Chad Wackerman on the legacy of Frank Zappa

In may 2012 we celebrate the 30th anniversay of the release of the drummer Chad Wackermas's debut album with Frank Zappa: "Ship Arriving Too Late to Save a Drowning Witch". Wackerman would eventually appear on a lot of Zappa's recordings in a period of time that lasted from 1981 to 88. But "Ship Arriving Too Late" was special for another reason, this album includes "Valley Girl", Zappa's only topo 40 in the U.S. Co- written with Zappa's daughter Moon Unit, the track peaked at no. 32 in the Billboard Hot 100.

Wakcerman has since launched a solo career as a respected jazz-fusion and rock musician, having recorded and toured with James Taylor, Steve Vai, Barbra Steisand, Andy Summers, Men at Work, Albert Lee, Terry Bozzio, Alan Holdsworth amogn others.