THE SHARP ELEVEN ELECTRIC BAND

Here's a recording from a recent concert by the Sharp Eleven Electric Band.
The band performed "Donkey Dance", their new album, in concert at CC De Muze (BE).

Top fusion band, and from Belgium.

It looks like "Donkey Dance" has only been released on streaming platforms.

Here's Sharp Eleven Electric Band guitarist Timothy Pedone playing along with a Michael Brecker solo...

JIM BROCK - LION SONG

• jim brock: lion song
      (1984, lp, usa, hmc records)

Percussionist Jim Brock released a first solo album in 1984, "Lion Song".
It included his version of Frank Zappa's 'Twenty Small Cigars" !!

DWEEZIL ZAPPA

Dweezil Zappa's "Havin' A Bad Day" album got released in 1986.
I only recently learned that the album got released in Greece in 1987 as a "limited edition". That's also what the sticker says.

NEW ALBUM BY ADRIAN BELEW

from GlassOnyon PR

Guitar Legend Adrian Belew Releases His First Solo Digital Album “Elevator” With Bliss Entertainment / Ingrooves Music Group

 Legendary Guitarist With Frank Zappa, David Bowie, King Crimson, Talking Heads First Single “a13” Now Available! Adrian Belew is a legendary guitarist well-known for his diverse travels around the musical map. He is a multi-instrumentalist whose solo records are critically acclaimed. His moving singing voice and prolific songwriting has endeared a loyal fan base of music lovers. His music is being discovered everyday by more and more listeners thirsty for great music with a creative standard not often pushed by the commercial music industry. 

Adrian has signed with Bliss Entertainment, distributed exclusively by Ingrooves Music Group. “Elevator” will be the first Adrian Belew solo recording released through streaming. Adrian and management chose the Ingrooves Music Group channel based on the Ingrooves technology and the Universal global distribution channel. As with all artists, the optimization of music sales revenue is key to picking their distribution and marketing partners. The first single “a13” is now available! 

To purchase Adrian Belew’s new single “a13”: https://ingrv.es/a13-y4a-5 

“Elevator” is Adrian’s 25th solo record and as with most of his solo releases, he writes the songs, produces the record, and plays and sings everything. “Elevator” includes 38 of Adrian’s recent digital paintings as well as the lyrics to his songs. There are 12 new songs, ranging from delicate ballads to raging art rock as well as Adrian’s unique brand of avant-pop music.

To promote his new solo album and digital distribution deal, Adrian will be touring the US and Canada this summer starting July 13th in St. Paul, MN. Adrian’s touring trio will include bassist Julie Slick and drummer Johnnie Luca. Adrian describes the “Elevator” show as “part ‘classic’ power trio, new power trio songs never performed before, and a short solo acoustic performance of favorites and new songs from ‘Elevator.’” Adrian will be performing fan favorites spanning his whole career!

Tickets are available Friday April 29th at 10 AM EST - for more information: https://adrianbelew.net/tour/

Adrian also continues to perform with the Remain In Light tour featuring Adrian and Jerry Harrison, and will finish out the year touring the states as guest artist alongside Todd Rundgren for the “Celebrating David Bowie” show.

Adrian Belew first appeared on the guitar-world radar when he toured with Frank Zappa in 1977 who later said, “Adrian reinvented electric guitar”. Adrian’s signature tones, unique use of effects and whammy bar remains completely different, and his techniques continue to be a huge influence on today’s guitarists. He was guitarist, songwriter and frontman Progressive Rock Powerhouse King Crimson for over 30 years. “Discipline”, Adrian’s first record with King Crimson, is listed among the most important rock records ever made.

Adrian has had a career that commands both awe and respect from fellow musicians and loyal fans, from his first solo record “The Lone Rhino” to the Atlantic Records hit album “Mr. Music Head” or any of his other solo records (25 total) that push sonic boundaries while maintaining artistic integrity. Adrian shreds on guitar but also writes beautiful songs that will make you cry. Yes, Adrian has taken his fans on a wild ride through countless world tours and albums with David Bowie, Talking Heads, Laurie Anderson, and Paul Simon. He truly is the Twang Bar King!

Tour Dates:

7/13/22 - Turf Club, St. Paul, MN
7/14/22 - Shank Hall, Milwaukee, WI
7/15/22 - Arcada Theatre, St. Charles, IL
7/16/22 - Hi-Fi Annex, Indianapolis, IN
7/18/22 - City Winery, Chicago, IL
7/19/22 - City Winery, Chicago, IL
7/21/22 - The Ludlow Garage, Cincinnati, OH
7/22/22 - Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland, OH
7/23/22 - Magic Bag, Ferndale, MI
7/24/22 - The Oaks Theater, Oakmont, PA
7/26/22 - City Winery, Nashville, TN
7/27/22 - City Winery, Atlanta, GA
7/29/22 - The Grey Eagle, Asheville, NC
7/30/22 - City Winery, Washington, DC
7/31/22 - Rams Head, Annapolis, MD
8/1/22 - Ashland Theatre, Ashland, VA
8/3/22 - Higher Ground, South Burlington, VT
8/4/22 - The Flying Monkey, Plymouth, NH
8/5/22 - City Winery, Boston, MA
8/6/22 - The Newton Theatre, Newton, NJ
8/14/22 - Center for the Arts of Homer, Homer, NY
8/16/22 - City Winery, Philadelphia, PA
8/18/22 - City Winery, New York, NY
8/19/22 - The Egg, Albany, NY
8/20/22 - Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield, CT

THE RESIDENTS CONTRIBUTED TO THE LATEST POLYHEDREN RELEASE

POLYHEDREN is a project that raises money for non-profits using music collaborations. 100% of the sales/streaming from Psychic goes to Bay Area Music Program, to help provide music lessons for kids who couldn't otherwise afford them (bayareamusicproject.org).

polyheDren | 16 Gold Candles feat. The Residents & Josh Freese

CD and LP available from their Bandcamp page:

 

TERRY BOZZIO INTERVIEWS STEVE VAI

Part 2, 3 and 4 are available for streaming on https://www.drumchannel.com/

– Terry Bozzio brings out his friend and former bandmate, virtuosic guitarist and composer Steve Vai. Together they discuss Steve's new album "Inviolate" and go deep into philosophical ideas and why sometimes we need to get out of our own way to let the music come to life. A truly amazing interview that will teach you not only about drumming but about becoming a better musician. Part 2 to 4 will be uploaded in the coming weeks to DrumChannel.com!

THE UIA GUITAR ENSEMBLE - ZOMBY WOOF

the UiA Guitar Ensemble

 

THE DIRTY DOZEN BRASS BAND - WE GOT ROBBED, LIVE IN NEW ORLEANS

• the dirty dozen brass band: we got robbed!!
      (2003, cd, usa, ryko)

Recorded live in concert, "We Got Robbed!!" presents the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, featuring Jamie McLean on the guitar, in their best possible environment: in concert in new Orleans.
This is pure energy.

Here's a more recent version of their classic: 'My Feet Can't Fail Me Know':

THE RESIDENTS - WARNING: UNINC. - LIVE AND EXPERIMENTAL RECORDINGS 1971-1972

• the residents: warning: uninc. - live and experimental recordings 1971-1972
      (2022, 2lp, europe, new ralph too)

The last couple of years, we've seen quite a focus on The Residents' earlier years.
There was the "The W*** B*** Album" RSD release in 2018, followed by the "B*** S***" Album in 2019. Later the same year, the 3 CD set "A Nickle If Your Dick's This Big" presented both RSD album with some bonus material.
And now there is "Warning: Uninc", referring to the fact that the band's name was "The Residents Uninc." before they dropped the "Uninc.".

I ordered my copy (from a record shop in Ireland) yesterday, but much to my surprise and enjoyment, I received a vinyl rip of the album earlier today.
Parts of this 2 LP set could already be found as bonus material on the "A Nickle" set, and the Residents Wiki tells me that excerpts of '1-10 (With A Touch Of 11)' could already be found on the Preserved edition of "Meet The Residents", but it's just great to hear it all together.
Fun fact: the liner notes mention that '1-10 (With A Touch Of 11)' was inspired by Sun Ra.

Amazing ! Hard to imagine that this got recorded 50 years ago.

Can't wait for the actual album to arrive !

LARA ROSSEEL - DE GROTE VROUW

• lara rosseel: de grote vrouw
      (2020, lp, belgium, private release)

About two years ago, Lara Rosseel released "De Grote Vrouw" (The Large Woman).
Double bass player and composer Lara Rosseel and her eight piece band (!!) succeeded in producing a very enjoyable record.
Beautiful melodies, never too crowded.
Nice. Very nice.

MARKO NAKARI - WHAT GOES UP MUST COME DOWN

Finnish illustrator and cartoonist Marko Nakari has just released a third book in three years time.
"What Goes Up Must Come Down" collects Marko's thoughts, reflections and even fantasies on various situations and subjects. And each one of them put a smile on my face.
A perfect book to browse through when you're having your cup of coffee to start your day.

Fans of Frank Zappa's music will also be delighted as there are a lot of references to the FZ Universe to be found in in Marko's drawings.

Recommended reading !
150 pages. Contact Marko through Facebook if you want to get hold of a copy.
And don't forget that Marko will have an expo that you'll need to visit if you're over at Zappanale in a couple of months.

Some of you may know that I've made a list of artists and artworks (not in music) that make reference to Frank Zappa.

It's over at the United Mutations Archives :
http://www.united-mutations.com/z/frank_zappa/frank_zappa_ref2.htm

Marko's cartoons fit in perfectly.

THE DIRTY DOZEN BRASS BAND - FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND

• the dirty dozen brass band: funeral for a friend
      (2004, cd, usa, ropeadope records)

The Dirty Dozen Brass Band's "Funeral For A Friend" is a reenactment of a New Orleans funeral. A stunning collection of gospel and spiritual songs.

Beautiful.

"What A Friend We Have In Jesus".
Goosebumps.

SJOERD BRUIL - CACATOR CAVE MALUM

Earlier this week, I was alerted Sjoerd Bruil's "Cacator Cave Malum" album which resulted in a fine listening session.
Intriguing. Idiosyncratic. Hypnotic.
Loved it.

The story behind this album is quite amazing. Sjoerd Bruil (Mauro Pawlowski, Millionaire, Black Casette,...) reimagined a painting by Matthieu Ronse, translated it into music.
"Oil on canvas becomes grooves in wax."

Google told me that the album (and more material from Sjoerd Bruil) is available from :
https://black-cassette.bandcamp.com/

THE ARISTOCRATS

The Bandcamp page for the new Aristocrats album is already up !

Love that album cover.

It will also get a CD release.
More info soon.

THE SPECIALS - PROTEST SONGS 1924 - 2021

British band The Specials recorded Frank Zappa’s ‘Trouble Every Day’ and released it on their “Protest Songs 1924-2021” album last year.

I came across yet another version of this album : the Assai Records Edition.
Limited to 200 copies. Came with an obi. Released on yellow vinyl.

Below is a picture that I borrowed from Discogs.
My copy is number 115.

AMBROSE SLADE RSD RELEASE

Ambrose Slade's 1969 "Ballzy" album has been re-released on transparent turquoise vinyl.
Record Store Day 2022 release.

The album includes the band's version of FZ's 'Ain't Got No Heart' !

-- info: Philippe Lamoot

RESIDENTS RSD RELEASE

• the residents: warning uninc - 1971-1972 live and unincorporated
      (2022, 2lp, europe, new ralph too)

Haven't heard or seen this one yet as it's an RSD release and I can't be bothered anymore to drive around to find some of these albums on Record Store Day...
"Warning Uninc" is being released in a limited edition (??) of 2000 copies. That doesn't seem that limited to me and yet, the album has been spotted for ridiculous prices already.
I'm guessing more (and cheaper) copies will turn up soon.

ECHOES OF ZOO - BREAKOUT

• echoes of zoo: breakout
      (2021, lp, bel, werf records)

Re-visiting Echoes Of Zoo's "Breakout" album today.
Mostly because the LP had been on display on my cabinet the last couple of weeks, but also because it's an incredibly beautiful album (which initially was the reason for me to put it on top of my cabinet...)

• Falk Schauwen: drums
• Lieven Van Pée: bass
  
• Bart Vervaeck: electric guitar
• Nathan Daems: tenor sax, nyahbingi drum & compositions

FRED HÄNDL IN CONCERT

Fred has just returned from a tour in the U.K. and he's already scheduling another concert in a couple of days !

May 3, at "De Aap Van Bilderdijk" in Den Haag (The Hague), NL.

performing the music of Frank Zappa.

www.nightpianist.com

PIERRE VERVLOESEM / MARC VAN EYCK - TAMTAMS

Brand-new release by Pierre Vervloesem and Marc Van Eyck.

Marc used to play drums on the first recordings of Pierre back in 1987...so after 35 years he came back naturally to Pierre with a series of drums patterns he recorded over the years for different projects and bands: : Asoha, Someday and In The Ginza (with Pierre), Largo, Studio Pagol...

Pierre added guitars, basses, keys, effects, mixing and producing. The result is quite exotic running from India, to dub, to hell from jazz and Vervloesemesque typical music! Olé hop!

In my mind, a set of drum patterns is the perfect starting point for Pierre.
"Tamtams" is one beautiful exotic trip.
Thank you, Marc. Thank you, Pierre.
Love it !

THE CHEMISTRY SET

Here's the new video from The Chemistry Set - a Mellotron-rich symphony in tribute to the Spanish artist, sculptor and environmentalist "Cesar Manrique" and the island he protected and adored, Lanzarote. This is the first part of their 11 minute trilogy, that will be on the new album 'Pink Felt Trip' out in June.

Full details on the album - pressed on pink vinyl, naturally - can be found at http://www.fruitsdemerrecords.com/pink.html

the chemistry set - césar manrique

BESTIAAL

Belgian band Bestiaal is releasing their third album, "Het Deert".
It will be out on Solidude Records and will feature Bart Maris as special guest !

PRINCE & THE REVOLUTION

Prince & The Revolution's "Live" album will be made available as

• a 'Collector's Edition Box Set" : 3LP + 2CD + blu-ray
• a 3LP set
• a 2CD + blu-ray set

MIRLITORRINCO

Mirlitorrinco is the project of Colombian musicians María Valencia, Nicolás Eckardt, Mauricio Ramíreza and Ricardo Arias. It was founded in 2017 with the aim of performing "micro-pieces", very short compositions by the group members and close friends and colleagues. The quartet's instrumental versatility, which includes flute, soprano and alto saxophones, bass clarinet, kazoo, drums, glockenspiel, electric guitar, bass, and a few toys, allows for a changing variety of formats. The result is pieces that navigate between minimalism, chamber music, rock, jazz, avant-garde, Colombian music, stage music and wordless pataphysical song.

(Soon) Out on the Dur Et Doux record label.

EDDIE PEPITONE & ROBBIE MANGANO

Eddie Pepitone - Lead Vocals
Robbie Mangano -background vocals, lead guitar, bass, piano
Ray Marchica - Drums
Carl Restivo - rhythm guitar
"The Flute" - Melissa Rivkin
Additional background vocals - Stacy Werdin

Produced, Edited, and Arranged by Robbie Seahag Mangano

https://pepmang.bandcamp.com/releases

KLANGGALERIE LABEL RE-RELEASED SUBTERRANEAN MODERN

One of those albums where the artwork gives away what to expect.
Re-released on CD by the Klanggalerie record label !

THE ARISTOCRATS & THE PRIMUZ CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

The Aristocrats have teamed up with the Primuz Chamber Orchestra to record orchestral versions of some of their pieces !

CD to be out in June.
Amazing.

THE GIRLS IN THE MAGNESIUM DRESS - RUUTSU

Yesterday, the latest release by The Girls In The Magnesium Dress was made available on various streaming platforms.
Featuring Valentina Ciardelli (bass) and Anna Astesano (harp).
Tomorrow is the official date for the CD release.

The album includes Valentina's arrangement of Frank Zappa's 'Blessed Relief' as a bonus track.

I ordered my CD from Da Vinci Publishing a couple of minutes ago.
More info soon, as I eagerly await the CD to get the first listening session. 

GHOST RHYTHMS - SPECTRAL MUSIC

• ghost rhythms: spectral music
      (2021, cd, usa, cuneiform)

"Spectral Music" is a musical adventure. It flows and changes softly, moving from one instrument to another.
Flute, cello, accordion, bouzouki,... all adding spices along the way.
Polyrhythmic prog.

This is beautiful !!
Recommended listening.

Out on Cuneiform Records.

 

FILIPPO BELLAVIA & B STREET BAND - ZAPPA IN BLUES VOL.II

• filippo bellavia & b street band: zappa in blues vol.II 
      (2022, download/streaming, --, iTunes)

April 14, shortly after I bought this album on iTunes, Filippo wrote on Facebook :
Zappa in blues n.1 in Belgio!! Pazzesco. In un giorno. Non è che non esce più niente li?

Apparently, selling one (?) copy got "Zappa In Blues Vol.II" to the top of the sold blues albums in Belgium on that specific day.

Anyway, a fine album and you can buy it or stream it from your favourite platform.
All compositions by Frank Zappa.

Check it out.

DESERTION TRIO - NUMBERS MAKER

• desertion trio: numbers maker
      (2021, cd, usa, cuneiform)

Experimental fusion by the Desertion Trio.

• Nick Millevoi – guitar
• Johnny DeBlase – bass
• Jason Nazary – drums

"Numbers Maker" is their third release.
Recorded in the studio in front of a live audience.

Remarkable !!

Out on the Cuneiform record label !

RESIDENTS INDIEGOGO CAMPAIGN

Here’s your chance to be a part of music history! The Residents have launched an Indiegogo campaign for their newest project: a video shoot of God in 3 Persons, and the perks are amazing.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-residents-god-in-3-persons-video-shoot-in-sf#/

The Residents are creating a video based on their live performance of God in 3 Persons, their groundbreaking album originally released in 1988. The shoot is scheduled for Sunday, May 15 at the Presidio Theater in San Francisco, following their two live performances on May 13 and 14. Audience capacity for the video shoot is limited to 50 people, offering an extremely rare opportunity to witness the creative process of this legendary group in person.

Perks include video shoot tickets, t-shirts, dvd and blu-ray of the show that's going to be performed,
but also the CD or the LP from the MoMa show, their previous Indiegogo project.

THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND - WHERE IT ALL BEGINS

• the allman brothers band: where it all begins
      (1994, cd, usa, epic)

Recorded live on stage but without an audience, "Where It All Begins", is the last studio album the band recorded with Dickey Betts.
Album cover art and title that makes me frown, but still a fine album.
Here's the excellent 'Soulshine' :

THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND - SHADES OF TWO WORLDS

• the allman brothers band: shades of two worlds
      (1991, cd, europe, epic)

The Allman Brothers' "Shades Of Two Worlds" is the follow-up of "Seven Turns", the second studio album for this new line-up that included Warren Haynes and Allen Woody.
Dickey Betts and Warren Haynes wrote most of the tracks and are on the forefront producing some fine unison guitar lines and some great solos.

The album includes 'Kind Of Bird'. Love that tune.

ONKEL FLEISCH & THE DAUGHTERS OF PREVENTION - ALLE MEINE ENTEN

• onkel fleisch & the daughters of prevention: alle meine enten
      (1996, cd, germany, off off records)

The name of German ensemble Onkel Fleisch (= Uncle Meat) & The Daughters Of Prevention referred to two Frank Zappa album titles. FZ is also thanked in the liner notes.
“Alle Meine Enten” (= All My Ducks) was their only release.

Uncompromising.
Music for theatre, cabaret.

A fine addition to The Others Of Invention.

THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND - SEVEN TURNS

• the allman brothers band: seven turns
      (1990, cd, europe, epic)

After their break up in 1981, The Allman Brothers Band started playing again in 1989 when they did a 20th anniversary tour.
It was also the introduction of three new bandmembers: Warren Haynes, Allen Woody and Johnny Neel. Earlier, both Waynes and Neel had been a part of the Dickey Betts band.

The new line-up counted seven members : Gregg Allman (vocals, organ), Dickey Betts (vocals, guitar), Warren Haynes (vocals, guitar), Johnny Neel (piano), Allen Woody (bass), Jai Jaimoe (drums, percussion), Butch Trucks (drums, percussion).

'Seven Turns', track number six on the CD, was the final track written for this album.

Nice.

 

COLOSSEUM - RESTORATION

• colosseum: restoration
      (2022, cd, uk, repertoire records)

Colosseum will be performing at the Zappanale festival on Sunday, July 17.
The band released "Restoration" a couple of days ago and is scheduled to start touring again.

The new line-up will feature Chris Farlowe (one of the veterans), Clem Clempson, Mark Clarke, Nick Steed, Kim Nishikawara and Malcolm Mortimore.

"Restoration" sounds pretty good.

Colosseum still is a synonym for a fine mix of prog rock, blues and jazz.

The band already performed at Zappanale in 2011 and, at the time, announced that it was their final concert, which it was, for that specific line-up:
Jon Hiseman (drums), Chris Farlowe (vocals), Barbara Thompson (sax), Mark Clarke (bass), David Clemson (guitar) und Dave Greenslade (keyboards).

CARDIACS - SING TO GOD

• cardiacs: sing to god
      (1996, 2cd, uk, the alphabet business concern)

The Cardiacs have been around for over 40 years.
With Tim and Jim Smith as the common factor, that is.

"Sing To God" got released in 1996. It sounds like accelerated progressive rock, like an adventurous mix of nursery rhymes and experimental music with a punk attitude.
Nice.
Very nice.

Not easy. Definitely not easy listening, but very nice.

JOE SATRIANI - THE ELEPHANTS OF MARS

• joe satriani: the elephants of mars
      (2022, cd, europe, ear music)

Fans of Joe Satriani's music have to be patient. It's been two years since "Shapeshifting", Joe's latest album and on top of that he postponed his tour a couple of times as well.
Nevertheless, it was worth the wait. "The Elephants Of Mars" is a great album.

In a recent interview, ( https://www.psychedelicbabymag.com/2022/02/joe-satriani-interview-new-album-the-elephants-of-mars.html ), Joe Satriani explains:

"I came up with a sci-fi story about Planet Mars being terraformed in the future and giving rise to a race of giant, sentient elephants. I know it sounds crazy but that’s where the album’s title track got its start."

Also check out this nice piece on the Guitar dot com website:
https://guitar.com/features/interviews/joe-satriani-latest-album-the-elephants-of-mars/

GREGG ALLMAN - BACK TO MACON, GA - JANUARY 14, 2014

• gregg allman: back to macon, ga - january 14, 2014
      (2015, 2cd, eu, rounder records)

The Allman brothers started making music in Macon, Georgia, in the late sixties.
The recording of "Back To Macon" coincided with the final days of the Allman Brothers. The album captured Greg Allman performing with his 8-piece band.

A superb selection of tracks and an amazing performance.

"Back To Macon" was made available as a 2 LP set, as a 2 CD set, and even as a 2 CD / DVD package.

Check out 'Ain't Wastin' Time', with a 70 year old Gregg Allman with Scott Sharrard on the guitar.

PIERREJEAN GAUCHER - 3 ESTONIAN SONGS

• pierrejean gaucher: 3 estonian songs
      (2022, download, --, bandcamp)

Pierrejean Gaucher on his Bandcamp page:
I had the chance to play several times in Estonia, first as a duo with my friend Christophe Godin (gt) in 2007, then with my trio Melody Makers (2012). A friend from there introduced me to the folk songs of the national composer Raimond Valgre (1913-1949) and I wanted to adapt some of them in my own way!

Not being an expert on Estonian folk songs, I can only add that I like what I hear.
Three short, but very sweet songs, arranged for guitar.
The guitar has a beautiful tone and one can recognize the typical sound of Pierrejean immediately.

Subtitled "Guitar archives vol.1", one can only hope that this will be the start of a series.
Check it out :

CLUB COCO

Last year, Les Disques Bongo Joe released a compilation album entitled "Club Coco".
The album was put together by Coco Maria, who hosts a Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday radio show at Worldwide FM entitled "Breakfast Club Coco".

https://worldwidefm.net/collection/coco-maria

The "Club Coco" compilation got re-released on clear vinyl earlier this month.

 

THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND - PLAY ALL NIGHT - LIVE AT THE BEACON THEATRE 1992

• the allman brothers band: play all night - live at the beacon theatre 1992
      (2014, 2cd, usa, epic)

"Play All Night" found Greg Allman and his band performing at the Beacon in 1992.
16 tracks, including a fabulous performance of 'Jessica' with Dickey Betts and Warren Haynes on the guitar.
The album ends with 'Whipping Post'.

Beautiful.

FRANK ZAPPA BOOK

• frank zappa - texty / lyrics
  by milan pruner
      (2022, book, czech republic, private release)

My Czech friends did it again. This time, they published a beautiful paperback with Czech translations of FZ's lyrics.
From "Freak Out" to "Broadway The Hard Way".
Colour pictures of the album cover with some extra info, plus the complete lyrics both in English and in Czech.

483 pages, 26 x 22 cm
Limited edition of 100 copies

MARKO NAKARI

Finnish artist Marko Nakari has just released the third volume in his "Cartoons" series: "What Goes Up Must Come Down".

As Marko is in to Frank Zappa's music (he'll be part of the upcoming Zappanale exposition), I'm expecting FZ to appear in this volume !!

Fortunately, Marko's cartoons are in English.
Being a fan of underground comics and small press publications, I dug out a couple of issues of the Suuri Kurpitsa magazine only to admit that Finnish is way to hard to understand...
Which reminded me of the fact that I had included the work of Katja Tukiainen in the Formaline comic book anthology that I compiled for the Turnhout comics book festival over 25 years ago. I wonder what became of her.

Anyway, Marko's latest book is out.
More info soon !

RADZ LIVE STREAM CONCERT

 A bit too late to watch it live, but earlier today, RADZ streamed a concert.

A series of online concerts in the spring of 2022 organized by the KORA art cube is aimed at supporting the music community of Ukraine, raising funds to support Ukrainians and representing contemporary Ukrainian art in the world.

April 15, 2022 (Friday) 18:00 Kyiv time (GMT+3)

Performance by "RADZ" – is a project by Dmytro and Serhii Radzetskyi, with which the brothers have developed a completely original product.

Radzetskyi’s Brother is leader of modern Ukrainian experimental and avant-garde scene. The brothers have participated in many festivals in the Ukraine, Germany, Poland, Czech, Slovakia, Netherland, Great Britain, Israel and the USA. They have graduated from the Conservatory as classical musicians and won international competitions for performers and composers. They are creators of unique musical instruments, as the 8- and 10-string MIDI RADZ guitar, which they successfully play at the concerts of all their projects.

The musical versatility allows them to constantly change the musical style and the number of musicians - from one to 80 performers: the brothers are founders of the first "Ukrainian Improvisers Orchestra" in Ukraine. Dmytro and Serhii have been collaborating and performing on stage with the following musicians: «KING CRIMSON» (Tony Levin, Pat Mastelotto, Markus Reuter), Phil Minton, Vyacheslav Ganelin, Vladimir Tarasov, Fred Lonberg-Holm, Ed Mann & Denny Walley (Frank Zappa Band), Fried Dahn (Ensemble Modern), Dan McCafferty (“Nazareth”), John Lawton (“Uriah Heep”), Graham Bonnet (“Alcatrazz”), “Bang On a Can All-Stars”, Fried Dahn (Ensemble Modern), Christopher Garcia (“The Grandmothers of Invention”), Ian “Jumpy” Jump (“The Muffin Men”).

Kora Late Night Show is the first Ukrainian series of online concerts showcasing modern academic, electronic and experimental music launched by the KORA art cube founders: composers and musicians Maksym Kolomiiets and Dmytro Radzetskyi.

This is a charity project, so our team will be extremely grateful for your donations that one can make before, during or after the live broadcast.

https://fb.me/e/2bjtR19ae

Around 46 minutes into the concert, the duo performed FZ's 'Echidna's Arf (Of You)'/

Paypal donations : radzguitar at gmail dot com

ZAPPA ALBUMS AT REDUCED PRICES

In case you need a copy,

Several on-line shops are offering the "Zappa - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack" 3 CD set, and the "Mothers 1970" 4 CD set at reduced prices.

VANDERWOLF FEAT. ROBERT WYATT

Official Music Video for Vanderwolf's "When The Fire Grows Cold" from the EP, ''Extinction!'' which features guest contributions from the great Robert Wyatt and the late great, Daevid Allen. Both founders of the ground-breaking legendary band, The Soft Machine.

A new album from Vanderwolf will be released this summer.

ED PALERMO BIG BAND IN CONCERT

 April 25, 2022,
The Ed Palermo Big Band will perform the music of Frank Zappa, Todd Rundgren and more,
in concert
at The Iridium in NYC.

Tickets and info:
https://www.ticketweb.com/event/an-intimate-evening-with-ed-iridium-tickets/11620155

LEMOND - 1685 MM TALL

Thierry Mondelaers recorded and released "1685 mm tall" under the moniker Lemond around 2000.

I had never heard this album, so I was quite happy to learn that Off Records is making the album available through Bandcamp.

Beautiful songs, performed by a fine selection of musicians.
Passionate.
Love it.

• Thierry Mondelaers: vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards.
• Anne Fontigny: keyboards, samples, soundscapes, piano.
• Didier Fontaine: drums and percussions.
• Pierre Vervloesem: bass, guitar.
• Pascale Vervloet: vocals.
• Philippe De Brabanter: wordgazer

guests

• Anisa Rouas: vocals
• Emma Fontaine: raging
• Luc Van Lieshout: trumpet and horn
• Peter Vermeersch: clarinet
• Manu Ribot: lap steel
• Grégoire Wallenborn: guest-in-thoughts

Recorded, mixed and produced by Pierre Vervloesem.

Check it out !

GERMANA STELLA LA SORSA

Germana Stella La Sorca released "Vapour" last year. Her debut album.
It included an excellent version of FZ's 'Inca Roads'.

I don't know if the album is out on LP or on CD.
For now, I only came across a Bandcamp page, a YouTube link, and several streaming services.

PETE LEVIN - MÖBIUS

• pete levin: möbius
      (2017, cd, usa, private release)

I got the opportunity to give Pete Levin's "Möbius" album a listen today.
Funky jazz.
Nice.

• Pete Levin - Electric Piano, Clavinet, Organ
• Jeff Ciampa, Kal David - Guitar
• Tony Levin - Bass
• Alex Foster - Sopranino Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone
• Erik Lawrence - Baritone Saxophone
• Chris Pasin - Trumpet
• Rob Paparozzi - Harmonica, Jew's Harp
• Nanny Assis - Percussion
• Jerry Marotta, Lenny White - Drums

Featuring Rob Paparozzi, who you might now from his collaboration with The Ed Palermo Big Band on "Electric Butter".

-- info: Jan van Kemenade 

THE CHEMISTRY SET

Premiered by the band today, here's the official video to the title track to The Chemistry Set's new LP, 'Pink Felt Trip'.

MIKE MILLER QUINTET - NO MATH

YouTube:

Mike Miller Quintet, from a number of years ago.
What a line-up.
What a fantastic piece of music.

• Mike Miller: guitar
• Jimmy Johnson: bass
• Chad Wackerman: drums
• Walt Fowler: trumpet
• Albert Wing: tenor sax

-- info: Jan van Kemenade

ZAPPANALE PRE-SHOW IN HAMBURG

Latest news, from Steffen at Rockradio.de : the Zappanale pre-show in Hamburg will feature Mats Öberg and Napoleon Murphy Brock.

First part: Mats Öberg Plays Zappa

Second part: Mats Öberg & Napoleon Murphy Brock perform the music of Frank Zappa

KLAUS KÖNIG - REVIEWS

• klaus könig: reviews
      (1996, cd, germany, enia)

Klaus König’s “Reviews” was the last part of a five-suite cycle. It was subtitled “A Revue For Frank Zappa” and featured David Moss, The Bobs, and the Klaus König Orchestra.

The album was housed in a slipcase and accompanied by an 84-page libretto.

You might know David Moss as the narrator of 'The Adventures Of Greggery Peccary" on the Ensemble Modern's "Greggery Peccary & Other Persuasions" album.

ZAPPOSTROPHE 146

Issue # 146 of the Czech Frank Zappa Fan Club hit my mailbox last week.
News on the Fillmore box, an interview with Pauline Butcher, the FZ Stink-Foot comic by Solé & Gotlib, and a piece on Avo Raup's excellent "AFKA.net".

THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND - PEAKIN' AT THE BEACON - MARCH 2000

• the allman brothers band: peakin' at the beacon - march 2000
      (2000, cd, usa, epic)

Recorded and released in 2000, The Allman Brothers' "Peakin' At The Beacon - March 2000" shows the band in their preferred habitat: in concert.
Gregg Allman with starring roles for Dicky Betts (guitar, vocals) and Derek Tucks (guitar), plus Oteil Burbridge (bass), Jaimoe (drums and percussion), Butch Trucks (drums and percussion) and Marc Quinones (percussion).

Here's 'It's Not My Cross To Bear' (G.Allman) as sort of a teaser :

A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF THE MUSIC OF ALLAN HOLDSWORTH

A comprehensive study of Allan Holdsworths improvisational ideas, patterns, scales, charts & tunings

MY GUITAR WANTS TO KILL YOUR MAMA TRIO

The My Guitar Wants To Kill Your Mama trio consists of Gene Pristsker,  Jane Getter and Bruce Arnold.

The ensemble will be doing a concert later today.

Sunday April 10th @ 3pm LIVE-STREAM

https://www.facebook.com/composersconcordance/live_videos

Low Key Chamber Concert #13 - ‘My Guitar Wants To Kill Your Mama Trio’
= Gene Pristsker,  Jane Getter and Bruce Arnold, at the Sky Vault, NYC

PINK FLOYD - HEY HEY RISE UP

Pink Floyd - Hey Hey Rise Up (feat. Andriy Khlyvnyuk of Boombox)

THE SUN RA ARKESTRA MEETS SALAH RAGAB IN EGYPT

• the sun ra arkestra: the sun ra arkestra meets salah ragab in egypt
      (2022, cd, uk, strut)

from the Strut Records website:

Strut present the final instalment in their series of reissues of Sun Ra’s historic recordings in Egypt with The Sun Ra Arkestra meets Salah Ragab in Egypt plus the Cairo Jazz Band, originally released on Greek label Praxis in 1983.

 
Salah Ragab first encountered the Arkestra at a concert at the house of Goethe Institut ex-pat Hartmut Geerken during the Arkestra’s first visit to Cairo and Heliopolis in December 1971 and, although Ra and Ragab did not meet in person on that occasion, they did meet and bond together when Ra returned to Egypt in 1983, resulting in these recordings. The Arkestra had been touring Europe in March 1983 and made their way to Cairo, playing a number of concerts during April at the Il Capo / Il Buco venue before recording the two superb studio versions of Ragab compositions, ‘Egypt Strut’ and ‘Dawn’, at El Nahar Studios in Heliopolis in May, featuring Salah Ragab on congas.

 
Kostas Yiannoulopoulos, organiser of the Praxis festival in Greece, released the recordings as the A-side of this album, with three tracks by Salah Ragab and the Cairo Jazz Orchestra on Side B. ‘Ramadan’ and ‘Oriental Mood’ were first heard on the Cairo Jazz Orchestra album Egypt Strut released in 1973 while ‘A Farewell Theme’, received its very first release on this record, written following the death of Gamal Abdel Nasser in 1970; the piece was played at the much-loved President’s funeral.

 
This first ever official reissue of the album features previously unseen photos and memorabilia alongside brand new liner notes by Hartmut Geerken and Paul Griffiths. The album is released in its original artwork and is fully remastered by Technology Works.

ZAPPA / ERIE

From zappa dot com

Three complete shows from the Vault based on appearances made in and around the Vaultmeister’s home town of Erie, PA: Edinboro College and Gannon University ’74 with Erie County Fieldhouse ’76.

Also includes bonus tracks from the same tours. Three separate band line-ups, newly mixed from the original 4-Track tapes by Craig Parker Adams and mastered by John Polito at Audio Mechanics. Historical essays by Dan Schell & Joe Travers.

Available to pre-order on 6CD Box Set with exclusive poster.

PHIL MILLER & FRED BAKER

The late Phil Miller was part of the Canterbury scene, performing and recording with Hatfield And The North, and Matching Mole, to name two.
Fred Baker played bass in Phil Miller's In Cahoots project. But he also played guitar. And that's what the "Double Up" album is all about.

Actually, Phil Miller and Fred Baker recorded two albums together.
The first one, "Double Up", got released in 1992 on Crescent Records in the UK.

The second one was aptly called "Double Up 2".
The Burning Shed website adds:
"After releasing Double Up in 1992 the duo began work on a second album, but following Phil's death in 2017 the digital multitrack tapes were thought to be lost. Recently rediscovered and lovingly mixed by longtime associate Benj Lefevre, "Double Up 2" features stunning performances from Miller and Baker as they tackle their own intricate compositions and a favourite piece by keyboardist Alan Gowen."

A YouTube snippet:

A JIM GORDON SOLO ALBUM ?

According to Down Underground, Jim 'Jimmy' Gorden recorded a solo album in 1969.
(https://downunderground.blogspot.com/2022/04/jimmy-gordon-his-jazznpops-band-hog-fat.html)

Released on CD in Japan in 2018.

I guess this is the same Jim Gordon that recorded with Nolan Porter and with Frank Zappa !
(He's in prison, nowadays, but that's another story.)

-- info: Jan van Kemenade

JOE DENINZON UPDATE

The Prism—Live Video Premiere 9 PM ET on YouTube, on April 8
Update on Joe Deninzon’s Activities Including Album Release Plans

On Friday April 8, at 9 pm ET /6 pm PT/ 3 am Saturday morning (the 9th) in Amsterdam, Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius’ “The Prism” will be live on all streaming media, including YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjjjYY0HQTg. Joe will be on hand, answering fan questions and reading everyone’s comments in chat.
The new single and video, “THE PRISM” was recorded live during Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius’ performance at Progstock Festival, October 13, 2019 at Union County Performing Arts Center. Rahway, NJ.

“’The Prism’ is about an evil, corrupt politician,” Joe says. “I wrote this in 2007, and it still applies to whomever you believe it applies to. Lots of choices.”

“The Prism” originally appears on Stratospheerius’ 2012 album, ”The Next World.” “The Prism” will be on Stratospheerius’ upcoming CD/Blu Ray, “Behind the Curtain: Live at Progstock” due out late summer, 2022 on Melodic Revolution Records.

Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius are confirmed to perform at Sonic Voyage Fest on April 29th at Olive's in Nyack NY with Brooklyn Raga Massive and an Electric Violin Summit with One More Once (fronted by violinist John Dinklage) on May12th at the Shrine in Harlem, and Maine’s Ganja Grail in Starks, ME this fall.

Outside of Stratospheerius, Joe will be performing in two events at RoSFest April 15-17—a full solo show for the RoSFest’s “Minstrel in the Garden” outside of the Sarasota Opera House, and later that evening joining Dave Kerzner’s All-Star Progressive Rock-band on the main stage with Billy Sherwood (Yes), Fernando Perdomo (Jacob Dylan), Nick D’Virgilio (Genesis, Big Big Train, Spock's Beard), and Durga McBroom (Pink Floyd). Joe reconnects with Dave, May 2-7 for Cruise to the Edge. On May 26, he’s at Madison Square Garden, playing in The Who’s chamber orchestra again! Recently Joe composed a 5-minute “Klezmer-y” encore piece for classical violinist Rachel Barton Pine and her 9 year old daughter Sylvia’s recent tour of Israel. The work is called “Livroach el Ha’or” which means “Escape to the Light.” He duetted with Emmanuel Bishop for National Down Syndrome Society Gala; Emmanuel is hardly letting his disability stop him; he’s accomplished in music, sports, and languages. Joe took part in an Electric String Summit and the American String Teachers National Conference Panel on electronic effects for strings with some of today’s great string players including Martha Mooke (from David Bowie’s band), Matt Bell Andy Reiner, Robb Janof, and Tracy Silverman

HERBIE HANCOCK - THE NEW STANDARD

• herbie hancock: the new standard
      (1996, cd, uk & europe, verve)

Herbie Hancock was in excellent company when he recorded "The New Standard': Michael Brecker on sax, John Scofield on guitar, Dave Holland on bass, Jack DeJohnette on drums and Don Alias on percussion.
For "The New Standard", the ensemble reworked a number of classic pop and rock tunes.
These are not the expected jazz renditions. This is a band that takes an interesting part of a song (a melody line, a chord sequence, an atmosphere,...) and builds a piece around it.
Very nice.
And, yes, I'm a fan of Michael Brecker and of John Scofield. What a treat.

Here's a live version of "Thieves In The Temple" (Prince):

DMYTRO RADZETSKYI IN CONCERT IN SUPPORT OF UKRAINE

A message from Dmytro Radzetskyi

Dear Friends!

Tomorrow, April 6 at 17:00 (Kyiv time, GMT+3) my online concert will take place in support of Ukraine. I will be glad if you join the viewing and charity. 

Paypal will be available.

https://www.facebook.com/events/4615819615189711

ROADBURN FESTIVAL

Roadburn Festival
*** underground music ***
Tilburg, The Netherland
Wednesday April 20 until Sunday April 24, 2022.

Poil will be there. As well as Dans Dans.
But those are the only two bands that I know...

https://roadburn.com/line-up/

ZAÄAR:

BILLY COBHAM & GEORGE DUKE

Billy Cobham's 1974 "Croswwinds" album featured George Duke and the Brecker Brothers.
Check out that second track, 'Pleasant Pheasant'.

TODD RUNDGREN UPDATE

Todd Rundgren is releasing "An Evening with Todd Rundgren - Live at the Ridgefield", a blu-ray video with a concert recording from 2015.

ALLAN HOLDSWORTH

Manifesto Records is releasing another CD/DVD set of an Allan Holdsworth live performance.
It will be volume number six.
Live at the Jarasum International Jazz Festival in South Korea in 2014, with Jimmy Haslip on bass and Gary Husband on drums.

Should be nice.

ROXY MUSIC FEATURING EDDIE JOBSON

Roxy Music, featuring Eddie Jobson, at the Hall Of Fame induction ceremony in 2019.

-- info: Harald Häring

INTIGE TALUURE & MAURO PAWLOWSKI

Exactly one week ago, we went to see Intige Taluure and Mauro Pawlowski in concert.
Intige Taluure (fronted by Jean-Marie & Kim) would not only be presenting their "Poep De Disco" album, but also their collaboration with Mauro, "Newtons Flat Fidelity".

It's a rare occasion to see Intige Taluure in concert, so I took the entire family along. They did not know what to expect, but neither did I as Intige Taluure always succeeds in surprising the audience.

Intege Taluure opened the evening with a set of short and powerful pieces. Energetic, experimental at times, and at a safe distance from commercial success.

-

The second set had Jean-Marie and Kim on stage with Mauro Pawlowski. Orchestrated chaos. Fun. Hilarious at times.
And a remarkable guest appearance by Jo (?) on soprano sax who cited Don Van Vliet's 'Fast 'n Bulbous' after an improvised piece.

-

-

What an evening.
If you're ever able to catch Intige Taluure in concert, you shouldn't hesitate.
The perfect souvernirs were available at the merch shop:

The "Poep De Disco" LP on clear vinyl.
Every album (limited to 150 copies) comes with a different album cover (or wallpaper).

"Newtons Flat Fidelity" LP, also out on 2 cassette tapes (with a couple of tracks that are not on the LP).
Two editions of the LP, including a limited splattered vinyl edition (with a signed print).

The rest of the family was rather quiet on the way back home but I guess they'll thank me later.