This 2-CD set is the only multi-tracked document of a specific band featuring Norma Bell (alto sax and vocals), Terry Bozzio (drums), Napoleon Murphy Brock (tenor sax and lead vocals), Roy Estrada (bass), and Andre Lewis (keyboards).

The album includes early "prototypes" of signature songs like "Black Napkins," "Zoot Allures," and "Filthy Habits," which would appear on studio albums the following year.

Recorded on November 21–22, 1975, the shows took place in cold, multi-purpose sports halls where ice rinks were sometimes exposed. Zappa famously used a roll of toilet paper as a prop during "The Poodle Lecture" because his usual stuffed poodle was unavailable.