Wednesday, October 31, 2018

SUN RA'S DISCO 3000 ALBUM RE-RELEASED ON VINYL


Sun Ra's "Disco 3000" album has been re-released on vinyl by Art Yard.

A - Disco 3000

B1 - Third Planet
B2 - Friendly Galaxy
B3 - Dance Of The Cosmo-Aliens

https://sunrastrut.bandcamp.com/album/disco-3000-complete-milan-concert-1978


FIDO PLAYS ZAPPA - ATLANTIS AND ELSEWHERE

The new Fido Plays Zappa album is out !!
2 CD's of Frank Zappa compositions. Re-arranged, re-worked, re-vamped or performed in its original way,... It's all there.

I love it.
Few bands can pull this off.
Amazing technical skills combined with a laid back attitude.
And performing the music of Frank Zappa...




PIERREJEAN GAUCHER - NEW TRIO

After being a part of fusion band Abus Dangereux for about ten years (1980 - 1991), French guitar player Pierrejean Gaucher launched his solo career with his 1993 album "New Trio".
Together with André Charlier (drums) and Daniel Yvinec, Pierrejean recorded 15 fine tracks. The album includes original material next to 'With A Little Help From My Friends', 'Every Breath You Take' and 'Le Petit oiseau De Marrakech'.
"New Trio" has a bunch of beautiful pop / jazz tunes. Worth checking out.
Data has been added to the United Mutations Archives.

On his second release, "Pick's Dilemma", Pierrejean included a couple of Frank Zappa compositions!
Five years later, Pierrejean started his "Zappe Zappa" project, a must-have/hear for every Zappa fan.

Here's 'Every Breath You Take' from the above mentioned album. Love that guitar tone !



VASIL HADZIMANOV


Vasil Hadžimanov released a new album on the MoonJune Records label : "Lines In Sand".




THE DISCO BISCUITS - ENCEPHALOUS CRIME

I remember ordering "Encephalous Crime" from the band's website around 2000. I had never heard of the Disco Biscuits before, but the album included the band playing Frank Zappa's 'Pygmy Twylyte" so I wanted to check them out.
I wasn't aware that the first pressing had sold out and that I was buying the second pressing of this disc. I only noticed it when I found out that the album that I received did not include the Zappa composition.
Long story short: wrote to the band, received a kind answer explaining that they didn't want to get into trouble with the Zappa Family Trust, AND I received a CDR copy of the original album. Nice chaps, these Disco Biscuits.
Still, an original copy of the album did stay on my want-list (being the silly collector that I am) so I was quite happy when I scored a first pressing of this album recently !

Here some ambient / trance music by The Disco Biscuits :



Tuesday, October 30, 2018

EVIL DICK'S NEW ALBUM IS RELEASED TODAY

Evil Dick's new album, "Earthly Delights", got released earlier today.
Also available on CD !



F.A.T. HAS A NEW ALBUM OUT

F.A.T., the Fabulous Austrian Trio that features Alex Machacek - guitars, Raphael Preuschl - bass, and Herbert Pirker - drums, has a new album out : "Awesome".



GREETINGS FROM MERCURY - CONTINUANCE

Jeroen Van Herzeele's Greetings From Mercury ensemble recorded "Continuance" in 1999 in concert at 'De Vooruit' in Ghent, BE.

Amazing jazz / fusion with Jeroen Van Herzeele on tenor sax, Peter Hertmans on the gutiar, Otti Van Der Werf on bass and Stéphane Galland (!!) on drums.
With special guests Steven Segers (rap / vocals) and Michel Andina (sitar).

Fans of Aka Moon and Flat Earth Society should give this a listen.

Data has been added to the United Mutations Archives.



R.I.P. HARDY FOX


a message from The Residents

It is with great sorrow and regrets that The Cryptic Corporation announces the passing of longtime friend and associate, Hardy Fox. As president of the corporation from 1982-2016, the company benefitted from Hardy’s instinct for leadership and direction, but his true value came from his longtime association with The Residents. As the group’s producer, engineer, as well as a co-creator and collaborator on much of their material, Fox’s influence on The Residents was indelible; despite any formal training, his musicality was nevertheless unique, highly refined and prolific. Blessed with a vital sense of aesthetics, a keen ear, and an exquisite love of the absurd, Hardy’s smiling face was a constant source of joy to those around him. He was loved immeasurably and will be missed dearly.

After a series of recent health problems, Hardy succumbed to a brief illness, He is survived by his husband, Steven Kloman. An announcement regarding memorial services will be forthcoming.


Sunday, October 28, 2018

FLAT EARTH SOCIETY - UNTITLED #0

Last week, Flat Earth Society presented their latest album, "Untitled #0", performing concerts in Ghent and in Antwerp.
I attended their Antwerp show at 'De Singel' and went home quite happy after enjoying a fine concert (and with the new album in my pocket).

"Untitled #0" is what you expect from a band like FES. Two discs: one labeled "1", the other one "A"; and compositions with titles like 'Graveyard Scuba', 'Chrimatistikology' and 'Swatter Perspective'.
Most of the pieces were written by band leader and bass clarinet player Peter Vermeersch. Three pieces are by piano and keyboard player Peter Vandenberghe. And then there's the reworked / rearranged version of Gershin's 'Summertime'.

After Flat Earth Society's "Terms Of Embarrassment" / Zappa tribute album and the Boggamasta adventure, "Untitled #0" has them move back to the more jazzy corner. Quirky and funny. Plus some great solos (Peter Delannoye on the trombone !! Wow !!)

Love it !!



BLACK STAGE - BLACK STAGE

Being a fan of Kazutoki Umezu's Kiki Band and of Bondage Fruit made me check out Black Stage, a project in which Kiki Band's guitar player Kido Natsuki is featured.

Next to Kido Natsuki, Black Stage includes Haino Keiji (guitar, flute and harp) and Katsui Yuji (violin).
Improvised / experimental music.
Recorded at 'Manda-LA2' in Tokoy on September 16, 1994.

Impressive.

Katsui Yuji can also be heard on Kido Natsuki's first solo album, from 2000 :



STEPHANE GALLAND - (THE MYSTERY OF) KEM

Earlier this week, I attended "Requiem pour L.", a collaboration between Fabrizio Cassol and Alain Platel, with Mozart's 'Requim' translated in today's world by Fabrizio Cassol. Quite impressive.

Yesterday, however, I saw another part of Aka Moon presenting his most recent project: Stéphane Galland performed his brand-new "(The Mystery Of) Kem" album at Flagey in Brussels.
Stéphane explained during the concert that Flagey felt like home. Earlier this month, he had performed at Flagey with Philippe Catherine (in a tribute to Marc Moulin), had given some master classes, and had rehearsed for "(The Mystery Of) Kem" concert.
The concert itself was breathtaking. Superb modern jazz with crazy rhythms and with beautiful textures added by Indian carnatic flute player Ravi Kulur.
Icing on the cake was the guest appearance of Jean-Paul Estiévenart who you should remember from his days with Michel Delville's The Wrong Object.

The album got released yesterday as well. On CD and on vinyl.
You can get it here :
https://outhere-music.com/en/artists/stephane-galland/releases
The same page also shows the digital download options.

It's hard to believe that this is the first album by this quintet. They sound as if they've been playing together for ages.
Sylvain Debaisieux on tenor sax, Bram De Looze on piano, Federico Stocchi on bass, Ravi Kulur on carnatic flutes, and Stéphane Galland on the drums.
And Ibrahim Maalouf plays the trumpet on 'Memetics' !!

Great music. Amazing interaction. And a beautiful story behind it.
Highly recommended !!

One of the few tracks that does not feature Ravi Kulur :


And a live track from 2017 that does feature Ravi Kulur !



Saturday, October 27, 2018

THE RESIDENTS - INTRUDERS


  • the residents: intruders
        (2018, cd, usa, mvdaudio mvd1329a)

Released in a jewel case by MVDAudio, but also as a deluxe hardbook package by the Cherry Red label.
And then there's of course the different vinyl editions by Psychofon Records...

The most important fact, however, is that this is one superfine album.
Featuring Eric Drew Feldman (Captain Beefheart), Nolan Cook, Carla Fabrizio, Sivan Lioncub, Peter Whitehead and Laurie Hall.

Recommended listening !!


Friday, October 26, 2018

BRUSSELS PHILHARMONIC PLAYS ZAPPA


BRUSSELS PHILHARMONIC PLAYS ZORN & ZAPPA
ARS MUSICA: OPENING CONCERT

November 9, 2018 at Bozar in Brussels, BE

https://www.bozar.be/nl/activities/139017-brussels-philharmonic-plays-zorn-zappa

https://www.brusselsphilharmonic.be/concerten/the-perfect-stranger-09-11-2018


John Zorn • Orchestra Variations
Régis Campo • Dancefloor With Pulsing (for Orchestra and Theremin) (2018) (world premiere)
Marius Constant • Concerto pour orgue de barbarie et orchestre
Frank Zappa • Envelopes
Frank Zappa • Pedro’s Dowry


GREETINGS FROM MERCURY


In 1998, Jeroen Van Herzeele released an album titled "Greetings From Mercury".
For his next album, he changed the name of his band to Greetings From Mercury. The album was called "Continuance".

Stéphane Galland on the drums !!



DERF BACKDERF


Derf or Derf Backderf is an American comic book artist.

The first page of his "Trashed" graphic novel has Frank Zappa's "Sheik Yerbouti" album lying on the ground.


-- info : Ive H.

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

HARDSCORE - METHANE

"Methane" or "Hardscore Plays Methane" was Hardscore's second album. It got released 20 years ago.
I always thought that the album had only been issued as a private release by Frank Nuyts, but I recently discovered that it was re-issued on the Carbon 7 label. Also in 1998.
It's a superb album. I've been listening to it all evening.

Here's the album cover of the original release :



Saturday, October 20, 2018

AKA MOON ON BANDCAMP


Guy Segers was the bass player for Univers Zero. Guy also used to run the Carbon 7 record label.

The last couple of months, Guy has been putting all the Carbon 7 releases on Bandcamp, and he's also clearing out his shelves.
The perfect opportunity to get hold of some super-rare CD's like Aka Moon's "Elohim" album, from 1997.



DANS DANS TOUR AND RE-RELEASE


Belgian band Dans Dans has released 3 albums (and one live on cassette) to date.
As their first album has been out of print for quite while, the band decided to re-release it and to do a short tour to promote it.

This means that Dans Dans is playing their entire first album plus some new material.

I saw them at Paradox in Tilburg last Wednesday. Amazing.
And I was happy to pick up the fine reissue (white vinyl !) of their first album as well.
Did I mention that they perform two Sun Ra compositions on this album ?


24.10 Ancienne Belgique - AB, Brussel, BE - SOLD OUT
25.10 Vlaams Cultuurhuis de Brakke Grond / Paradiso Amsterdam, NL
06.11 JazzLab, Hamburg, DE
07.11 Handelsbeurs Concertzaal Concertzaal, Gent, BE
08.11 De Studio, Antwerpen, BE
10.11 Rockit Festival, Groningen, NL
14.11 Muziekgieterij, Maastricht, NL
17.11 Muziekclub 4AD, Diksmuide, BE
07.12 Eden, Charleroi, BE
08.12 Upon the My-O-My at Doornroosje, Nijmegen, NL
24.03 Leuven Jazz Festival, BE

Here's Dans Dans at the Paradox club in Tilburg, from a couple of years ago :



PIERREJEAN GAUCHER'S LATEST PROJECTS


Earlier this year, Pierrejean Gaucher released "Le Son Des Bols", a project on which he collaborated with ceramic artist Mireille Favergeon. Recordings of diverse materials (bowls, vases,...) were processed on the computer and mixed with guitar (and effects).

His latest project has Pierrejean teaming up with sculptor Julien Allègre, mixing percussion and guitar.
I had the pleasure to give this a listen an it sounds great.
Out on CD / vinyl / digital download very soon.

Keep an eye out on Pierrejean's Bandcamp page !
https://pierrejeangaucher.bandcamp.com/


KUNIKO PLAYS STEVE REICH


Japanese percussionist Kuniko recorded Steve Reich's "Drumming".
Out on Linn Records / Outhere Records.


Here's a live fragment where she performs another piece by Steve Reich :


Friday, October 19, 2018

GOV'T MULE - DUB SIDE OF THE MULE

Gov't Mule has a link to Jamaica. Not only does the band play the Island Exodus festival every year, they also recorded the "Mighty High" album (green/yellow/red album cover) in 2007.

"Dub Side Of The Mule" is a pretty funky release and it features some fine reggae classics (and top guest musicians). I like it !
Data has been entered into the United Mutations Archives.



THE ZAPPA HOLOGRAM SHOW


Would I go see a Zappa hologram concert?

Well, I've listened to a lot of concerts and recordings of rock bands, jazz ensembles and classical orchestras performing the music of Frank Zappa.
I have albums on which a Zappa tune or a theme is used to improvise on or even to make a complete new composition. Or albums on which FZ is sampled...
And I enjoyed a lot of them.

A hologram setup has endless possibilities.
Imagine a Dweezil Zappa or a Band From Utopia concert where Frank would pop up in 3D in the middle of a song to play a guitar solo ! A guitar solo that we already know, or maybe even one that we have never heard before ? It makes me smile already.
Or a holloFrank that conducts a new arrangement, or a whole new piece all together.
Or gigantic Bruce Bickford clay figures that take over the stage.

So would I go to a Zappa hologram concert ? With top musicians live on stage ? Performing the music of Frank Zappa ?
With musical fragments of 2D or 3D Frank ? And with other 2D and 3D extravaganza ?
I sure would.
Maybe even twice.


GENERATION AXE UPDATE


Here's the album cover and the tracklist for "Generation Axe", a project that Steve Vai participated in:


CD should be out in December.
Vinyl next year.
  1. generation axe: foreplay
  2. tosin abasi: temptin time
  3. tosin abasi and nuno bettencourt: physical educaion
  4. nuno bettencourt: a side of mash
  5. nuno bettencourt and zakk wylde: sideways
  6. zakk wylde: whipping post
  7. steve vai: bas horsie
  8. yngwie malmsteen: to be determined
  9. yngwie malmsteen and steve vai: black star
  10. steve vai, zakk wylde, nuno bettencourt and tosin abasi: frankenstein
  11. generation axe: highway star


UPDATE BY EVIL DICK


Here's a short (but sweet) update by Evil Dick.
Copies of "Earthly Delights" have arrived at Evil Dick's HQ :


Go to https://evildick.bandcamp.com/album/earthly-delights
to order your copy.



Saturday, October 13, 2018

DR. DEMONTO COVERED IN PUNK


Official Music Video from the album: "Dr. Demento Covered In Punk"
Barnes & Barnes classic 'Fish Heads' is performed by Osaka Popstar.



GOV'T MULE - THE DEEP END

After the loss of Allen Woody, Gov't Mule recorded a tribute called "The Deep End", inviting various bass players (and other musicians) to participate.
The response was overwhelming and Warren Haynes and Matt Abts released two albums from these sessions.
"The Deep End - Volume 1" got released in 2001 as a single CD album. There's also a version with a 4 track bonus disc.
"The Deep End - Volume 2" got released later in the same year. Also as a single CD album, plus a version with 4 (different) tracks on a bonus disc.
In 2002, both albums got compiled on a 2 CD set. The obvious choice however, is the 3 CD set version as the added bonus disc collects all 8 tracks from the previous extra discs.

Gary Lucas and Tony Levin guest on 'World Of Confusion' on Volume 2.



PINIOL IS TOURING


From the Dur Et Doux newsletter :

After releasing in April this year a fantastic first album Bran Coucou, PinioL is getting ready for Europe! They will cross Germany, Czech Republic, and France in the upcoming weeks.

On stage, PinioL are two bass/drum/guitar trios, one on stage left and the other on stage right, separated, or maybe linked, by a keyboard player, the central and converging point. All these elements put together give an impression of strangeness: Are we seeing double? Maybe yes, maybe no, but definitely, that state of uncertainty is an invitation to lose your senses and surrender.

10.10 LYON - Jack Jack, FR
14.10 MÜNICH - Glockenbachwerkstatt, DE
15.10 PRAGUE - Underdogs, CZ
16.10 PILSEN - Mistni Borci, CZ
17.10 JENA - Kassablanca, DE
18.10 HAMBOURG - MS Stubnitz, DE
19.10 BREMEN - Güterbahnhof Tor 9, DE
20.10 HOFHEIM - Jazzkeller, DE
27.10 LILLE - La Malterie, FR
29.11 NANTES - Scène Michelet, FR
30.11 CAEN - La demeurée, FR
16.02 HAARLEM - Complexity fest, NL
16.05 COURNON - Baie des singes, FR


The band played at Zappanale, last July.
Unfortunately, in the middle of the night...


PHOENICIAN DRIVE - PHOENICIAN DRIVE


One of my favorite bands at the moment : Phoenician Drive.
Haven't seen them live (yet), but the two 12" records that they released have made a big impression.

Yesterday, their first album got released. Vinyl and download.
Expectations are met.
Top !

At the crossroads of Middle Eastern, North-African and Mediterranean musical traditions and psychedelic rock, Phoenician Drive is a six piece band born in Brussels' cultural maelstrom. Making drums and fuzzy guitars meet with oud and Eastern percussions.


Thanks again to Philippe who pointed me in their direction.


ADRIAN BELEW LIVE WEBCAST


Adrian Belew started his career playing with Frank Zappa. Later, he toured and recorded with David Bowie and with King Crimson, just to name two.

Here's Adrian Belew's Live Webcast, recorded at The Iridium on June 7, 2018

http://theiridium.com/live/adrianbelew2018.html

You've got to fastforward for about 4 hours to get to the show, but it works !


NEW ALBUM BY TIM MORSE


From Glass Onyon PR

Tim Morse began his instrument instruction at a young age and started composing immediately upon picking up the guitar. He later moved onto the piano and studied as a music composition major, writing extended pieces such as a string quartet and two piano sonatas. During this time Tim performed with various rock and fusion bands and played on many recording sessions. Tim's first album of original music was entitled “Transformation” and was released in 2005. The album was well received by the Progressive Rock community and recognized as an original voice, in the tradition of Yes and Genesis, yet recorded and performed with a modern edge.

His second album “Faithscience” was released in 2012 and musically it picked up where “Transformation” left off, continuing to explore the best of Progressive Rock. In addition to this release Tim became a member of the Jerry Jennings band and formed The Mangoes with Bret Bingham. The Mangoes released their debut album in 2014 and it was embraced for its pop sensibility and quirky humor.

Tim Morse is also a published author and his book “Yesstories” has sold over 20,000 copies worldwide. His book “Classic Rock Stories” was published by the St. Martin's Press and was featured on the Howard Stern show. He has also written for music magazines over the years including Mix, Guitar World, Keyboard and Bass Player.

“Tim Morse III” will be released on CD and digital download on October 22, 2018 by Cymbalick Music. There will be a limited edition vinyl LP release of the album in January 2019. Plans for live performances in support of the new album release are in the works.

In closing Tim has this message for listeners: “I'm always grateful when anyone takes the time to listen to my music, whether they loved it or were critical of it. In this modern age of endless distractions it is a lovely thing when someone will truly listen to music.”


Friday, October 12, 2018

FRANK ZAPPA - L'UN ET LE MULTIPLE


This French book got published about a year ago, in December 2017, as a project of the University of Rouen.
Directed / compiled by Juliette Boisnel and Pierre Albert Castanet, this 300-page volume presents contributions by various musicologists, composers and musicians that talk about one or multiple facets of composer, chef d'orchestra, filmmaker,... Frank Zappa.
Not always easy if French isn't your native language but it's fun to read and very informative.

Recommended !


Thursday, October 11, 2018

THE KENEALLIST

Mike Keneally's newsletter says :

THINGS OF THE ROAD

5:35 am

Hey pals :9D

Generally I am not up this early typing, but I'm enjoying the lingering effects of powerful jetlag, after an incredible 10 days in Wales working on the next Devin Townsend album, Empath. You'll hear the results in March 2019 when the album is released, at which time I'll get more into it, but for now I simply express my gratitude at being a part of this project: I'm freaking grateful! (And I'll briefly add: Devin astonishes me.
Completely. This music is absolutely breathtaking.)

Now I'd like to tell you what this month of October has to offer, for those of you in the vicinity of LA. If you're not in the vicinity of LA, you still have time to get there.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 19
MIKE KENEALLY and BEER FOR DOLPHINS
with DISREPUTABLE FEW
and ZOLOMON
at
FAIS DO-DO
5253 W. ADAMS BLVD.

This is a brand new room for us, and we'll be playing for a lot of new people, more of a Dead/jam-type scene than we normally play for, and I'm very excited about lattice-working our energy into this particular vibe. Like, REALLY excited. This will be the quintet BFD with Beller, Travers, Musallam and Peters and we will be playing one long set starting at 11:05. Zolomon starts at 8:25, with Disreputable Few at 9:45.

An entirely fantastic way for you to kick off your weekend.
Join us all, please!


SATURDAY OCTOBER 27
MK'S HALLOWEEN BASS PARTY
at
THE BAKED POTATO

So, Justin at the Potato offered us this night, and Beller is unavailable to do the gig, working hard on his upcoming solo opus. After thinking on it a bit I decided I definitely wanted to play at the Potato on the Saturday before Halloween – it should be nuts – but there wasn't time to work another bassist in on a full night of material.

I then came to a bold realization: I really wanted to play bass for this gig. I love playing bass and hardly ever do so publicly. So I will toughen up my low-end chops and we (me, Travers, Musallam and Peters) shall present a selection of my tunes with basslines I particularly enjoy – some of which I originally tracked in the studio - but never get to play live. Rick will take over the bass for some tunes so I can be excessive on guitar and keys as well.

In addition to my "bassist costume" for the night we will also deliver some Halloween-specific cover song action. No "Monster Mash" I promise. But SOMETHING relevant to the weekend's needs.

Two sets, as per Spud norm.


SUNDAY OCTOBER 28
MK as special guest with PET SHARK
For their CARNIVORE CRUISES album release show

I co-produced the upcoming Pet Shark album, a brilliant slab of searing instrumental rock (with one really epic vocal tune), and the night after I have my bass fun on Saturday, I'll be guesting with Pet Shark at their album release party playing tunes from the album. I'll be on keys and 2nd guitar. If you're not familiar with the Shark, now's the time - definitely come on out and be prepared for some friendly face-melting.


JOE SATRIANI BAND LIVE IN AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND AND INDIA – NOV/DEC

The touring for What Happens Next is not over yet, Satch heads! In fact, THIS is what happens next: gigs in Australia, New Zealand and India late this year. I've never been to India! I'm (as I rarely say without irony because it's not normally how I conduct myself linguistically but it's actually completely true) stoked!

Six dates in Australia, Nov. 24-Dec. 2. A gig in Auckland, NZ on Dec. 4. Then over to Pune, India for The Happiest Music Festival (how can anyone resist attending with a name like that?) Dec. 7-9.

THANKS Y'ALL

Between The Bizarre World of Frank Zappa tour, more Satriani dates, Devin stuff, and other things currently in the offing but still under concealment, 2019 is shaping up to be nuts. My gratitude for continued being-busy-ness is immense and I have great love for all people and circumstances which allow me to continue playing music for folks. Hooray!

-- Mike Keneally

UNHOLD

Unhold is

  • Thomas Tschuor • Guitar and Vocals
  • Miriam Wolf • Piano, Synths and Vocals
  • Reto Wittwer • Bass
  • Philipp Thöni • Guitar and Vocals
  • Daniel Fischer • Drums
Taken from the upcoming album, "Here Is The Blood" :




THE FIRST BAND FROM OUTER SPACE

After a couple of CDR's, The First Band From Outer Space (who are actually from Göteborg) released their first album in 2004 : "We're Only In It For The Spacerock".

With a name and an album title like that, I just had to check them out.


In the meantime, the band did put out two more albums : "Impressionable Sounds Of The Subsonic " (2006) and "The Guitar Is Mightier Than The Gun " (2009).


Tuesday, October 9, 2018

THE LAUGHING BASTARDS IN CONCERT


at the Jazzzolder in Mechelen, BE
Friday, Oct 12, 2018
http://www.jazzzolder.be

at the Hamsessions
Sunday, Oct 21, 2018
https://www.hamsessions.be/achterham-sessions.html

-- info: Danny Mathys


BLACK FRIDAY RECORD STORE DAY

to be released on November 23, 2018

Sun Ra : Crystal Spears  (LP, 1,350 copies)
Sun Ra : Crystal Spears  (CD, 630 copies)

Frank Zappa And The Mothers Of Invention : We're Only In It For The Money  (Picture Dics, 4,000 copies)

-- info: Hasi (at Zappateers)


Monday, October 8, 2018

THE SCOTTISH BBC ORCHESTRA WILL BE PERFORMING FRANK ZAPPA'S THE PERFECT STRANGER


The Scottish BBC Orchestra will Frank Zappa's 'The Perfect Stranger' in concert at the Glasgow City Hall on October 25, 2018.
The concert will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/events/e9q2rz


THE VEGETARIANS WITH SPECIAL GUEST NAPOLEON MURPHY BROCK


Former Zappa vocalist Napoleon Murphy Brock recorded 'What A Wonderful World' with The Vegetarians !



Sunday, October 7, 2018

THE BRICK-EATERS - A NOVEL BY THE RESIDENTS


"The Brick-Eaters" tells an incredible story of a guy who investigates something that he has read in the papers. It's the start of an amazing story.
These two hundred and forty something pages have kept me entertained for quite some time. Loved it.

On page 66, the main character says :
'The words of the late great Frank Zappa echoed in my brain: "There's no way to delay that trouble comin' every day".'
And there's a similar reference to The Residents 'Constantinople'.


THE RESIDENTS PRESERVED SERIES


Here's some nice reading and extra info regarding The Residents' recent "Duck Stab / Buster & Glenn" re-release. :
https://louderthanwar.com/the-residents-duck-stabbuster-and-glen-album-review/



ZAPPA - THEM OR US (THE BOOK)


  • frank zappa - them or us
    translated by thierry bonhomme
        (2018, book, france, philharmonie de paris)

I'm not really counting, but my bookshelf tells me that at least 150 books have been released (in various languages) on the subject of Frank Zappa. A bit overwhelming now that I think of it...
Only a handful of these had FZ's cooperation or were actually written, co-written or approved by Frank Zappa.
There's "The Real Frank Zappa Book", "The Zappa Songbook", and, of course, "Them Or Us", a mix of various older screenplays like Hunchentoot, Billy The Mountain and Thing-Fish.

On the occasion of the Zappa Weekend in Paris, the latter title has been translated in French.
It's a beautiful book. Hardcover, bound and 520 pages.

http://www.afka.net/Books/them_or_us.htm

http://wiki.killuglyradio.com/wiki/Them_Or_Us_(The_Book)


SLIFT


Slift is a trio from Toulouse, France. Earlier last year, they released their first EP "Space Is The Key".
And now, it's time for their debut album, "La Planète Inexplorée"


The band is throwing a release party at 'Madame Moustache' in Brussels, BE, on October 16.



SHHT

Belgian rock band SHHT has just released their first album.
'Space Rock for the Now Generation.'



SONAR RELEASES LIVE ALBUM WITH DAVID TORN


From Glass Onyon PR

Swiss Music Ensemble Sonar to Release New Live Album with Legendary Guest Guitarist

Recorded live at Moods Jazz Club, Zürich

Swiss music ensemble Sonar will be releasing their new live album “Live At Moods” with guest soloist/texturalist David Torn on November 16, 2018 on 7d Media. It was recorded live at Moods Jazz Club in Zürich, Switzerland, on May 24th 2018.

Fusing a rigorous minimal concept with the power of a rock band and the sensitivity of a jazz combo, Sonar have quickly gained international reputation for creating a unique blend of music. With their slow-build approach to dramaturgy and avoidance of conventional forms, they focus on collective group efforts and a deeper kind of interaction amongst their members Stephan Thelen (guitar), Bernhard Wagner (guitar), Christian Kuntner (electric bass) and Manuel Pasquinelli (drums). Sonar's music is complex but still visceral, hypnotic but still dynamic. The ground feels as though it's continuously shifting beneath your feet in opposing directions as multiple motifs and rhythms flit about your head, circulating in different orbits.

Sonar was formed in late 2010 and has been on tour in the USA, UK, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, Germany, France, Romania, Liechtenstein and Austria. In 2012, they released their first CD A Flaw of Nature on Nik Bärtsch's Ronin Rhythm Records label. Cuneiform Records released their second full-length CD Static Motion in 2014. Their third album Black Light was recorded and mixed by Peter Gabriel and Tool producer David Bottrill and released by Cuneiform in 2015 on CD and vinyl.

For their 4th full-length studio album Vortex, Sonar invited producer, guitarist and film-composer David Torn to work with them. During the recording, the chemistry between Sonar and David Torn worked so well that Torn was invited to play on every track. David Torn is regarded by many as one of the most influential electronic guitarists of our time. He's worked with many well-known musicians including David Bowie, Madonna (also co-writing), Tim Berne, Jan Garbarek, The Pineapple Thief, Jeff Beck (Grammy-winning production of “Jeff”), Kit Taylor, Mick Karn, David Sylvian, Craig Taborn, Tony Levin, Meshell Ndegeocello, Bill Bruford, Don Cherry, John Legend, Laurie Anderson, k.d. lang, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Matt Mitchell, Tori Amos, Kaki King, Donna Lewis etc.

The stylistic blending of Sonar's precisely structured, polyrhythmic rock music and David Torn's freely improvised, raw and emotional guitar interjections - a trademark of Vortex - is now continued in a live context on the six tracks of the Live at Moods album. There are three pieces from Vortex (“Waves and Particles”, “Red Shift” and “Lookface!”), a piece from Static Motion called “Twofold Covering” (the title of the track refers to the fact that the main bass riff of the piece is exactly the same as the guitar riff, just played half as fast and two octaves lower), a completely improvised David Torn solo piece called “For Lost Sailors” and “Tromsø”, a piece that Sonar played without David Torn. “Tromsø” is one of the first pieces that Sonar rehearsed together and it is the first track on the band's first album A Flaw of Nature. As a composition, it is a very minimal and austere piece that consists of only six small fragments in 9/8, but it remains one of Sonar's most dramatic and dynamic pieces.



JULIE SLICK

Julie Slick has just released a new track through Bandcamp :
'The Mystical Connected Us' (Remix)



GUY DAROL'S LATEST BOOK ON ZAPPA


The recent Zappa Weekend in Paris had the bookshop a La Vilette displaying some of the most recent books on Zappa.
I brought home a couple of them, including this fine 300-page biography / pocket book, written by Guy Darol. (It got published in 2016 !)

This isn't Guy's first book on the subject of Frank Zappa. He wrote a.o. "La Parade de l'homme Wazoo", "Zappa de Z à A" and "L'Amérique en Déshabillé" and a book about the "One Size Fits All" album.


BRUCE BICKFORD & Z.E.R.O.


Next Thursday, October 11 in Seattle :

Bruce Bickford Solo Show with music by Z.E.R.O.
at the Vermillion Art Gallery and Bar 1508 11th Ave, Seattle 98122



PIERRE VERVLOESEM & ALINOVSKY - INVISIBLE QUALITY

A new album by Pierre Vervloesem always makes me happy. Curious and happy.

The Off Record label added the following info:
From September 2017 to December, Pierre Vervloesem spent 3 months editing, mixing adding guitars and basses, keys and noises, spices and magic to a few recording sessions he did with Alinovsky who provided on command or improvised beats, percussions and keys.

The album features also Caroline Lumia, an electro acoustic artist who gave a full range of field recordings and house noises that Pierre used on most of the tracks.

The results is the album ‘ Invisible Quality’ which is a versatile mix of country - blues and Vervloesemesque guitars, dub basses, phantomatic or funky keyboards, experimental avant pop and even disco!

Take your time to listen as there are so many little variations in each songs that you’ll need at least ten hearings before enjoying the invisible quality of the album! Enjoy!

I couldn't agree more. This is one superb album.

Digitally released on bandcamp, but also available on CD (250 copies)  !!
Essential listening.



FRANK ZAPPA - BERLIN 1978



Ahmet, Joe,...
Here's the perfect opportunity to continue Frank's Beat The Boot series.
Not in a box or anything like that. Just release some of the shows that are surfacing as 'radio show' albums.
"Berlin 1978" is the perfect example. An amazing show in soundboard quality. Released by some company called LeftFieldMedia...
It's up at Zappateers (for free) for those who are able to handle torrents.


Saturday, October 6, 2018

STEPHANE GALLAND UPDATE

Stéphane Galland's new album, "(The mystery of) Kem", will be released both on CD and on LP.
For a signed copy of the LP, check out :
https://outhere-music.com/en/artists/stephane-galland

Concert hall 'Flagey' celebrates the release this new album on October 27th !
https://www.flagey.be/nl/activity/4958-stephane-galland-the-mystery-of-kem-feat-ravichandra-kulur



NEW ALBUM BY EVIL DICK


Evil Dick And The Banned Members performed at Zappanale in 2011. It was my first encounter with the musical journeys of Dr.Richard Hemmings.

Next to the handful of albums that Evil Dick has released, you might also know him from his contributions to Andrew Greenaway's compilation albums on the Cordelia Record label.

October 31, 2018, will see the release of the next Evil Dick album : "Earthly Delights".

Limited edition on CD. Available from Bandcamp.



Friday, October 5, 2018

NEW ALBUM BY RACHEL FLOWERS


Rachel Flowers recorded a couple of Frank Zappa compositions. They can be found on YouTube.
She performed with Dweezil Zappa during one of Dweezil's "Zappa Plays Zappa" concerts.

She's about to release a new album: "Going Somewhere".
All original material.

https://shop.rachelflowersmusic.com/album/going-somewhere


BROKKENFESTIVAL, SUNDAY DECEMBER 30 2018

The Brokkenfestival presents three afternoon concerts in Amsterdam on the 30th of December

Kicking off at 15h00 !
  • HALF PLAYSTATION 3.0
  • KAJA DRAKSLER
  • TOM AMERICA
  • INDIAN ASKIN


NEW BOOK ON FRANK ZAPPA'S ALBUMS


  • zappa cover
    by dominique dupuis
        (2017, book, france, editions de layeur)

Last year, French publishing house Editions de Layeur released a beautiful book by Dominique Dupuis.
It's a 10" square hardcover coffee table book.
Beautiful pictures of all of Frank Zappa's albums plus a bit of extra info.


CORRIE VANBINSBERGEN AND TOON TELLEGEN ON TOUR


Performing "Ik Wou" :
  • 12 NOV 2018 / 20:15 - De Kleine Komedie, Amsterdam, NL
  • 21 NOV 2018 / 20:15 - Het Klooster, Woerden, NL
  • 25 NOV 2018 / 15:00 - Theater Walhalla, Rotterdam, NL
  • 28 NOV 2018 / 20:15- Schouwburg Ogterop, Meppel, NL
  • 06 DEC 2018 / 20:30 - Cultuurhuis, Heerlen, NL
  • 07 DEC 2018 / 20:15 - C-mine cultuurcentrum, Genk (B)
  • 08 DEC 2018 / 20:00 - CC Het Gasthuis, Aarschot (B)
  • 12 DEC 2018 / 20:30 - Toneelschuur, Haarlem, NL
  • 16 DEC 2018 / 16:00 - Theater De Lieve Vrouw, Amersfoort, NL
  • 19 DEC 2018 / 20:00 - De Bijloke, Gent (B)
  • 23 DEC 2018 / 16:00 - LUX, Nijmegen, NL
  • 19 JAN 2019 / 20:00 - CC De Abdij, Geraardsbergen (B)
  • 20 JAN 2019 / 15:00 - Theater De Nieuwe Regentes, Den Haag, NL
  • 23 JAN 2019 / 20:15 - Liers Cultuurcentrum, Lier (B)
  • 24 JAN 2019 / 20:00 - Bourlaschouwburg, Antwerpen (B)
  • 25 JAN 2019 / 20:30 - Stadsschouwburg De Harmonie, Leeuwarden, NL
  • 31 JAN 2019 / 20:30 - Theater DNK, Assen, NL
  • 01 FEB 2019 / 20:30 - Willem Twee, Den Bosch, NL
  • 03 FEB 2019 / 16:00 - TivoliVredenburg, Utrecht, NL
  • 05 FEB 2019 / 20:30 - Cultuurcentrum Griffioen, Amstelveen, NL
  • 15 FEB 2019 / 20:30 - Stadstheater, Zoetermeer, NL
  • 16 FEB 2019 / 20:15 - Stadsgehoorzaal, Leiden, NL
  • 17 FEB 2019 / 20:00 - ECI Cultuurfabriek, Roermond, NL


VARIOUS ARTISTS - WHO KILLED RALPH ? VOLUME SEVEN

Released a bit over year ago, here's Volume 7 of artists covering the music of The Residents.
21 tracks by a weird bunch of people.
I might even know a few of them.



FRANK ZAPPA - POUGHKEEPSIE

"Poughkeepsie" is one of the latest albums in the semi-official Zappa albums circuit.
Legal in some countries and thus available through various shops.

Positive : this 2CD set has the excellent 1978 Poughkeepsie concert.
frank zappa: guitar, vocals * ike willis: guitar, vocals * denny walley: slide guitar * vinnie colaiuta: drums * arthur barrow: bass * ed mann: percussion * tommy mars (!!!): keyboards * peter wolf: keyboards

Negative : I'm pretty sure that a better quality recording circulates, but that's not the worst part. A two-second pause between the tracks??? Are you kidding or what????


FIDO PLAYS ZAPPA



FiDO plays ZAPPA - Atlantis and Elsewhere ab Oktober bei Sireena Records! Die passende Tour startet Mitte Oktober (Tickets: www.eventim.de)

Do 11.10.2018: DE-Immenstadt, Rainbow
Fr 12.10.2018: DE-Hildburghausen, Route 66
Sa 13.10.2018: DE-Crimmitschau, Theater
So 14.10.2018: DE-Magdeburg, Feuerwache
Mo 15.10.2018: DE-Berlin, Quasimodo
Di 16.10.2018: DE-Bremen, Meisenfrei
Mi 17.10.2018: DE-Köln,Yard Club
Do 18.10.2018: DE-Rüsselsheim, Das Rind
Fr 19.10.2018: Private Show
Sa 20.10.2018: DE-Halle(Saale), Objekt 5



WHO KILLED RALPH ? VOLUME EIGHT

Volume Eight of "Who Killed Ralph", or is it just a little tast of what's to come?, has just been released on Bandcamp.
Presenting Toasty Floyd, Vanyo, Lowry, and Lucaloop, all performing the music of The Residents.

And I guess I missed Volume Seven somehow...



THE ORACLE OF OUTER SPACE


The Oracle Of Outer Space - Animated TV Show

Carl King says :

We are planning to screen the pilot episode of The Oracle of Outer Space at LA Comic Con on October 27, 2018 at 5:30pm in Room 409.



Wednesday, October 3, 2018

STEVE VAI'S BIG MAMA-JAMA JAMATHON

Last weekend during Steve Vai's Big Mama-Jama Jamathon, Dweezil Zappa and his band performed for three hours.
Let's hope some of this material finds its way to the album(s).

From the same Jamathon : Carolina Eyck on theremin !!



TERRY BOZZIO TALKS ABOUT HIS TIME IN FRANK ZAPPA'S BAND




ZAPPY BIRTHDAY MISTER FRANK

French Frank Zappa tribute band ZBMF (Zappy Birthday Mister Frank) performed at Zappanale a couple of years ago.

Here's a recent video :



ECONOMIE ESKIMO - LE RÊVE DE ZAPPA


  • économie eskimo - le rêve de zappa
    by pacôme thiellement
        (2018, book, france, éditions mf)

Pacôme Thiellement released "Economie Eskimo - Le Rêve De Zappa" in 2005. In this (French) book, Pacôme reflects on various aspects of Frank Zappa's oeuvre, quoting from interviews and lyrics.
Nice reading.
The book got re-released (with an extra chapter) last month.

Back-cover drawing by J.C.Menu !!



BEAT LOVE ORACLE

Last July, Frank Nuyts' Beat Love Oracle quartet performed a number of concerts at the Gentse Feesten festival (in Ghent, BE)

Frank Nuyts (marimba en compositions)
Frank Debruyne (sax en compositions)
Stijn Deldaele (five string electric bass)
Ronald Dhaene (drums)

I'm listening to some (promo) tracks from these sessions and they sound great.

Beat Love Oracle.
Remember the name.



JIMI HENDRIX BY PHILIPPE DRUILLET

Comic book legend Philippe Druillet did an album cover for the 1975 reissue of Jimi Hendrix's "Electric Ladyland" album.

This design has now been printed on 27 Fender Stratocaster and 27 Fender Telecaster guitars.
Signed by Philippe Druillet.

I ran across the real thing (both of them) during my recent Paris visit.
Stunning.

http://www.aazcollector.com/

Tuesday, October 2, 2018

PMCE PERFORMED THE YELLOW SHARK


The PMCE (Parco della Musica Contemporanea Ensemble) performed Frank Zappa's "The Yellow Shark" in Venezia, Italy at the 'Teatro Carlo Goldoni' on Sept 28, 2018 as part of the Biennale Musica festival.

Parco della Musica Contemporanea Ensemble
Tonino Battista : direttore
David Moss : performer

Frank Zappa
THE YELLOW SHARK (1992)

  • Ouverture, improvvisazione per voce e orchestra
  • Dog/Meat (1983/1992) per orchestra (arr. Ali N. Askin)
  • Outrage at Valdez (1990/1992) per orchestra
  • Times Beach II (1985) per sestetto di fiati
  • III Revised (1992) per quintetto di archi
  • The Girl in The Magnesium Dress (1983/1992) per percussioni, plettri e tastiere
  • Be-Bop Tango (1972/1992) per orchestra (arr. Ali N. Askin)
  • Food Gathering in Post-Industrial America (1992) improvvisazione per voce e orchestra
  • Ruth is Sleeping (1983/1992) per due pianoforti
  • None of the Above (1983) per quintetto di archi
  • Pentagon in Afternoon improvvisazione per orchestra
  • Questi Cazzi di Piccione per quintetto di archi
  • Times Beach III (1985) per quintetto di fiati
  • Welcome to the United States improvvisazione per voce e orchestra
  • Pound for a Brown/Exercise #4 (1958/1992) per orchestra (versione di A. Digby)
  • Get Whitey (1992) per orchestra
  • G-Spot Tornado (1986/1992) per orchestra (arr. Ali N. Askin)

Recordings of the radio broadcast and of an audience recording have been spotted (Zappateers and DimeADozen).


NEIL SMITH RELEASES COMPILATION ALBUM

From Glass Onyon PR :

Alice Cooper Drum Legend Neal Smith Celebrates 10 Years of KillSmith With New Compilation “KillSmith Halloween”!

This year marks the 10th anniversary of legendary Alice Cooper drummer & RnR Hall of Fame Inductee Neal Smith's first “KillSmith” solo CD. To celebrate, Neal has created a new 12 song compilation CD called “Neal Smith-KillSmith Halloween,” the best of KillSmith. It has 11 previously released KillSmith songs and features one brand new song called “Strychnine.”

2018 not only marks the golden 50th anniversary of the original Alice Cooper Group, but it also marks the 10th anniversary of my “KillSmith” solo project. Since my last solo album “KillSmith and The Greenfire Empire,” I have been wanting to put together a compilation CD of my scariest and best “KillSmith” songs. I have chosen 11 of my songs plus a brand new bonus track called "Strychnine,” it's a killer! Get your downloads or CD's today! Happy Halloween to all of my sick things around the world! Play my “KillSmith Halloween” loud and let it scare the “HELL” out of you! - Neal Smith


Neal Smith is best known worldwide for his innovative drumming and outrageous stage antics with the original Alice Cooper Group. His solid drumming is the hallmark sound behind such classic 1970's Alice Cooper hits as “School's Out,” “I'm Eighteen,” “Billion Dollar Babies” and “No More Mr. Nice Guy.” Neal is also a prolific songwriter, who helped pen many of the groups best known songs. Alice Cooper was the first band to introduce theatrics to the rock and roll stage, the group has sold over 25 million records worldwide. Neal has six gold and five platinum records to his credit and has performed before millions on extensive grand world tours from the late 1970's to the present. Smith's trademark drum style can be heard on additional albums, including the Billion Dollar Babies Band “Battle Axe,” The Plasmatics “Beyond The Valley Of 1984,” Buck Dharma “Flat Out,” Deadringer “Electrocution Of The Heart,” Bouchard, Dunaway and Smith “Back From Hell” and “BDS Live In Paris,” Cinematik “Cinematik” and “One Full Moon Away.” And Neal's most recent critically acclaimed solo project KillSmith. Neal's KillSmith CD's “Sexual Savior,” “KillSmith Two” and “KillSmith and The Greenfire Empire,” garnered praise from fans and critics worldwide.



ZAPPA WEEKEND IN PARIS #1

We had a great weekend in Paris. Two concerts by the Ensemble Intercontemporain and one  performance of 200 Motels by the Philharmonic Orchestra Philharmonique de Strasbourg / Métaboles / Headshakers / Percussions de Strasbourg...
Intertwined with video screenings and discussions.
One word: amazing.

Here's the video recording of the second concert the the Ensemble Intercontemporain :

https://www.arte.tv/de/videos/085050-000-A/yellow-shark-hommage-an-frank-zappa-mit-dem-ensemble-intercontemporain/

Bernhard Gander - Take Death, für Ensemble und DJ

Frank Zappa - Naval Aviation in Art?
Frank Zappa - Dupree's Paradise
Frank Zappa - The Perfect Stranger

Edgar Varèse - Intégrales

John Zorn - For Your Eyes Only

Frank Zappa - Get Whitey
Frank Zappa - The Dog Breath Variations/Uncle Meat (aka Dog/Meat)
Frank Zappa - G-Spot Tornado

encore
Frank Zappa - G-Spot Tornado


FLAT EARTH SOCIETY ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM PLUS TOURDATES

The new Flat Earth Society album will be called "Untitled #0" and will be released in about two weeks time.

After a short series of CD release concerts, the band will leave for Colombia and Argentina !!

October 16 - 2018 CAFe Budapest, Hungary (Untitled #0)
October 17 - 2018 Reigen-Live, Vienna, Austria (Untitled #0 - cd release concert)
October 18 - 2018 Unterfahrt, München, Germany (Untitled #0 - cd release concert)
October 24 - 2018 Handelsbeurs Ghent, Belgium (Untitled #0 - cd release concert)
October 25 - 2018 De Singel Antwerp, Belgium (Untitled #0 - cd release concert)
November 02 - 2018 De Schakel, Waregem, Belgium (Untitled #0 - cd release concert)
November 23 - 2018 Bimhuis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Untitled #0 - cd release concert)

December 4 - 2018 Auditorio León de Greiff, Universidad Nacional, Bogotá, Colombia
December 5 - 2018 Teatro Jorge Eliécer Gaitán, Bogotá, Colombia
December 6 - 2018 Teatro Mayor - Teatro Estudio, Bogotá, Colombia
December 7 - 2018 Club El Anónimo, Bogotá, Colombia
December 9 - 2018 La Usina del Arte, Buenos Aires, Argentina


MJO

Sunday evening, October 7, the Muze Jazz Orkest will perform in concert at the MUZE cultural centre in Heusden Zolder, BE.
Setlist will include original material from Lieven Cambré and David Demuynck, and might include music from Frank Zappa and/or Herbie Hancock...

-- info: Jan van Kemenade


LAUGHING BASTARDS IN CONCERT ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON


Sunday, October 21 at 15h00 :

LAUGHING BASTARDS

Jan-Sebastiaan Degeyter, guitar
Michel Mast, tenor sax
Nils Vermeulen, double bass
Marcos della Rocha,drums

at the Ham Sessions !
https://www.hamsessions.be/


NEW ALBUM WITH ZAPPA COMPOSITIONS BY FRED HÄNDL


The Poodle Magic Pig Type


Okay gals and guys ... this is where things get serious.

In follow-up to the announcement about The Poodle Magic Pig Type being released in a limited edition Yellow Vinyl, I am excited to announce that you can pre-order the album, starting NOW.

Here's the deal:

The album will be released in two formats.

1) Limited edition (100 signed and numbered copies on yellow vinyl - INCLUDING a signed CD);

2) A, not so much limited, yet ONE time pressing of 500 copies only, signed CD.

The vinyl edition will, due to limited time capacity, not include all the tracks - and that's why you will get the CD containing all the tracks, included in the purchase of the vinyl.

This album is NOT going to be released digitally (Spotify, iTunes and the lot), and will be only available by (pre-)ordering directly by contacting me by email.

--> management AT jazzappa dot com

I will place you on the pre-order list for a vinyl album, starting at #11 (as numbers 1 through 10 and #100 are reserved), if you would like a specific number (between 11 and 99, 99 included) - please state so in your mail.
If you want to pre-order just the CD, please put that in the mail.

Thank you!

~ Fred