Friday, April 30, 2021

ROSA ENSEMBLE

The creative Naald&Draad (needle & thread) team that has material available on the Rosa Ensemble, got access to the banner that was used to promote the 2 day Zappa/Beefheart festival in Antwerp in 2019, featuring Hans Dagelet with the Rosa Ensemble (performing Beefheart), and Sinnister Sister (performing Zappa).
Naald&Draad transformed the banner into bags / handbags.
How's that for recycling?

https://shop.rosaensemble.nl/



Thursday, April 29, 2021

MAGMA'S 1996 PARIS CONCERT ON YOUTUBE

The entire 1996 Paris concert by Magma can be found on YouTube.

-- info: Danny Mathys


FRANK ZAPPA - THE NORDIC STORIES (3RD EDITION)

It looks like the beautiful "Frank Zappa - The Nordic Stories" book is getting another reprint.
This will make it its third edition.


IMPORTANT MESSAGE: The book is sold out everywhere in Norway. However we are considering printing a third edition in a limited of 100 copies. I have done some changes and improvements. There will be some new pictures and I am considering some new anecdotes that has come lately. However I can take pre-order and if there is enough interest I will print. If not you'll get your money back. 




THE OTHERS OF INVENTION VOLUME 3 HARDBACK AVAILABLE

I'm still waiting on an approval by Amazon to publish the paperback black & white version of the third volume of The Others Of Invention. 
The Amazon / KDP automated control system checks that the page number starts with 1.
This is not the case as the page numbers continue from the previous volumes.
It's even an essential part as volume 3 has indexes of the musicians and of the FZ compositions for the three volumes.
As a result I had to contact them and ask for a manual approval. Still waiting for a response.
The strange part is that I did not have this issue with Volume 2, with page numbers 447-868.
It should get resolved soon.

Anyway, the luxurious full-colour hardback does not suffer from this discussion and delay and is available as from today !!
Album cover artwork by Maximiliano Lopez Barrios.

https://www.boekenbestellen.nl/boek/the-others-of-invention-vol3


Here's some snap shots:






SOLIDUDE RECORDS

 
Yesterday, Solidude Records hosted a 'Record Label Night'.
If you're a bit familiar with the Belgian contemporary jazz scene, you'll probably know all about Solidude Records.

The 'Record Label Night" streamed performances H.A.S.T., Bestiaal, Skordatura (with Jozef Dumoulin & Michel Massot), and Mäâk.

The stream will remain available today and tomorrow (21h00 Belgian time).

Amazing.
Must-see.

https://jazz.be/spot-on-jazz/


BEAT LOVE ORACLE UPDATE


A message from Frank Nuyts / Hardscore / Beat Love Oracle :

On Saturday April 24 we recorded 'Hardscore VZWeer op dreef' in GC De Kriekelaar with the support of the Flemish Government.
You can watch all the concerts on the YouTube channel of 'De Kriekelaar'. 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNHOhzCqnuah9D_Xi8EPGaQ

First showing starts each time at 8 PM:
  • May 1: Trio Khaldei
  • May 5: World premiere of 'Lichaamsvreemd'
  • May 8: Concert with 3 piano sonatas
  • May 15: Beat Love Oracle followed by an experimental electronic performance by duo Ronald & Jeff.

 

ROBBY KRIEGER LIVE JAZZ STREAM ON APRIL 30

April 30, 2021
Live Jazz Stream
Check the YouTube link for the exact time !

Robby Krieger feat Arthur Barrow, Sal Marquez, Joel Taylor and others.


Monday, April 26, 2021

RAOUL PETITE - TÊT DE KRÄN

French experimental rock band Raoul Petite took its name from a dialogue from Frank Zappa's "200 Motels" where someone mentioned 'road fatigue'. It was understood as 'raoul petite' by members of the band...

Anyway, Raoul Petite is influenced quite a lot by FZ and by the early Mothers music
Their 1995 release, "Têt de Krän", includes 'Mister Z', their tribute to FZ.


THE HONKEYS - TEQUILA MOCKINGBIRD

Guitar-led instrumental surf band The Honkeys released their version of Frank Zappa's 'Take Your Clothes Off When You Dance' on their "Tequila Mockingbird" album.
From 2002.


Sunday, April 25, 2021

VARIOUS ARTISTS - AMITYVILLE MUSIC HALL COMPILATION VOL.2

Amityville Music Hall and Long Island Emo have just released "Amityville Music Hall Compilation -  Volume Two", in support of the Amityville Music Hall.
Download only.

Track 19 is Moon Tooth's version of FZ's 'Magic Fingers'.




VARIOUS ARTISTS - OUT OF STANDARD !! ITALIA 9

ADN Records' "Out Of Standard" series started as a cassette collection in 1985, each time with a focus on a certain country.
The 9th volume in the Italia set got released earlier this year and focused on Italy.
It included Hobo's performance of FZ's 'Echidna's Arf'.
Hobo = Massimo Giuntoli (electric piano) and Eloisa Manera (violin).

Beautiful !!
The other tracks are quite interesting as well. Francesco Zago also contributed a piece !

http://adnrecords.com/genre/out-of-standard/

The Hobo duo made their recording of 'Echidna's Arf' available through YouTube as well :


STEFAN SCHEIB - CARTOON MUSIC

Stefan Scheib's 2008 "Cartoon Music" release was subtitled "The Music Of Raymond Scott And Others", one of the others being Frank Zappa.
Track 1, 'Opening' includes some 'Plastic People' (FZ) and track number 7 ends with a 'Plastic People' (FZ) tease.
Track 8 on this excellent album is a fine version of FZ's 'Take Your Clothes Off When You Dance'.

Love it.
Beautiful !!

-- info: Filip Schepers


BEAT LOVE ORACLE / HARDSCORE - DON'T COUNT ON US

Last year, November 2020, Frank Nuyts' Beat Love Oracle ensemble released "Who's Counting?", a 4-track vinyl album.


Last month, the album got re-issued (with one bonus track) as a split release with Hardscore. As both B.L.O. and Hardscore are projects by Frank Nuyts we can get the logic behind this.

The result is an impressive package. 5 tracks by the Beat Love Oracle ensemble, and 4 tracks by Hardscore (which at the time of the recording was an 8-piece extended version of B.L.O.)

The àMARXE record label made a package deal for those who wanted to buy both the LP and the CD.

You can / should check it out on Bandcamp:


DANS DANS - ZINK

Belgian trio Dans Dans has a new album out. It got released two days ago.
Dans Dans' (Bert Dockx - Frederic Lyenn Jacques - Steven Cassiers) "Zink" presents 8 beautiful, instrumental, mysterious and melodic jazz tunes. 

I'm expecting my CD copy in a couple of days but I'm already enjoying the digital download.
Great stuff.
Do check it out !

The album is also being issued on vinyl but if you want the CD or the LP, don't wait too long as it looks like they're moving fast.


Saturday, April 24, 2021

MICHAEL LEAGUE

Michael League (yes, Michael League from Snarky Puppy) is about to release a solo album.
The first single got released a couple of days ago.


DANIELE SEPE - DIRECTION ZAPPA

Earlier this year, Daniele Sepe started a kickstarter project (on Produzionidalbasso) for "Direction Zappa". 

Here's what (the translated) message for the project said:
Daniele Sepe:
Among the many things I had in my drawer, I finally mixed and mastered a concert held in Sant'Anna Arresi on 10 September 2016, fortunately recorded on multitrack. 

This is a concert entirely dedicated to Frank Zappa, in the company of extraordinary musicians: Dean Bowman on vocals,  Hamid Drake on drums, Tommy De Paola on piano and keyboards, Joe Cristiano on electric guitar and Davide Costagliola on bass.

I had heard about it on Facebook.
Project backers received a high quality download, a CD (to be picked up at a local museum) or a memory card (delivered by mail in Italy).

Fortunately, the album can also be bought through Amazon. (Thanks again for alerting me, Udo !!)


Listening to the download, I must say that I'm quite impressed with this album.
Funky and jazzy versions of classic FZ tunes. With Daniele Sepe and his saxophone in a major role.
Nice. Very nice.
  1. Applausi
  2. Amò (Intro)
  3. If 6 was 9
  4. Sofa #2
  5. Song for Che
  6. I’m the slime/So it is
  7. Fables of Faubus
  8. Oh No
  9. Le manine di primavera
  10. King Kong
  11. Ochun
  12. American Drinks
  13. Peaches en regalia
  14. In a silent way
  15. Eat that question
  16. It’s about that time
  17. Indagine su un cittadino al di sopra di ogni sospetto
  18. Eat that question (Reprise)
  19. Applausi
  20. Jazz is Teacher and funk is preacher


THE RESIDENTS - MORNING MUSIC

  • the residents: morning music
        (2021, cd, austria, klanggalerie)

"Morning Music" is another CD-reissue of an album that was originally released as a download-only album on the Residents' Robot Selling Device in 2010.

The compilation contains a hand-picked selection of Residents tracks, designed to be listened to in the morning. "It is normally true that The Residents can be a bit too jarring for the morning. This compilation tries to fly in the face of that idea and presents a selection of up-beat tunes that will get one through a cup of coffee at home on Sunday morning and ready to head out into the world for that second cup.", said the Residents at the time of its release.


SEED A.I. - RESISTOR

Mentioned on page 824 (= Volume 2) of The Others Of Invention book series, Seed A.I.'s "Resistor" album included not only a console / computer game-esque version of FZ's 'Peaches En Regalia' but also of 'Sofa'!

Check it out.
Released in 2011.
The album is available as a free download on Bandcamp. 


THE RESIDENTS - EL AÑO DEL MEURTO

  • the residents: el año del muerto
        (2021, cd, austria, klanggalerie)

"El Año Del Muerto" was made available in 2009 as a download-only album through The Residents' RSD (Robot Selling Device). At the time, the album presented three new pieces ('Spot', 'Tortured' and 'Vampire'). All the other tracks had been previously released.
Klanggalerie continues their impressive series of releases by making "El Año Del Muerto" available on CD.
Guest vocals by Carla Fabrizio, Molly Harvey and Isabelle Barbier !

https://www.klanggalerie.com/gg372


BILLY COBHAM

Billy Cobham's "Funky Thide Of Things" is getting a re-issue
Originally released in 1975 the album features Michael and Randy Brecker (Zappa In New York), Glenn Ferris (Zappa's Grand and Petit Wazoo bands) and John Scofield next to Billy Cobham, Alex Blake and Milcho Leviev.



Friday, April 23, 2021

ZERO ENSEMBLE GOES VIRTUAL

Bored of waiting for “normalcy” to return? Concerts? International events? All you have to do is expand your definition of reality and think outside of the box-set. There is going to be another virtual Zappanale Festival this year. #30.75 to be exact. July 2021. Z.E.R.O. is on the bill, and you are on the VIP list. Stay tuned for updates...




MORE INFO ON THE NEW ZAPPA RELEASE

From the official Zappa newsletter :

Nobody knew, not even Frank Zappa, as he led his 11-strong band through a celebratory version of “America The Beautiful” to close out his show at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, NY on March 25, 1988, that it would be the last time he’d ever play in the United States. Days later, the '88 band would trek to Europe for a multi-country tour, only to implode on the road before they could make it back to the States for another round of scheduled shows. Despite the growing tensions in the band, the ensemble was considered one of the best Zappa ever put together, a skilled mix of extremely talented musicians made up of both longtime members that had played with The Maestro from the early days alongside exciting new additions, bolstered by his favorite new instrument, the Synclavier. A well-oiled machine armed with an extensive 100-song repertoire, the adroit band were equally as adept at playing Zappa’s complex and challenging, genre-defying songs as they were performing classical compositions by the likes of Bartók, Ravel and Stravinsky.

On June 18, Zappa’s historic, final American show will be released for the first time as the new live album, Zappa ’88: The Last U.S. Show via Zappa Records/UMe. The first posthumous archival release from the ‘88 touring band, the album features 29 unreleased performances including two additional performances from the same tour: Zappa’s wild interpretations of the Allman Brothers Band’s “Whipping Post” from the March 16 show in Providence, R.I. and Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway To Heaven” from the March 23 Towson, Md. show. The record is also notable for containing the first official release of the much talked about “The Beatles Medley.”



NEW ZAPPA RELEASE

Not a radio show, but the real deal.

Zappa '88 - The Last U.S. Show
2 CD set


-- info: Tim on FB



Thursday, April 22, 2021

BILLY THE MOUNTAIN BEER BREWERY IN THE NETHERLANDS

" Brouwerij Billy the Mountain is een nanobrouwerij gevestigd in Loon, een klein dorp onder de rook van Assen. De naam van de brouwerij is ontleend aan het gelijknamige nummer van Frank Zappa. "

"Billy the Mountain Brewery is a nano-brewery located in Loon, a small village close to Assen, NL. The name of the brewery is derived from the Frank Zappa song with the same name."

One of their beers is called "Holy Moses!".

https://www.nederlandsebiercultuur.nl/databank/brouwerij?brouwerij_id=2075

THE OTHERS OF INVENTION VOLUME 3 PAPERBACK PRINT PROOF

The print proof of the paperback version of Volume 3 of The Others Of Invention arrived today.
It looks just like what I wanted it to look like. It should be available in a couple of days. I'll let you know.

In case you ever wondered what such a print proof looks like, it's the actual paperback but with a banner on the front and back that says "Not for Resale".

The Other Of Inventions books lists the recordings of artists that recorded Frank Zappa's music.
Volume 3 takes a closer look at the years 2013 to 2020, included.
Artwork by Maximiliano Lopez Barrios.

The back-cover shows some of the album that are mentioned in the book.



Wednesday, April 21, 2021

RESIDENTS TV PROJECT ANNOUNCED

 a message from John Sanborn :

Hey Residents fans! The band is working on a new TV project and would love you to be in it. They're creating a super slick video concert featuring all new versions of their classic album DUCK STAB, updated for 2021 and filled with their usual weirdness and mysteries. All you have to do is get into your best Residents outfit - masks, make up, costumes, or whatever - and sing along with this new version of Constantinople - especially the chorus that starts around 1 minute in. Use your phone or video device to record yourself, in as high a quality as you can.

Dance around, shout it out, go wild; and be included (and credited!) in this brand new Residents project. When you're done, upload it to YouTube with the hashtag #IAMARESIDENT2021​ and also include in the description how you would like to be credited.

But hurry, The Residents need your video by May 10! On that day they'll download all the videos with the hashtag #IAMARESIDENT2021​ and try to use as many of them as reasonably possible (well, honestly, as many as unreasonably possible). So get to it!



Saturday, April 17, 2021

PINK FLOYD TRIBUTE ALBUM

"Still Whish You Were Here", the new Pink Floyd tribute album :

  1. Shine on You Crazy Diamond (Parts 1-5)
    Feat. Geoff Tate, Steve Hackett, Billy Sheehan, Mel Collins, Geoff Downes, Ian Paice
  2. Welcome to the Machine
    Feat. Todd Rundgren, Rick Wakeman, Tony Levin
  3. Have a Cigar
    Feat. James Labrie, Steve Stevens, Patrick Moraz, Rat Scabies, Jah Wobble
  4. Wish You Were Here
    Feat. Rik Emmett, Joe Satriani, Edgar Froese, David Ellefson, Carmine Appice
  5. Shine on You Crazy Diamond (Parts 6-9)
    Feat. Rod Argent, Steve Hillage, Ian Paice, Bootsy Collins
Welcome to the Machine  -  Feat. Todd Rundgren, Rick Wakeman, Tony Levin



Friday, April 16, 2021

MORE HIGH RES ZAPPA STUFF ON QOBUZ

 Available as high res downloads from Qobuz :

  • Hot Rats
  • Over-nite Sensation
  • One Size Fits All
  • Just Another Band From L.A.
  • Studio Tan

DANIELE SEPE'S "TRUFFE" SERIES

 Daniele Sepe is offering two albums on Produzione dal Basso, a backer platform.

One of the albums, the fourth volume of"Truffe", classical music and music for movies, includes his version of FZ's 'Little Umbrellas'.

https://sostieni.link/28363


PROJECT Z - FREAK ME OUT, FRANK

Fans of the early Mothers should most definitely check out "Freak Me Out, Frank" by Project Z.
Initially, the band was known as The Chrome Plated Megaphone Of Destiny, but it morphed into Project Z. The recent Covid pandemic almost turned it into a one man project...
Project Z mastermind Pedro Miguel Silva Marques explains:
"Yes, the album is almost a one man project. Our band almost disbanded during the pandemic and i had to record what i had in storage until then. I didn't want to lose what i had learnt. The first aim of this Project Z as a band was to learn all the freak out record. I wanted to understand better the evolution that Zappa the composer had during his career. So, we proceeded to play the second record. And these 2 are the basis of this record Freak Me Out, Frank. I'm currently mixing and finishing the next record, "We're Starving, Man" a rework of "We're only in It for the money". "

For the moment, the album is available as one mp3 file, without song separation.
Pedro added that the goal is to have it released on CD some day.

If you want the mp3 file, contact Pedro at pmsmarques at netcabo dot pt
It'll cost you 15 euro, but you'll be supporting the band and you'll get some excellent music in return.

I ordered and received my copy (file) last week and I've been playing it ever since.
Great stuff !!


Tuesday, April 13, 2021

CHARLES MICHAEL - THE VIOLET ALBUM

Charles Michael released his version of FZ's 'Mom & Dad' on his "The Violet Album".

Bandcamp release.
Download only.
Track 59 on this quite lengthy album.


ARKESTRA FUNDRAISERS ON ARS NOVA WORKSHOP

from the Saturn newsgroup :

Virtual Fundraiser Honoring Sun Ra Arkestra maestro Marshall Allen

https://www.arsnovaworkshop.org/events/virtual-fundraiser-05-20-2021/


Ars Nova Workshop rallies community support following partial collapse of Sun Ra House in Philadelphia

https://www.arsnovaworkshop.org/news/ars-nova-workshop-rallies-support-following-partial-collapse-of-sun-ra-house-in-philadelphia/



Monday, April 12, 2021

FRANK ZAPPA & THE MOTHERS JIGSAW PUZZLES

Official merchandise: the Frank Zappa & The Mothers jigsaw puzzles.

OSFA, Freak Out, and We're Only In It For The Money are available as jigsaw puzzle !

http://www.zeeproductions.co.uk/index.php/rock-saws/



LALLE LARSSON'S SEAVEN DEADLY SINS

Wow.
Up until today Lalle Larsson released 4 albums and 1 DVD (Seven Deadly Sins).

A couple of days ago, Lalle put the entire "Seven Deadly Sins" DVD on YouTube.
Amazing.


-- info : Dirk Verschaeve


Sunday, April 11, 2021

BEAT LOVE ORACLE & HARDSCORE

 Beat Love Oracle has released a second album.
Actually, it's a split CD release by Beat Love Oracle and Hardscore (both projects by Frank Nuyts)

Available from :

https://amarxe.bandcamp.com/album/dont-count-on-us



SRDJAN IVANOVIC'S BLAZIN' QUARTET - SLEEPING BEAUTY

  • srdjan ivanovic's blazin' quartet: sleeping beauty
        (2021, cd, usa, moonjune)
Drummer and composer Srdjan Ivanovic was born in Paris. Nowadays, he lives in Paris.
Together with his Blazin' Quartet, Srdjan recorded "Sleeping Beauty" in November 2019.
  • Srdjan Ivanovic: drums, keyboards
  • Andreas Polyzogopoulos: trumpet
  • Federico Casagrande: guitar
  • Mihail Ivanov: double bass
Next to the original pieces, the quartet also takes on a two pieces by Ennio Morricone, including the beautiful 'The Man With The Harmonica'.
Beautiful.

In his typical style, special guest Magic Malik adds an extra flavour to 'Guchi' and 'Rue des Balkans'.
I love it.

Contemporary jazz, infused with world music and Balkan elements.
Recommended listening.

Out on the MoonJune Records label.
Available as a digital download and on CD through Bandcamp:


LOWELL GEORGE

Lowell George had recently separated from Little Feat and was touring to promote his solo LP "Thanks I'll Eat It Here". 
Sadly, Lowell passed away June 29, 1979;


  • Armando Compean - Bass
  • Don Heffington - Drums
  • Eddie Zip - Organ
  • Peter Wasner - Piano
  • Fred Tackett - Guitar
  • Jerry Jumonville - Saxophone
  • Lee Thornberg - Trumpet
  • Maxine Dixon - Backing Vocals
  • Lowell George - Lead Vocal & Slide Guitar


1. Intro Jam 00:00​
2. Fat Man in the Bathtub 06:40​
3. Honest Man 11:29​
4. What Do You Want the Girl to Do 15:30​
5. I Can't Stand the Rain 20:38​
6. Easy Money 24:03​
7. Rocket In My Pocket 28:16​
8. A Apolitical Blues 31:41​
9. Two Trains 40:16​
10. Dixie Chicken 45:01​
11. Harlem Nocturne 57:46​
12. Twenty Million Things 1:02:32​
13. Willin' 1:05:42​
14. Spanish Moon 1:11:12

-- info: Danny Mathys

SEBKHA-CHOTT = PLAGIATBROS.

 a message from Sebkha-Chott

Hey boy and girls,

Former Sebkha-Chott team speaking to you! As you probably know, Sebkha-Chott has ended up in 2015 as far as live-shows are concerned and in 2019 for our last release. Still, we're going on with a new project called Plagiat since 2016, and I'm pretty sure you might enjoy it.
You can follow it here: plagiatbros.bandcamp.com,
or straight on our website (in french only, sorry): plagiat.org.

As you will see, there are video clips for every tunes we've published (or almost).
Hope you'll enjoy Plagiat's world and music!
WOII & Nots Awful Mitzahal Michel




Thursday, April 8, 2021

PRINCE VAULT RELEASE ANNOUNCED

Prince - Welcome To America

Recorded in the spring of 2010 and then mysteriously archived by Prince before its release, the statement album Welcome 2 America documents Prince’s concerns, hopes, and visions for a shifting society, presciently foreshadowing an era of political division, disinformation, and a renewed fight for racial justice. The album features some of Prince’s only studio collaborations with the bassist Tal Wilkenfeld, drummer Chris Coleman, and engineer Jason Agel, with additional contributions from New Power Generation singers Shelby J, Liv Warfield, and Elisa Fiorillo and keyboardist Morris Hayes, who Prince also recruited to co-produce the album.


Welcome 2 America | Available 7.30.21 - Pre-Order Now! - https://Prince.lnk.to/W2AAY​ Shop exclusive Prince music and merchandise at the Official Prince Store - https://store.prince.com​


LAUGHING BASTARDS REVISITED

 A bit over a year ago, the Laughing Bastards released "Unanimal".

  • Michel Mast – tenor sax
  • Jan-Sebastiaan Degeyter – guitar
  • Eline Duerinck – cello
  • Nils Vermeulen – double bass
  • Marcos Della Rocha – drums


The vinyl album (artwork by Jan-Sebastiaan Degeyter !!) presents 8 tracks. The digital download that comes with the album has one extra track.

Next to the two pieces by John Lurie, "Unanimal" presents compositions by J.-S. Degeyter and by Nils Vermeulen. It all fits together perfectly.
Playful, jazzy and cinematic.
Beautiful.

The recording of a rehearsal of Jon Lurie's 'The Birds Near Her House" will give you an idea of what the band sounds like
Check it out :


Available from Michel Mast (https://www.hamsessions.be/)
or from the Vynilla Record Shop in Ghent, BE. (https://vynilla.be/shop/)


RESIDENTS RSD RELEASE ANNOUNCED

Event: RSD DROPS 2021
Release Date: 6/12/2021
Format: LP
Label: Cherry Red/MVD
Quantity: 1300
Release type: RSD Drops 2021 Jun 12th

The Residents: LeftOvers Again!?!


Side A: Rusty Concentrate / Woopy Snorp RDX / What? / The Idiot Bastard Son of ‘What?’ / Primal Satisfaction / A Visit From Barry

Side B: Loser = Weed RDX / Satisfaction RDX / Ow Bout That (Vocal) / Mourning Glories RDX / Eight Thumbs To Hold You / Crumbling Mountain Sketch / We're A Happy Family RDX / Piano / Fragment 3 / Shut Up RDX / Cosmetics For Reality (Vocal)


Wednesday, April 7, 2021

DANS DANS - NAIAD

From the upcoming Dans Dans album.


The trio will do a livestream concert from the Ancienne Belgique in Brussels on April 21:

https://www.abconcerts.be/en/agenda/dans-dans/a105J000001wka1QAA


SCHILZ - FREUNDIN

German graphic artist and musician Alex Schilz released a couple of  LP's as a DIY artist.
His 1992 "Freundin" album got issued in a limited edition, each album cover illustrated by Alex Schilz, resulting in different artwork for every copy.
The above picture was taken from discogs.
My copies have black and white drawings with a black felt-tip pen.

Side two of the album includes Schilz's version of Frank Zappa's 'Trouble Every Day'.

Alex Schilz - - - Corona Blues


Tuesday, April 6, 2021

GRUPPO SPORTIVO - TOPLESS 16

  • gruppo sportivo: topless 16
        (2004, cd, nl, pias)
The story from the liner notes tells that Hans Vandenburg found the "Topless 16" sampler at a local record store at a young age. Unfortunately, the sleeve did not carry the LP. As the record store owner could not locate the actual LP, Hans got the album cover for free. The album cover wound up on his bedroom wall and he never got to hear the music.
Years later, jump to 2004, Hans and his Gruppo Sportivo bandmates decided to compose the music to the album cover.

"Topless 16" offered 16 imaginary songs by Gruppo Sportivo, inspired by the original song titles and band names.

I love it.


NEW ALBUM BY MAHOGANY FROG

MoonJune Records says:

Mahogany Frog's 'In The Electric Universe' is the seventh studio album (third on MoonJune Records) by Canadian instrumental electro-psychedelic outfit based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Six years in the making, the recording illustrates a foray into forms of sonic searching previously unexamined by the group. Building from approaches in orchestration captured on their 2012 effort SENNA, the group aims to create infinitely morphing waves of sound that transcend conventional perceptions of instrumentation, while simultaneously offering melodic and rhythmic closure. Utilizing the gradual unfolding of themes, extensive repetition, textural layering and crunchy, downbeat-heavy grooves, the tunes invoke a listening experience that is trance-like and hypnotic. The extensive employment of synthesized arpeggiators, often detached from the rhythm and irresolute in tempo, generate warm and disorienting backdrops to otherwise approachable structures. Tape loops and tape delay are used experimentally, highlighting decay and fragmentation. The compositions serve as foundations for melodic layering, tonal examination and deconstruction, resulting in a dynamic and colorful collection of music rich in expression, playfulness and resolve.




THE RESIDENTS - FREAK SHOW

The Cherry Red Records label has re-issued The Residents' "Freak Show" album.
Originally released in 1990 (on CD, on LP and even as a picture disc), the record has now been released as a 3 CD set including singles, live material and even rough mixes of the work-in-progress.

Beautiful.


Monday, April 5, 2021

NEW ALBUM BY THE ARISTOCRATS

The new Aristocrats album,"Freeze! Live in Europe 2020," got captured across Spain in February 2020.

Guthrie Govan - Bryan Beller - Marco Minnemann

 To be released next month.


PIERRE MOERLEN'S GONG


Pierre Moerlen's Gong released "Downwind" in 1979.
The album is getting a re-mastered and expanded CD reissue.


EAGERLY AWAITED RE-PRESS FOR THIS CLASSIC ALBUM BY PIERRE MOERLEN’S GONG FEATURING MIKE OLDFIELD, STEVE WINWOOD & MICK TAYLOR BOOKLET WITH RESTORED ARTWORK, PHOTOS & LINER NOTES.




FRANK ZAPPA - NEWS FROM THE SHARK

Remember DVD-bootlegs?
In 2009, the Erektion Records label released "News From The Shark", a wooden box that contained a dvd, a booklet, a pin and (!!) a wooden shark.
A tribute to the Ensemble Modern and their performance of FZ's "Yellow Shark", presenting the tv-broadcast of the 1992 Frankfurt concert plus parts of the press conference and of rehearsals.
It got released in a limited edition of 50 copies.

More recently, the DVD got re-released as a digipack.

I intro

    1. overture (alte oper frankfurt, september 17, 1992) - interviews: frank zappa, gail zappa 9:02

II rehearsals at joe's garage, los angeles july 1991 & fabrik, frankfurt july 1992

    2. 9/8 objects (joe's garage july 1991) - interview: ali n. askin 1:16
    3. roland's big event / strat vindaloo (joe's garage july 1991) - interview: frank zappa 1:09
    4. master ringo (joe's garage july 1991) 3:24
    5. t'mershi duween (joe's garage july 1991) - interview: ali n. askin 2:20
    6. struwwelpeter experiences (fabrik frankfurt july 1992) - interview: frank zappa 1:01
    7. amnerika (joe's garage july 1991) - interviews: ali n. askin, pierre boulez, gail zappa 2:24
    8. i like that one (fabrik frankfurt july 1992) 0:53

III 9. press conference frankfurt july 21, 1992 5:31

IV the last rehearsals - alte oper frankfurt september 16, 1992
    10. dio fa (joe's garage july 1991) 2:37
    11. food gathering rehearsals (alte oper frankfurt, september 16 1992) 12:16
    12. the minutes before ... 1:40

V the yellow shark at alte oper, frankfurt september 17, 1992 part 1
    13. dog / meat 6:16
    14. be-bop tango 3:09
    15. food gathering in post-industrial america 1992 5:20

VI the intermission & the yellow shark in berlin & vienna
    16. amnerika (philharmonie berlin, september 22, 1992) - incl. moon zappa's quote 3:05

VII the yellow shark at alte oper, frankfurt september 17, 1992 part 2
    17. welcome to the united states 6:36
    18. pound for a brown 3:54
    19. g-spot tornado 6:50

VIII sources
    20. envelopes (the ensemble modern - musik triennale köln 2000) 3:32


THE RESIDENTS - OZARK

  • the residents: ozark (the missing bunny boy songs)
        (2021, 2lp, usa, secret records)
In 2008, The Residents began an ambitious project entitled The Bunny Boy. At its heart it was an episodic web series, with installments premiering on YouTube and the Residents official site three days a week. This project lead to a studio album (The Bunny Boy) and a soundtrack of the music used in the videos (Postcards From Patmos) which were both released only on CD. The project went on to be a world tour and even more videos. As the story evolved more songs were written for a Bunny Boy follow up and were released as the limited edition CD, Arkansas. But there were still lots of more song sketches and video music so that lead to a download only album called Ozan. Confused yet? Just wait. THEN in 2011 Arkansas and Ozan were combined with an additional 4 tracks to create a very limited edition CDr.... OZARK! So here we have all those Arkansas / Ozan / Ozark Bunny Boy tunes finally gathered onto a limited edition double LP to go with your Bunny Boy Live double LP. That's a lot of crazy guy in a bunny costume.

Secret Records released "Ozark" as a 2 LP set. Limited edition on coloured vinyl.
Also available as a download through Bandcamp.



DIETMAR BONNEN

From the upcoming "The Others Of Invention - Volume 3" book :

Dietmar Bonnen’s “Lieder Book” compilation series collected material from 40 years of performing and recording with various ensembles. The common element on the “Lieder Book” series was that all the tracks featured Dietmar Bonnen on vocals.

"Volume I" : Bonnen’s version of Frank Zappa / Jeff Simmons' 'Lucille Has Messed My Mind Up' was taken from the 1996 “Watermelon In Easter Hay” album.


“Volume II” in Dietmar Bonnen’s “Lieder Book” compilation series included the Bonnen ensemble’s version of FZ’s 'Trouble Every Day’, taken from the 2000 “You Can’t Judge A Record By It’s Cover” album.


BANANAFISH MAGAZINE

Can't tell you much about Bananafish magazine, but the sampler that came with issue #15 in 2001 included John Crouse's 'Lapses', featuring Stanley Jason Zappa on the saxophone.


THE RESIDENTS - BUNNY BOY - LIVE IN FRANKFURT

  • the residents: bunny boy - live in frankfurt
        (2021, 2cd, usa, secret records)
Busy months for Resifriends...
Cherry Red have been releasing beautiful box sets. Klanggalerie is doing a fine job with the Bobuck stuff and earlier material, Psychofon Records is putting out all this collector material, and then there's Secret Records.

Vincent Presley's Secret Records label recently issued "Bunny Boy - Live In Frankfurt", recorded in concert in Germany on December 4, 2008.
The album got released as a 2 LP and as a 2 CD set. Both numbered limited editions.
I received my CD set last week. Fabulous show. It sounds great.






Sunday, April 4, 2021

UNCLE MEAT

 FZ's 'Uncle Meat' by Trumpetart.



BOB DRAKE - THE GARDENS OF BEASTLEY MANOR

  • bob drake: the gardens of beastly manor
        (2019, cd, uk, rer megacorp)
I received Bob Drake's "The Gardens Of Beastly Manor" as a bonus with a recent order.
Unfamiliar with Bob Drake's work, I have to admit that I'm pleasantly surprised with this album.

22 instrumental, contemporary pieces.
All instruments by Bob Drake.
Album artwork by Peter Blegvad.

Here's a sample:



CHICKN - WOWSERS

  • chickn: wowsers
        (2018, lp+cd, eu, inner ear records)
Improvisational rock band Chickn released their "Wowsers" album in 2018.
The album got released on 180 g black vinyl and on green vinyl. Both editions came with a promotional CD copy in a cardboard cover that offered the same set of tracks.
One of the tracks is entitled 'Elevational Love Of Frank Zappa'.


THE CHADBOURNE / GONZALEZ COLLUSION - IRRESPONSIBLE ROCKNROLL SHENANIGANS

April 2019, Eugene Chadbourne joined Aaron and Stefan Gonzalez for two concerts. The first one on April 9 at Shoeshine Charley's Big Top Lounge in Houston, TX, and the second one on April 10 at Backyard On Bell in Denton, TX.
A compilation of these two concerts got released on CD.

The album, "Irresponsible RocknRoll Shenanigans", has the trio performing a fine set of tunes including FZ's 'Who Are The Brain Police?' and Don Van Vliet's 'Click Clack' and 'Lick My Decals Off, Baby'.

  1. click clack (don van vliet)
  2. lick my decals off, baby (don van vliet)
  3. saga of the creeks (eugene chadbourne)
  4. nonaah (roscoe mitchell)
  5. lucifer sam (syd barrett)
  6. who are the brain police? (frank zappa)
  7. summertime blues (eddie cochran, jerry capeheart)

Excellent album !!

CD (limited edition of 300 copies) and digital download are available through Bandcamp.
Mind you, the new postage rates may surprise you.


THE ARF-DOSSIER VOL.107


Volume 107 of The Arf Dossier got issued last month.
Pictures, reviews, news,... and all Frank Zappa related.
In German for the most part.
It comes with a subscription to the Arf Society.
  • the arf-dossier no.107 - 2021/03
    incl.

    • leserpost
    • the hot platters heaven from the arf office
    • the fine but unauthorized cd kaleidoscope
    • the rare pictures gallery
    • the fine but unauthorized cd kaleidoscope
    • news from belgium - live from United Mutations
    • back in time - may 17 1975 kalamazoo
    • frank's recommendations
    • ullis ecke
    • info behind the photo(s)
    • fz-beer


BOBUCK - CHUCK'S GHOST MUSIC

  • bobuck: chuck's ghost music
        (2021, cd, austria, klanggalerie)

Originally issued solely through the group's now-defunct Robot Selling Device online MP3 store and credited to "The Residents' Talking Light", Chuck's Ghost Music was later reissued as a tour-only USB lanyard, and again later as a CD-R, credited partially as a Bobuck contraption, in 2012. Before his death, Hardy Fox made a new master for the album and also created new artwork. We are now happy to release this beautiful music for the first time ever on a proper CD.

Quite peculiar music to say the least.
Fragments of melodies and dreamy soundscapes.

The CD got released in February and already is out of stock at the Klanggalerie shop.
Fortunately, several shops still carry the album.
Or if you want to go for the digital download :


Saturday, April 3, 2021

DENNY WALLEY & HOTA FLOTA BAND

 Denny Walley: Guitar - Jimmy Ågren: Guitar

Morgan Ågren: Drums - Bass: Rolf Hedqvist



ZAPPANALE POSTPONED

 From the Zappanale Team:


Dear Zappanale fans,


First of all, we wish you all Happy Easter holidays. We want to thank you very much for your patience and your loyalty to Zappanale.


During the last few weeks and months, we have done a lot of efforts in order to make the festival happen in 2021. Unfortunately, we were unable to obtain all the necessary permits, neither from the federal government nor on state level. Consequently, it will not be possible to make Zappanale #31 happen in 2021.
Our hope that at least half of the Zappanale visitors were vaccinated and others would accept to be tested is no longer feasible due to political and legal issues.
All the reasons above lead to the result that we have to postpone Zappanale #31 for one more year.
HOWEVER, we are working for you on “Zappanale # 30.75” in July. We have as well in mind to offer unique merch products for this "special event" in order to make the collectors’ and supporters’ hearts happy. With Zappanale #30.5 we could create a great virtual connection among all of us. We will do our best to make such an experience possible again, together with you as our esteemed audience. Thank you again for your positive feedbacks, although knowing that a web based Zappanale can of course not replace a “real” Zappanale in Bad Doberan.
We are sure that the circumstances will allow us to hold Zappanale again in Bad Doberan next year. We are optimistic that musicians, you and the Zappanale Team may be able to get vaccinated and/or other options will allow everybody to visit festivals again. We are looking very much forward to celebrate the end the festival-free period together with you next year, right on the horse racing track in Bad Doberan. There is no need to exchange tickets that have been purchased for Zappanale #31. All tickets remain valid for the year 2022.
As in previous years, the festival will take place on the same weekend in July.
Zappanale # 31: 07/15/2022 - 07/17/2022
Free “Warm-Up Party” at the Kamp in Bad Doberan on July 14th, 2022.


Music is the best!
Stay healthy!
Your Zappanale Team


PROJECT Z PERFORMS THE MUSIC OF FRANK ZAPPA

Portuguese band Project Z is dedicated to the music of Frank Zappa.
The ensemble just finished recording their first album, "Freak Me Out, Frank".

It is available as a digital download.
More info soon.

And to prove that they are serious about this, they already started working on their second album, "We're Starving, Man".


R.I.P. TOM WOUTERS

Tom Wouters is no longer with us.

Rest in peace, Tom.

Flat Earth Society, with Tom on the vibraphone :


Flat Earth Society, with Tom on vocals :


FRANK ZAPPA - THE NORDIC STORIES

The excellent "Frank Zappa - The Nordic Stories" book that got released last year (in a limited numbered edition of 100 copies) has been reprinted.


Frank Zappa - The Nordic Stories is a collection of stories, interviews, anecdotes from the Nordic countries accompanied by about 250 unpublished photos that range from the first tour in 1967 to the last in 1988. Written by people who met him as fans several times by some became friends with Zappa. Photos varies from pro-shots to guerilla shots. Hardcore fans will find a lots of rarities. The book contains set lists, ticket stubs, posters and much more of curiosities. The entire Nordic region is represented, each with its own chapter.

This new and second edition of the book (300 copies) has some minor changes and corrections but also includes some extra pictures. And Hans Annéllsson's story of recording 'Penis Dimension' and getting the permission of Gail Zappa to record it. 

Great pictures and amazing stories of fans.
If you don't have a copy of this book yet, you should order your copy today.
https://www.absoluttforlag.no/


Friday, April 2, 2021

HOTEL X

Hotel X
'Barefeet' from the "Hymns For Children" album, 2003.
Written by Ron Curry.

Feat. Ron Curry (guitar), Tim Harding (sax), Kelli Strawbridge (piano), Lance Koehler (drums), Jeff Morris (percussion).


STEFAN SCHEIB'S CARTOON MUSIC

Stefan Scheib's "Cartoon Music" album got released in 2008.
Next to a couple of pieces by Raymond Scott, the album also includes one (and a half) FZ piece.

More info soon.

-- info: Filip Schepers 

TRIO GRANDE - TRIO GRANDE

  • trio grande: trio grande
        (1994, cd, belgium, igloo)
Michel Massot (tuba, trombone), Michel Debrulle (drums, percussion) and Laurent Dehors (clarinet, sax) released their first album as Trio Grande in 1994.

It all started with Trio Bravo (Michel Massot, Michel Debrulle and Fabrizzio Cassol), a trio that released four albums between 1985 and 1990. 
Trio Grande (Michel Massot, Michel Debrulle and Laurent Dehors) recorded five albums between 1994 and 2016).
Both Debrulle and Massot are also part of the Rêve d'Eléphant Orchestra.

Beautiful.


Thursday, April 1, 2021

FLAT EARTH SOCIETY

Belgian big band Flat Earth Society is changing its name to Flat Earth Society Orchestra and celebrates the event with a new website.

https://flatearthsocietyorchestra.com/

May 28, the Flat Earth Society Orchestra will release "Boggamasta III".
On vinyl and as a digital download.
The digital download will offer two extra tracks.

Available for pre-order from May 14 on.