took take part in the 2007 edition of the Zappanale festival.

discography

concerts

• 2003/06/13 The Ed Palermo Jazz From Hell Band
  • The Ed Palermo Jazz From Hell Band
    • Ed Palermo: sax * Mike Keneally: guitar * Mats Öberg: keyboards * Morgan Ågren: drums * Paul Adamy: bass * Bob Quaranta: piano
  • Guest: Napoleon Murphy Brock: sax
  • Setlist
    • Toads Of The Short Forest
    • Little Umbrellas
    • Blessed Relief  (with Napoleon Murphy Brock on sax, solo by Ed)
   
• 2003/06/13 The Zappa Corner band: "The Zappa Corner #1"
  • The Zappa Corner Band
    • Denny Walley: slide guitar, vocals * Mats Öberg: keyboard * Morgan Ågren: drums * Tommy Thordsson: bass * Napoleon M Brock: vocals, sax * Mike Keneally: guitar * Ed Palermo: sax * Paul Adamy: bass
  • Setlist
    • Magic Fingers (Tommy Thordsson on bass, sung by Denny and Mike, without Napi)
      Advance Romance (Paul Adamy on bass, sung by Napi)
      City of Tiny Lites (Tommy on bass, sung by Denny, incredible keyboard solo by Mats, without Napi)
       

• 2003/06/14 The Ed Palermo Big Band: "Big Band Zappa"

  • The Ed Palermo Big Band

    • Ed Palermo: director & sax * Magnus Ekholm, Bosse Strandberg: trumpet * Magnus Puls, Gunnar Walldén, Björn Hängsel: trombone * Peter Lindqvist, Petri Kivimäki, Peter Nordvall, Sigurd Löf, Jonas Knutsson: sax * Bob Quaranta, Mats Öberg: keyboards * Morgan Ågren: drums * Paul Adamy: bass * Mike Keneally: guitar * Napoleon M Brock: vocals & sax

  • Program

    • Regyptian Strut * Cleetus Awreetus Awrightus * King Kong / Transylvanian Boogie * Sleep Dirt * The Grand Wazoo * Uncle Remus * Pygmy Twylyte * Village of the Sun * Echidna’s Arf (of you) * Don’t You Ever Wash That Thing * Sofa #1 * Oh No * The Idiot Bastard Son * Peaches en Regalia * Andy
      

• 2003/06/14 The Zappa Corner Band: "The Zappa Corner #2"

  • The Zappa Corner band:

    • Denny Walley: slide guitar, vocals * Mats Öberg: keyboard * Morgan Ågren: drums * Tommy Thordsson: bass * Napoleon M Brock: vocals, sax * Mike Keneally: guitar * Ed Palermo: sax * Paul Adamy: bass

  • Setlist

    • Montana * (Paul Adamy on bass, sung by Napi, without Denny, but with four invited young girls - three on backing vocals, one on trombone - from Zappa Graduates

    • City of Tiny Lites (Tommy on bass, featuring a long wah wah solo from Zappa Graduates young guitar player, without Napi)

    • Magic Fingers (Tommy on bass, solo passing between Mike, Denny and the young guy from Zappa Graduates, without Napi)

    • Take Your Clothes Off When You Dance (Tommy on bass, Napi on lead vocals)

    • What's The Ugliest part of your Body (same)

    • Advance Romance (Paul Adamy on bass, Jimmy Ågren on Harmonica, Napi on lead vocals)
      encores :

    • The Black Page #1 (played spontaneously by Mike, Mats & Morgan on the rhythm of the hand claps of the audience !)

    • Inca Roads (Paul Adamy on bass, Napi on flute, sung by Mike who also played the piano during Mats' keyboard solo, without Denny)

    • Amerika Drinks (with Mike on drums ! the whole thing ending up into a frenzy in the Absolutely Free style)
       

• 2004/04/01 concert "Absolute Zappa" - 'Barbican Centre, London, UK
  • Absolute Ensemble, conductor Kristjan Jarvi
  • feat. Mike Keneally, Napoleon Murphy Brock, the X-ecutioners and Django Bates

• 2004/06/05 concert 'Flynn MainStage', Burlington, VT, usa
  • line-up
    • the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival Big Band
    • feat. Ike Willis, Ernie Watts, and Napoleon Murphy Brock
  • performing Zappa material
     
• 2004/10/-- on tour with Project/Object
• 2004/10/28 - 31 a couple of concerts with Sheik Yerbouti
• 2004/11/-- on tour with Project/Object
   
• 2004/11/27 Michael Borstlap + the Metropole Orkest, feat.Napoleon Murphy Brock
      concert 'oosterpoort', groningen, NL
   
• 2004/12/12 radio show "mix van dat alles", feat. napoleon murphy brock & george duke int. by co de kloet

• 2006/02/20 Kristian Järvi's Absolute Ensemble featuring MK and NMB "ABSOLUTE ZAPPA®" - concert 'Konzerthaus', Vienna, Austria
• 2006/02/23 Kristian Järvi's Absolute Ensemble featuring MK and NMB "ABSOLUTE ZAPPA®" - concert 'Festspielhaus', St.Pölten, Austria
• 2006/02/25 Kristian Järvi's Absolute Ensemble featuring MK and NMB "ABSOLUTE ZAPPA®" - concert 'Teatro Sangiorgi', Catania, Sicily
• 2007/07/28 Sheik Yerbouti & Napoleon Murphy Brock - concert 'Orwohaus', Berlin, Germany

bogus pomp:

1999/10/30    concert 'jannus landing', st.petersburg, fl, usa  // with napoleon murphy brock

2000/03/24    concert buffalo, ny, usa  // with napoleon murphy brock

joined the george duke band in the late 70s, and recorded a few albums. supposedly seen in newcastle (england) in 1989 or 1990, where he had been talking to kitchenware records about a solo album, which apparently came to nothing. after leaving the music biz, he went in to raising dogs (good occupation for an ex-zappa player; don't know how many poodles he got through). mia since then!

 fz history: peter /berg writes:
i wonder how zappa could find such a brilliant new member as napoleon m brock in a short time to replace the empty place  after ponty quit the band in the autumn of '73. my guess is that napoleon was a friend of george duke and that duke suggested him as a new member.

        from: jon naurin (naurin@mbox300.swipnet.se)
i've read somewhere that zappa found napoleon on a short vacation to hawaii. brock supposedly played in a local cover band, and fz was fascinated by his singing and his stage personality (and so am i!)

        jon naurin writes:
i found the actual quote, from new musical express, 5-oct 1974:
 napoleon murphy brock? who, you may well be asking, is napoleon murphy brock? get this, nmb is the black guy over there with the saxophone and the flute and the moustache. he is the mothers' latest lead singer, and frank discovered him in a hawaiian nightclub leading a top 40 soul band. at the end of the set, napoleon was summoned to the presence.
'i said, "who is frank zappa?" they told me he was the leader of the mothers. i said, "oh, right. he's the guy who has his picture taken sittin' on the toilet.'"
so frank told napoleon that he'd like him to join the mothers and leave the following week on a european tour. napoleon turned him down because he and his group had been booked into the nightclub for another seven weeks and told zappa to call him when he got back. he ended up joining the band, playing sax and singing backup on 'apostrophe' and graduating to lead singer of the touring band.
(writer unknown)

     from: deborah elder (delder@jsishipping.com)
napolean murphy brock was last seen, saturday night, april 24, 1999 playing a gig with the blackhawks at mariani's lounge in santa clara, ca.  great sax, great flute, great vocals - really fine all the way 'round.

     from: richard olson (rolson@debit-it.com)
on 10/30/99, at jannus landing in st petersburg, fl,  napoleon murphy brock will join bogus pomp for the 5th annual zappaween festival.  this is one show only.  repertoire will include much of the roxy and elsewhere and one size fits all tunes (among others) particularly stuff like inca roads, montana, cheepnis, idiot bastard son, son of orange county... et al. napi is in top form and this will be a great show.
for more info: http://www.bogusp.com/
rick olson
bogus pomp

     from: fhemmer209 (fhemmer209@aol.comspamnot)
     subject: zappaween v review and napoleon murphy brock interview
hi zappa fans! the following is the review as written by ward smith together with his interview with napi after the show. ward's reaction to the show is consistent with the numerous e-mails i have recieved about the show from those in attendance. i must say myself that napoleon surprised me with his contribution. not only was it his "voice" but just as much his enthusiasm and effort. and he didn't try to steal the show but rather stepped back and let bp do their thing while he enjoyed what they were doing. pictures will soon be available at http://www.bogusp.com/.

 zappaween wrap up
is there anyone who wasn't thoroughly blown away with bogus pomp and zappaween 5? the excitement that has been swirling the band ever since napoleon murphy brock confirmed his appearance, (a little more than 2 month ago) was extremely palpable even when i was parking my car.  this was going to be unlike any other zappaween.
a legendary special guest, great music, cold drinks, mirth, merriment, great costumes, fantastic weather and good people. it was all there.  twice the fun and far less vomit than guavaween, not to mention great parking. this zappaween was to be every bit as special as promised. the past shows that featured ike willis were awe inspiring and spectacular in their own right and served as a connection for more contemporary zappa music, but this show took us back to a time of pure musical inventiveness and napoleon was there at the right hand of frank. that history, experience and musical acumen oozed out of every pore of  brock's being and meshed so well with the band that you'd think it was bogus pomp on the original recordings. many zappaphiles have their preferred "zappa period".
the great thing about bogus pomp is that they consistently deliver from all areas of zappa's career and i'm willing to bet that the "roxy" period is thee favorite, hands down, among band members and fans. i know it is for jerry; there were many times throughout the evening where it was obvious that he was having the time of his life.  during several solos, i'd spot napoleon just off stage right, beaming with fatherly, or i should say, "motherly" pride. watching him pick his jaw off the floor more than once was validation that bogus pomp is for real.  if jerry and the band were having the time of their lives, i'm sure napoleon was reliving the times of his life with frank.
not only did i have a great view of the show, i had a great view of the most enthusiastic crowd ever to attend a bp gig. those now familiar faces, all sang along with tremendous zeal and the air guitar &  conducting techniques were exceptionally sharp. the second ingredient that always makes for a great show is the fact that, bp fans are always polite, giving and well behaved. they're always up for a great show and they always know they're getting a rare treat. they seem to put as much love and admiration into being fans as the band does for the shows. however, an idiot bastard son made an appearance during "the  idiot bastard son" and was escorted off the stage and then introduced to a vlsg (very large security guy).  i heard he spent the night the in the klink.  it ain't rock and roll unless there's at least one arrest right?
from my vantage point, the litmus test was "inca roads".  it was quite a moment when jerry offered "here's a song we've never played for you before".  just what, from zappa's voluminous cannon of material, was the song going to be? the collective wow that met the opening strains of this classic had everyone at jannus landing on the tips of their toes with eyebrows raised and ears cocked. what better place to debut this nugget and who better that napoleon to sing it.  judging from the reaction, the band passed with flying colors. i, for one thought this zappaween show stands out as a turning point in the life of bogus pomp.  a headline flashed through my mind "bogus pomp peaks during first set." talk about a show stopper. the ovation lasted for a whole five minutes.  no wonder jerry had to cut two songs  at the end of the night.
keyboardist and co-founder, rick olson put it this way: "those first zappa albums i bought featured napoleon.  one would think that over time, you'd never hear those songs live; forever on record.  but to hear those songs again, sung by the original vocalist and be able to play behind him too, it was such a cosmic thing that's really difficult to describe."
"difficult to describe" that's the stock answer i get from other members of the band.
a group of musicians that are never at a loss for words when it comes to playing zappa's music, are now rendered speechless from their own gig. i spoke with the "evil prince"  himself about zappaween and napoleon offered these comments.

 ws:     was there a little apprehension about performing with bogus pomp?

nmb:    "when i first got the invitation to play with bogus pomp, i didn't know what to expect. jerry told me all they play is frank's music and i'm thinking "sure you do."  i mean, when i was with frank, it was  perfection on demand; discipline, attention to detail, dedication. that's what it takes to play this stuff man. i didn't know if they shared the same level of commitment. that changed when jerry sent me a video of the last zappaween which contained a lot of the stuff from the roxy album and i thought, wow, these guys are for real!"  i started re-aquatinting myself with the material and after 20 years of not touching that music, it all came back with ease. i guess frank drilled it into me for a reason."

ws:     did the end result exceed you expectations?

nmb: "absolutely!  we had only about 8 hours of rehearsal time together but i knew these guys were totally in the groove. their desire and passion for the music was so infectious.  they made me feel so comfortable that i knew the show was going to be great."

ws:     at what point did it feel like 1974?

nmb:    around the end of the first set.  the memories were slowly coming back with every note.  when we played 'inca roads' i was so proud to be there, i loved it. that song alone is a benchmark for what bogus pomp have accomplished as a band. the entire second set was a time warp man.  those guys made it so easy for me to relax. they sensed that and in turn, relaxed themselves. we all were sharing the same mind. it was so synergistic that, well, it's really difficult to describe.

ws:     another highlight was 'cheapness'  after you guys ripped through that, you hit the deck.  that looked real.

nmb:    it was.  you see, the next song was 'song of orange county' which requires some real controlled breathing to get the phrases right.  i thought, maybe if i fake a coma, the band can take a little break. frank would give me at least a millisecond to catch my breath.  they were so pumped up and wanted to keep playing.  man, i love their spirit.

ws:     do you think frank would have hired bogus pomp?

nmb:    with out a doubt.  those guys are hungry and the level of musicianship is so superior. for frank to sign them on would be a slam dunk.

ws:     was there any disappointment?

nmb:    only when we said 'good night.'

ws:     will we see you at the millennium show with the florida orchestra?

mnb:   i'm already packed baby.

     from: fhemmer209 (fhemmer209@aol.comspamnot)
     subject: pictures of zappaween v including napoleon murphy brock
dan berg took these pictures and posted them to his "juggling" site. gives a good idea about napi's stage presence. http://www.ptlc.com/skytrix/images/zappaween5.htm

     from: computerized travel (lenora@computvl.com) - date: tue, 30 nov 1999
napolean m. brock is still playing with the nighthawks at mariani's in the san jose area on the 2nd and 4th weekends of the month and he's better than ever!

     from: fhemmer209 (fhemmer209@aol.comspamnot)
last night (august 5th 2000) napi and bogus pomp did the evil prince and it was spectacular. napi was in a cape and played the *bad dude* to the hilt. he sang the entire lead vocal part himself which is a challenge by itself, let alone singing it while prancing around the stage.  an awesome show! the persuasions were great too!

from www.ant-bee.com (june 2002)
    The legendary Napoleon Murphy Brock is back on the music scene again, much to the elation of his fans worldwide! Napoleon, who is best known for his work as lead vocals, sax, and flute with Frank Zappa and George Duke, has recently been performing around the country with Project Object. He will be performing in Europe this coming summer with the Grandmothers as well as appearing on their next album. Most recently, Napoleon unearthed some vintage recordings he made right after he left Frank Zappa's group in 1975, and before he joined George Duke's ensemble. 
    These records are a rare glimpse into the innovative artistry of Napoleon Murphy Brock, all of which showcase his incredible vocal talents. Hopefully to be featured on the recordings is keyboard extraordinaire George Duke. These recordings are now being considered for release on CD this year.

December 12, 2004, Dutch radio show "Mix Van Dat Alles" featured special guests George Duke and Napoleon Murphy Brock in the studio. Co de Kloet talked with them about their time with Zappa and about their musical colaboration.

-- info: Aad Hoogesteger

2007 05 31, the Zappanale newsletter said:

Neben Don Preston , Chad Wackerman  und Ike Willis steht nun auch Mr. Napoleon Murphy Brock auf der Zappanale-Bühne 2007.

In other words: Besides Don Preston , Chad Wackerman  and Ike Willis, we will also see Mr. Napoleon Murphy Brock on the Zappanale stage !!

2007 06 05

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Zappa Festival Adds Another Zappa Alum

Bad Doberan, Germany - June 1, 2007  Organizers of the Zappanale, the annual festival devoted to the late Frank Zappa, have announced that band alumnus Napoleon Murphy Brock will appear at this summer's 18 th annual gathering. Thomas Dippel, president of Arf-Society, the German not-for-profit organization behind the festival, said, "Napoleon Murphy Brock joining us is just one more reason why the Zappanale will be the world's premiere Zappa experience this summer. Fans will be able to see four Zappa alumni who have their own musical ventures and also choose to honor Frank's legacy with their presence." This year's festival headliner is renowned former Zappa drummer Chad Wackerman. Former Mother of Invention Don Preston will appear with his Akashic Ensemble, and long-time Zappa front-man Ike Willis will perform with his protégés Project/Object.

Napoleon Murphy Brock began his musical career at 5 years old, singing in his church's gospel choir. He started playing saxophone in high school, and was in every band and choir at his school. Frank Zappa discovered the talented musician in a Hawaiian nightclub, leading a top-40 cover band. Napoleon Murphy Brock impressed Zappa with his vocal abilities, musicianship, and stage presence, and Zappa invited him to join his band that night. Napoleon Murphy Brock insisted on honoring his band's commitment to the nightclub, but eventually joined Zappa, bringing his skills and style on vocals, saxophone, flute and keyboards. He starting touring with Zappa in 1972, and appears on the albums "Apostrophe (')", "Roxy & Elsewhere", "One Size Fits All", "Bongo Fury", "Zoot Allures", "Sleep Dirt", "Sheik Yerbouti", "Them Or Us", "Thing-Fish", and more.

After Zappa's death, Napoleon Murphy Brock promoted Zappa's musical legacy, performing with Zappa tribute bands Bogus Pomp, Project/Object, the Grand Mothers of Re:Invention, Ed Palermo's Big Band, the Paul Green School of Rock All-Stars, Zappa Plays Zappa, and others. He has also played and recorded with fellow Zappa alum George Duke, with his own band the Nighthawks, and performed with the San Francisco Opera . In 2003, he released his solo album "Balls".

Thomas Dippel
President/Public relations
Arf-Society e.V.
Am Markt 3
18209 BAD DOBERAN
Germany

www.arf-society.de 
www.zappanale.de 

Scott A. Tepper
Tour Operator
Vacation Vibrations
321 Walnut Street, #250 
Newtonville, MA 02460 
USA

www.freewebs.com/fartheroblivion