"Lumpy Gravy" is an experimental music album by Frank Zappa, an American musician, composer, and band leader. Released in August 1968 on the Bizarre and Verve Records labels, the album marks Zappa's third official solo album. The 31-minute long orchestral work features a continuously evolving and shifting array of instrumental and vocal parts.
The project initially started as an orchestral album on Capitol Records, composed by Zappa and conducted by Leonard Bernstein, without any involvement from Zappa's band, The Mothers. However, due to contractual issues, the album was pulled and later reworked by incorporating elements containing spoken word sections and parts of Zappa's rock and jazz compositions.
Although "Lumpy Gravy" might seem musically disjointed to some, the album blurs the boundaries between rock, jazz, orchestral, and doo-wop music, establishing Zappa's style for the next few years. The album was met with largely positive reviews and has since been embraced for its innovative, avant-garde style. The album is especially unique for its use of tape speed manipulation, sound effects, and diverse musical genres.
It's also worth mentioning that "Lumpy Gravy" is divided into two thematic parts, originally designed to fit the two sides of a vinyl record. Its experimental nature and fusion of various musical styles make it a critical turning point in Zappa's career and a seminal influence on the genre of experimental rock music.
