THE Grandmothers, formed in 1980 by three members from Frank Zappa's legendary group, The Mothers of Invention, will play Exeter Phoenix this March. Jimmy Carl Black, drummer, Bunk Gardner, saxophonist , and Don Preston, keyboardist, all individually backed Frank Zappa from 1964-1972. From 1966-1970, Jimmy, Bunk and Don were the core band of The Mothers of Invention. During this time Frank Zappa was propelled out of obscurity into the realm of infamous stardom with the success of such albums as Freak Out!, Absolutely Free, and We're Only In It for the Money, which established The Mothers of Invention, historically, as the preeminent cutting edge, eclectic, electric rock ensemble of the times. In 1980, Jimmy, Bunk and Don reunited with other musicians who at one time or another had performed with Zappa and formed The Grandmothers with a debut at the Roxy in LA, where they were received with much enthusiasm and critical acclaim. Since their reunion, The Grandmothers have released two albums: 'A Mother Of Anthology' and 'Looking Up Granny's Dress' (both collections of recordings by ex-members of The Mothers Of Invention) and three CDs. Their performances are infused with spontaneous, impromptu humour and theatrical elements that mesmerise, as well as evoke, inspire and welcome audience participation. They play Exeter Phoenix on March 6. Box office 01392 667080.
