By the time he died of prostate cancer at age 52, Frank Zappa’s reputation as Tipper Gore’s churlish nemesis, Moon Unit’s indulgent daddy and Vaclav Havel’s Minister of Western Trade had eclipsed his considerably more valuable contributions as one the most important experimental musicians of the 20th century. An authentic and uncompromising proponent of jazz-rock, Zappa’s understanding of the possibilities of both forms allowed him to create breakthrough fusion albums like Hot Rats and The Great Wazoo, which remain exciting—and intermittently revelatory—30 years later.  

Zappa’s legacy as a serious composer has been sustained by advocates as eminent as art-music superstar Pierre Boulez—and dismissed by an equally ardent league of detractors, who regard him as little more than a sneering poseur. One of the most persistent tenders of the Zappa flame, however, has been local band leader Ed Palermo, whose ensembles have been exploring and reworking Zappa’s orchestral works for over a decade now. Palermo’s Zappa-slingers return to the Iridium for four dates over a five-week period beginning December 28, and, given that FZ produced 60 albums in his frenetically active life, they will have plenty of material to draw from. Palermo’s groups have always included some electrified instruments to keep the funk real, but with their abundance of horn and reeds players (and given Palermo’s own history with old-school cool cats like Tito Puente and Mel Torme), what you’ll go to hear is these guys making Zappa swing. The club dates come hot off a recording session for the band’s upcoming CD, so expect the music to be focused and the numbers to be fine-tuned. Iridium Jazz Club, 1650 Broadway (Corner of W. 51st St.) 212-582-2121; 8 & 10, $25.