KING GIZZARD AND THE LIZARD WIZARD ON BANDCAMP DAILY

Check it out,
King Gizzard & The Wizard Lizard is making their entire discography available for a "Name Your Price" contribution.

https://daily.bandcamp.com/features/king-gizzard-and-the-lizzard-wizard-interview

NEW RELEASE BY ARTHUR BARROW ON BANDCAMP

Arthur Barrow has just released 'Mojo' on Bandcamp.

THE KENEALLIST

THE KENEALLIST
Mike Keneally's newsletter

Happy autumn! What better time than now to introduce to our Bandcamp catalogue that most autumnal of Keneally releases, Wooden Smoke?

Once again Bandcamp Friday is upon us (the day when Bandcamp takes no cut of proceeds, it all goes to the artists and labels), and it’s our pleasure to bring Wooden Smoke to our ever-swelling Bandcamp roster.

WOODEN SMOKE

COMES TO BANDCAMP

THIS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3!

Wooden Smoke goes live at 11:59 p.m. PDT Thursday night, October 2!

In the meantime, you can click here for a bunch more MK titles…
https://mikekeneallymusic.bandcamp.com/

This acoustic album, by far the mellowest and most willfully soul-soothing of my releases, was originally released in 2002, and proved to be a balm for me personally during a hectic time in my life. We at Exowax were heartened and humbled to learn, at the time of release, that it also provided therapeutic value for some people in the wake of the horrific events in September of the previous year. Perhaps it could provide some similar service for you now?

If you avail yourself of the Bandcamp version of Wooden Smoke, you will find that it has been enhanced with five additional tracks.

Four of these are special new mixes from the multi-tracks that I did for my Patreon subscribers earlier this year, including an improvisation done by me on two pianos and Rick Musallam on one acoustic guitar, music that’s never been released before in any form - other than to my Patreon folks (which, if you’re not one, I am frequently uploading unreleased material there, so you might like to check it out here https://www.patreon.com/MikeKeneally).

The fifth bonus track is “Wooden Chips,” the edit-collage created by Scott Chatfield as an audio link for keneally.com, back when we made the album originally available. Scott would always make such a collage back when we announced a new album, and they are true time capsules of early ‘00s web-based content.

Your download of Wooden Smoke also comes with a digital booklet and a batch of oddly compelling bonus photos (there’s one at the end of this Keneallist), reviews, and ephemera. As always, we thank you for your support!

MIKE KENEALLY & BEER FOR DOLPHINS
OCTOBER 2025 TOUR of the EAST COAST and the MIDWEST of the USA!

The MK/BFD tour is seriously right around the corner, holy cow!

We just had a couple of fantastic nights at the Baked Potato in LA, and we are feeling entirely prepared to bring the craziness to the East Coast and Midwest in a couple of weeks. It was great fun to once again have Bryan Beller in the ranks – the rhythm-section relationship he and Joe Travers share (they’ve been playing together since the early ‘90s when they were Berklee students together) is unparalleled, as is their comprehension of my music, and they provide the most amazing foundation for the marvelous Rick Musallam and myself to do our respective things.

We’ll be playing in Rutherford NJ, NYC, Annville PA, Cleveland, Fort Wayne, and Chicago from October 12-18. A mere six gigs, but a lot to bite off financially for our hard-driving little band of buckaroos, so please come if you can, and haul a bunch of your friends to the gigs with you. I promise you’ll have a great time.

Opening for us will be the truly superb Dave Bainbridge & Sally Minnear. They wowed me with their set at ProgStock last year. They will perform as a duo on their own set, and for the last half-hour of our set they will also act as honorary Beers For Dolphin, allowing us to play several of my more intricate compositions that rarely if ever get an airing live.

And starting off each evening will be my uber-talented buddy Matt Dorsey, kicking off the festivities with a solo set (and he just might be wandering onto the stage during my set as well).

We start with an October 12 appearance at the ProgStock Festival in Rutherford, NJ – festival passes available here.

October 14 finds us at The Cutting Room in the well-known metropolis of New York City

A venue and city which are new to us, The Allen Theater in Annville, PA, plays host to our shenanigans on October 15. I have now seen some footage of the interior of this place and it looks fantastic – we’d love to have a good crowd at this gig!

Fun times of no small velocity await us all on October 16 at the Beachland Tavern in beloved Cleveland.

I eagerly anticipate returning to play at the Sweetwater performance venue in Fort Wayne on October 17 – I played there with ProgJect a couple of years ago and had a fantastic time.

We conclude this whirlwind trip by returning to visit our good pals at Reggies in Chicago on October 18.

I really don’t manage to get my band out of California very often, and I’d love to do it more often, and some good attendance at these gigs will make it far more likely that that can happen. Please come join us if you can!

THANK YOU!

You are an extraordinary person and I thank you profusely for your attention and kindness and support!

Love,

Mike

MILES DAVIS - SWEDEN 1971

• Miles Davis Septet: Sweden 1971
      (2024, cd, --, off beat)

The Miles Davis Septet played in Sweden on November 7, 1971, at the Universitets Aula in Uppsala. This live performance, recorded for Sveriges radio, featured Gary Bartz, Keith Jarrett, Michael Henderson, Ndugu Leon Chancler, Don Alias, and James Mtume. The concert, a part of a European tour, has been released in various forms, including a 2024 CD on the Off Beat label.

• Miles Davis – trumpet
• Gary Bartz – sax
• Keith Jarrett – keyboards
• Michael Henderson – bass
• "Ndugu" Leon Chancler – drums
• Charles Don Alias - drums-percussion
• James "M'tume" Forman – percussion

Beautiful.

Here's a nice review:
https://theheatwarps.com/2021/02/10/11-7-1971-uppsala/

MITER - PARLOUR MAGIC

• Miter: Parlour Magic
      (2024, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)

Denver, Colorado-based Miter recorded George Duke & Frank Zappa’s ‘Uncle Remus’. The track got released on their “Parlour Magic” mini album.
Out on Bandcamp.

STEF KAMIL CARLENS - BY YOUR SIDE

From Stef Kamil Carlens' new album, "Stef Kamil Carlens & The Poem - The Whale",

'By Your Side'

The original version by Sade:

Two beautiful versions.

BERT JORIS QUARTET - MAGONE

• Bert Joris Quartet: Magone
      (2007, cd, France, dreyfus jazz)

"Magone", by the Bert Joris Quartet.
A classic jazz quartet.
Bert Joris (trumpet, flugelhorn), Dado Moroni (piano), Philippe Aerts (bass), and Dré Pallemaerts (drums).
Lyrical, melodic jazz.
Beautiful.

FRENCH BAND PEACHES EN REGALIA

French band Peaches En Regalia released music on Bandcamp in / from 2011 / 2012.

They did not record any music by Frank Zappa, but with such a band name, they have to be listened to:

MAURO PAWLOWSKI - MASTER OF DESIGN FLAWS

Single(s) / teaser(s) for the upcoming album by Mauro Pawlowski.

Three tracks from the upcoming album by Mauro Pawlowski have been uploaded to several digital music platforms: 'Master Of Design Flaws', 'No Neutral Expression', and 'Just All Heart, Flesh And Mind'.
My two favorite ones:

-

 

THE RESIDENTS

Behold, dear friends and admirers of the Eyeballed ones!

Another newsletter to add to your collection, but this time a simple note to let you know that a new full length album of 'Doctor Dark' demos is released today across all streaming platforms currently known to man. An interesting insight into The Residents' working process, full of variations and twists on the final album we all know and love - fans of The Singing Resident might particularly enjoy his take on songs sung by guests on the album.

https://cherryred.co/DoctorDarkDemos

It's a wonderful thing, and we all hope you'll enjoy it.

As ever there's plenty more to show and tell - the new album, 'Animal Lover' pREServed, a fantastic 'Way We Were' release coming via Klanggalerie, an extensive Bandcamp site in the making..... but for now, let's enjoy The Gift, and pray it keeps on giving.

Your Pals @ New Ralph Too

NICOLAS MEIER - LAST SUNSET

"Last Sunset", the latest album by Nicolas Meier, features Jimmy Haslip, Gary Husband, Vinnie Colaiuta, Dewa Budjana and Krissy Matthews !

COLE LUMPKIN - OTHERWORLDS

• Cole Lumpkin: Otherworlds
      (2025, download / streaming, --, apple music)

Before releasing his first (?) album, “Otherworlds”, Cole Lumpkin had already put some videos up on YouTube on which he performed music of Frank Zappa.

May 2025, he released “Otherworlds” through various digital music platforms.

The final track on “Otherworld”, ‘Reflections’, sampled Frank Zappa’s ‘St. Etienne’ guitar solo.
The album is scheduled to get a (limited) vinyl release in 2026.

Cole shows some of the samples he used :

Here's the actual track with the sample :

 

STICK MEN TOUR DATES

The rescheduled tour of Stick Men is happening later this year, here are dates, maybe a few more on the West Coast will happen.

Tony Levin, Markus Reuter, Pat Mastelotto.

Nov 30 - Vancouver, BC, Canada (Rickshaw Theatre)
Dec 01 - Portland, OR (STAR Theater)
Dec 02 - Seattle, WA (The Triple Door)
Dec 03 - Eugene, OR (The WOW Hall)
Dec 04 - Corvallis, OR (Whiteside Theatre)
Dec 07 - Sacramento, CA (Starlet Room At Harlow's)
Dec 08 - Petaluma, CA (Mystic Theatre)
Dec 09 - Santa Cruz, CA (UCSC Music Center)
Dec 10 - Fresno, CA (Frank's Place)
Dec 11 - Los Angeles, CA (Gold Diggers)
Dec 14 - San Marcos, CA (The Bornemann Theater)
Dec 16 - Phoenix, AZ (Walter Studios)

STATUS QUO - HEAVY TRAFFIC

 

• Status Quo: Heavy Traffic
      (2002, cd, --, universal)

Those of us who have read Andrew Greenaway's "FUQ Vol.4", know that there's a reference to Frank Zappa's 'Catholic Girls' in one of the songs on Status Quo's "Heavy Traffic" album.
Thanks, Andrew !! I just love these little references.

Another fine addition to The Others Of Invention.

HOTCHA

Most Zappa freaks have heard of Urban Gwerder, the late Swiss writer and publicist.
Urban issued the famous "Hot Raz Times" magazine (1973/1974) that resulted in the "Alla Zappa" book in 1976.
1998 saw the release of the "Im Zeichen des Magischen Affen" book, with material from "Hot Raz Times", "Alla Zappa", and more.

However, it all started with "Hotcha", the Swiss underground magazine that Urban published in the late sixties / early seventies.

I recently got hold of of Hotcha issues 37, 38 and 39 and they do look otherworldly.
8 to 12 pages, with lots of info on what was happening in the (musical) world at the time.
Really like "Hot Raz Times" & "Alla Zappa".
I never thought I would be able to browse through these.

Avo has a couple of nice scans of some of the other issues on his website.
https://www.afka.net/Mags/Hotcha.htm

CUTWORK - FOOZZ BLUES MEGA BLAST JAZZ TRASH

• Cutwork: Foozz Blues Mega Blast Jazz Trash
      (2003, 2cd, Yugoslavia, big dum music)

Another recent addition to The Others Of Invention.
Cutwork released 'Muffin Man' on their "Foozz Blues Mega Blast Jazz Trash" album.

Cutwork was Vojkan Maksimović’s project.
Originally released as a single CD in 2001, “Foozz Blues Mega Blast Jazz Trash» got re-released in 2003 with a live tracks bonus disc. This bonus disc was entitled “The End Of The C.P. III”. It included Cutwork’s version of FZ’s ‘Muffin Man’.

In the liner notes, about the bonus disc, the band added:

You’ll find here some well-known songs of ours and some of them you maybe never heard before, including one cover, Zappa’s classic ‘Muffin Man’, which is part of our large Zappa’s repertoire. For the last few years, on every December 21, Zappa’s birthday, we play a gig covering his songs.

Sounds pretty good. A bit heavy and a great guitar sound.
'Muffin Man' kicks off as a heavy rock song but has some bizarre twists in the middle.
Nice.

HELMUT KING - ARTWORKS

• Helmut King - ARTWORKS monografie
      (2025, book, Germany, private release)

One of the things that I brought home from Zappanale is this incredibly beautiful artbook by Helmut King.
"Artworks" provides a splendid overview of Helmut's fascinations, his works, projects, exhibitions and more.
Graphic artist, painter, sculptor,...
Amazing.

Helmut's link to the music of Frank Zappa and to the Zappanale festival is also highlighted.

Required reading and viewing material, with the risk of unconditional admiration.
Hardcover, 300+ full color pages.
Available from Helmut King (or in the better bookshop)

Dweezil Zappa at the Helmut King expo at the Zappanale festival, holding a Helmut King art guitar.
(picture taken from the Rocktimes.info website)

PANZERPAPPA - LANDSBYSLADDER

I'm enjoying the Bandcamp download of Panzerpappa's brand-new "Landsbysladder" album while I'm typing this.
Out on vinyl and on CD and I'm happy to enjoy the download while I'm waiting for my CD.

Another excellent release by Panzerpappa.

If you visit their Bandcamp page, be sure to check out the remastered re-issues of their first three albums.
"... Passer Gullfisk", "Hulemysteriet", and "Farlig Vandring" have been out of print (and hard to find) for quite a while, but all three got remastered and re-issued last year. Even with a couple of bonus tracks.
Also made available (in limited edition) on CDR.

Anyway, do give "Landsbysladder" a listen.

JOHN ZORN - PROLEGOMENA

• John Zorn: Prolegomena
      (2025, cd, USA, tzadik)

In my notes, "Prolegomena" is the most recent release by John Zorn.
Released as a CD and digital EP on September 19, 2025, via his Tzadik label.

Composed during the initial Covid-19 lockdown in 2020, the album features extended string ensemble pieces performed by the Jack Quartet and other New York musicians.

Fascinating. As always.

STANLEY J. ZAPPA - MUSTER POINT

• Stanley J. Zappa: Muster Point
      (2020, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)
      (2020, cd, Finland, we jazz)
      (2020, lp, Finland, we jazz) – black vinyl
      (2020, lp, Finland, we jazz) – violet vinyl

US sax player Stanley Jason Zappa teamed up with Finnish drummer/percussionist Simo Laihonen for “Munster”.  The album got released in 2020 on the Finnish We Jazz record label.

Stanley J. was Bobby Zappa’s son and Frank Zappa’s nephew.
Both got mentioned in the liner notes several times.

Father born in Baltimore, like his brother Frank. Father was from Sicily. A bit nutty maybe? Did math and other science stuff for the US war machine. My father joined the marine corps. Fortunately his older brother Frank signed a waiver as his “guardian” so he could enter a year early.

Anyway, Stanley makes fantastic music.
I had a digital download of the album but I recently added the CD to the collection.
And a violet vinyl version is on its way as well.

THE PLASTIC PEOPLE OF THE UNIVERSE

The Czech Guerilla Records label will be releasing recordings from two 1972 concerts by The Plastic People Of The Universe.

On CD and on LP

"Live 1972" will include some interesting tracks, to say the least :

• Improvisation on the Motifs of Cpt. Beefheart
• Trouble Every Day
• Take You Clothes Off When You Dance - Part Two
  
  and the 2 LP version should even include
  
  
• Sharleena
• Peaches En Regalia

MULATU ASTATKE - MULATU PLAYS MULATU

• Mulatu Astatke: Mulatu Plays Mulatu
      (2025, download / streaming, --, strut / bandcamp)

The Strut record label presents "Mulatu Plays Mulatu", the first major studio album in over 10 years from the father of Ethio-jazz, Mulatu Astatke.

Featuring masterful new arrangements of some of his classic compositions, "Mulatu Plays Mulatu" finds Mulatu revisiting the sounds that helped to change the face of Ethiopian music during the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. The album was recorded between London and Addis Ababa, working with his long-standing UK band, a tight, intuitive ensemble honed through years of live performance, alongside cultural musicians resident at his Jazz Village club in Addis.

 

JELLE VAN GIEL

Belgian drummer and composer Jelle Van Giel presents "All I Hear", the first full-length album of his new band, Close Distance.

-

-- info: Dirk Verschaeve

MIKE KENEALLY

While Mike Keneally / Beer For Dolphins perfomed at the Baked Potato a couple of days ago, I was happy to give "Sluggo!" another listen.
Here's a snapshot of the Japanese version that I recently picked up.

-

EMIL RICHARDS - YAZZ PER FAVORE

• Emil Richards: Yazz Per Favore
      (2002, cd, Spain, vampi soul)

The late Emil Richards is known in the Zappa Universe for his contribution to / performance on several iconic Frank Zappa pieces.
Prior to his Zappa involvement, in 1961 (!), Emil and his Yazz Band had already released an album on the Del-Fi record label: "Yazz Per Favore".

I didn't know about this album so I was quite happy when I came across a copy.
Melodic percussion with a latin jazz groove.
Food for fans of exotica !!

Love the early sixties artwork as well.

The 1961 LP got re-released in 2002 on the Spanish Vampi Soul record label.
Both on LP and on CD.

FRANCESCO ZAPPA / ATALANTA FUGIENS - SIX SYMPHONIES

• Francesco Zappa / Atalanta Fugiens, cond. Vanni Moretto: Six Symphonies
      (2012, cd, --, sony music / deutsche harmonia mundi)

18th century Italian cellist & composer Francesco Zappa was active between 1763 and 1788. He wrote music for the Italian court, remaining in some obscurity until the archives of his work were explored by Frank Zappa.
The “Six Symphonies” album had Francesco Zappa’s compositions performed by the Orchestra Atalanta Fugiens, directed by Vanni Moretto.

The liner notes mention Frank Zappa was the initiator of research on and circulation of the Milanese composer’s works.

Vanni Moretto added one of my favourite FZ quotes: “Talking about music is like dancing about architecture.”
Frank Zappa (1940-1993)

SUN RA'S "SUPERSONIC JAZZ" GETS A DELUXE RE-ISSUE

When Sun Ra released his debut Saturn release in 1957, he signaled the Arkestra’s mission for the future. 

The cover declared the album a "21st Century Limited Edition." The compositions on Supersonic Jazz conveyed optimism and hope, bringing a message auguring the World of Tomorrow.

Official expanded 2xLP / 2xCD edition features 14 tracks of alternate versions and studio takes, and the CD contains an additional four bonus tracks.

Liner notes by avid Sun Ra fan Ira Kaplan of Yo La Tengo, and additional essay from longtime Ra blogger Rodger Coleman (NUVOID Sun Ra Sundays).

Vinyl includes a 12x12 insert reproduction of the alternate Saturn jacket art.

https://sunramusic.bandcamp.com/album/supersonic-jazz-expanded-edition

Out on the Cosmic Myth record label.
Available for pre-order.

• Sun Ra And His Arkestra: Supersonic Jazz (deluxe)
      (2025, 2cd, --, cosmic myth records)
      (2025, 2lp, --, cosmic myth records)

PANZERBALLETT & VIRGIL DONATI - ELEVEN VARIATIONS

A message from Panzerballett

Dear Panzerballerinas & Panzerballerinos,

During our May tour, we took a short break to record a live studio session — the result is Eleven Variations.
Our sincere thanks go to BeardyMountainStudio for initiating the project and providing such a welcoming, professional, and relaxed environment.
Discover Eleven Variations and experience the session with us here:

 

FRANK ZAPPA / THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION - ONE SIZE FITS ALL

For those who didn't order the latest Frank Zappa album through the Universal channels, the 2 LP hit the record stores today !!

SPINIFEX - - - NEW ALBUM & TOUR DATES

Spinifex will present their new album Maxximus during a tour in the Netherlands and Germany in November/December 2025.

27 Nov 2025 Parzelle im Depot, Dortmund (DE)
28 Nov 2025 LantarenVenster, Rotterdam
29 Nov 2025 HotHouse, Leiden
3 Dec 2025 JIN, Nijmegen
5 Dec 2025 Zaal 100, Amsterdam (cd presentatie)
6 Dec 2025 Plusetage, Baarle-Nassau

more info www.spinifexmusic.nl

ALIENO DEBOOTES - UNCONVENTIONAL RESIDENTS IV

• Alieno deBootes: Unconventional Residents IV
      (2025, cd, Austria, klanggalerie)

Alessandro Pizzin, also known as Alieno deBootes released his fourth volume of "Unconventional Residents" earlier this year.

Featuring a wonderful selection of musicians performing some of my favorite music in fascinating new arrangements.
It's no wonder that I've been playing this a lot.

Louis Gonzales, Ken Field, Brian Poole, Blaine L. Reininger, Christophe Godin,...

Absolutely amazing.
Highly recommended. All volumes, by the way.

https://www.klanggalerie.com/gg509

Here's Volume III, on Bandcamp

HALF MAN - RED HERRING

• Half Man: Red Herring
      (2002, lp, Italy, beard of stars records)

• Half Man: Red Herring
      (2002, cd, Italy, beard of stars records)

Half Man's "Red Herring" album got released on the Italian Beard Of Stars Records label in 2002.

For some reason, the CD and the LP had completely different artwork.

Fortunately, but both carried the band's fine raw and chaotic version of FZ's 'Willie The Pimp' !!

 

VALENTINA SCHELDHOFEN CIARDELLI - ORO-HUANGJIN

Oro - Huángjin
a new piece by Valentina Scheldhofen Ciardelli

Oro – Huángjin is a journey like no other. Pre-order now and get one track instantly! The full album drops on September 26, 2025, with streaming and high-quality download included. 

This music was commissioned by the MAO in Turin, and it’s a unique piece that I personally love deeply. It’s rare for me to feel such a strong attachment to a piece I’ve written, but this one is very emotional for me. The combination of harp, double bass, and guqin coming together in a meditative, reflective, spiritual journey across seven movements, inspired by the sounds of Zen meditation, always moves me. I hope you will love it as much as I do.

CHARLES MICHAEL - THE GREEN ALBUM

• Charles Michael: The Green Album
      (2020, download, --, bandcamp)

If you like samples as hints or hidden clues, this one's for you:
Charles Michael sampled Frank Zappa and Mothers in some exceptional ways on his “The Green Album”.

Charles added:

‘I Am An Ingrown Toenail’ sampled ‘Mother People’ (Do It Again! Do It Again!), and ’Invocation And Ritual Dance Of The Young Pumpkin’.

‘Pimp Plug’ sampled "Electric Aunt Jemima.

‘Peppermint Bath’ has a little blip of a vocal sample from the “Ruben & The Jets” version of ‘How Could I Be Such A Fool’ as well as the drum fill from ‘Peaches En Regalia’.

‘Nothing Lasts Forever’ sampled the “Freak Out” version of ‘Any Way The Wind Blows’ and ‘Dog Breath, In The Year Of The Plague’.

‘Gotta Be Faster’ has one vocal sample from the “Absolutely Free” version of ‘Call Any Vegetable’ and whole bunch of samples of the “Lumpy Gravy” version of ‘Take Your Clothes Off’.

BANNED FROM UTOPIA TOUR RESCHEDULED FOR SEPT/OCT 2026

The BANNED FROM UTOPIA tour is being rescheduled for Sept/Oct 2026!

13/10/2026 - 'Ebertbad', Oberhausen, Germany 14/10/2026 - 'Logo', Hamburg, Germany

COPERNICUS RICE - 'STOTALLY OUT OF ORDER

• Copernicus Rice: ‘Stotally Out Of Order
      (2025, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)
      (2025, lp, UK, private release / mill lp1)

Portsmouth UK-based Copernicus Rice released their first album earlier this year. It included their version of FZ’s ‘Willie The Pimp’.

Next to the Bandcamp digital music version, the album got released on LP in a limited edition of 100  numbered copies. Glad I caught this time.

Excellent album with a fine version of 'Willie The Pimp'.

JOACHIM-ERNST BERENDT - WAS IST JAZZ ? (2 CD)

• Joachim-Ernst Berendt: Was Ist Jazz?
      (1977, 2lp, Germany, mps records)
      (????, 2cd, Germany, mps records)

Here's an update on Joachim-Ernst Berendts "Was Ist Jazz" 2 LP set that got released in 1977:

German music journalist and author Joachim-Ernst Berendt released an audio documentary on the history of jazz, entitled “Was Ist Jazz?”.
The exposé / presentation was filled with musical excerpts to illustrate the various musical styles and included the George Duke / Frank Zappa collaboration ‘Uncle Remus’ (on side D).

The album would later be released on CD, using a black and white version of the original artwork, and mentioning “2 CD” in the below left corner.

• Blues Und Gospelsong Als Rückgrat Der Jazzentwicklung - Definition Des Jazz
   - incl. a fragment of Uncle Remus (G. Duke, F. Zappa)

NEW CUNEIFORM RELEASES

Soon to be released on the Cuneiform record label :

• Trinary System: The Hard Machine
      (2025, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)

• Happy Family: Walking Through The Mire / The Dark Forest
      (2025, download / streaming, --, bandcamp / cuneiform)

KEVIN KASTNING & SANDOR SZABO - TO CAPTURE THE LIGHT

• Kevin Kastning & Sandor Szabo: To Capture The Light
      (2025, cd, USA, greydisc)

Kevin Kastning (USA) & Sándor Szabó (Hungary) are contemporary guitar explorers, and trailblazers in modern composition. "To Capture The Light" is their 17th Greydisc album release, and features 10 new Kastning-Szabó compositions. "Unbending Sky", the duo’s 2024 release, was up for a Grammy Award in 2025. The Book of Crossings, Kevin and Sándor’s 2012 Greydisc album, was named one of the Top 10 Albums of 2012 by Acoustic Guitar Magazine. Perspectives, their 2016 release, landed on several "best of 2016" lists.

Next to multi-string contraguitar player Kevin Kastning, "To Capture The Light" also features guitar virtuoso Sándor Szabó who's playing a 16-string classical guitar.
Ten pieces, the titles of which are lines of a poem that Kevin wrote, entitled "To Capture The Light.

Soundscapes, sound waves and meandering impressions in which the duo investigates and portrays different ways of how we can see and enjoy light.

"To Capture The Light" will be out on October 7.
  
Here's 'The Slowly Hazes'

FLYING HORSEMAN - ANAESTHESIA

• Flying Horseman: Anaesthesia
      (2025, cd, --, unday records)

A new album by Flying Horseman and we had to wait a while for that.
But it was worth it.

Labelled cosmic, psychedelic, progressive rock and krautrock, "Anaesthesia" exudes a dark atmosphere.
Impressive vocals with perfect guitar lines and beautiful harmony from the band.

And then there's the messages that are passed on in the different songs: the concern of what the world is turning in to.
It manifests itself in frustration and anger, fitting the music perfectly.
(Too bad that the album does not include the lyrics.)

A musical translation of issues we should all be concerned about.
Highly recommended !

MOSAE ZAPPA FESTIVAL

Jeff Hollie won't be able to make it, but look at that line-up !!

Wowie Zowie.
Mosae Zappa 2025 will be fun.

https://mosaezappa.wordpress.com/

AFTER CRYING

Hungarian progressive rock band After Crying recorded a Frank Zappa tribute on one of their earliest releases, an LP entitled "Overground Music" LP (re-issued on CD in 1993).
The piece was called 'European Things (Hommage à Frank Zappa)'.

During the band's career the piece got performed and recorded several times as 'as 'Hommage A Frank Zappa'.

It could be found on the 1993 "Koncert" cassette tape; 
on the 1990 "Overground Music" LP (re-issue on CD in 1993);
and on the 1996 "Elso Evitized' 2 CD set, where it was called 'Hommage a Frank Zappa".

And in 2000 the piece got re-recorded again for the "Live - Struggle For Life" album.

I recently got hold of some of those:

-

GOTAN PROJECT - LA REVANCHA DEL TANGO

• Gotan Project: La Revancha Del Tango
      (2011, 2lp, France, ya basta) – black vinyl
      (2011, 2lp, France, ya basta) – red vinyl

In 2011, Gotan Project’s 2001 2 LP, “La Revancha Del Tango” got re-issued.
On standard black and on red vinyl.

I recently got hold of a red vinyl copy.
Looks and sounds great

THE GRANDMOTHERS - A GRANDMOTHERS NIGHT AT THE GEWANDHAUS

March 2003, The Grandmothers performed a concert in Leipzig, Germany.
At the time, The Grandmothers consisted of Don Preston, Napoleon Murphy Brock, Bunk Gardner, Roy Estrada, Ken Rosser and Chris Garcia.
They got assistance from The Chamber Orchestra Of Invention on a couple of tracks.
A recording of the concert got released on CD in 2003.
(Time to give that album another listen.)

The promotional CD had different artwork but did have the same album cover. It was housed in a jewel case.

Here's a picture the back cover.

VARIOUS ARTISTS - BEAUTY KNOWS NO PAIN

• Various Artists: Beauty Knows No Pain
      (2025, download / streaming, --, bancamp) – 2025 06 06

Darko The Super’s YDTBA (You Don’t Deserve This Beautiful Art) label released the “Beauty Knows No Pain” compilation to celebrate it’s tenth anniversary.

The album opens with BLKrKRT sampling FZ’s ‘Beauty Knows No Pain’.
Fun !! And a nice selection of tracks.
Also out on CD.

ALIENO DEBOOTES & ALESSANDRO MONTI - MICROCULTURE II

• Alieno deBootes: & Alessandro Monti: MicroCulture II
      (2024, download / streamin, --, bandcamp)

“MicroCulture II“ was the second chapter of the MicroCulture project, conceived by Alieno deBootes (= Alessandro Pizzin) and Alessandro Monti.
Recorded from spring 2020 to winter 2022, boundaries were expanded up to unconventionally covering music by other composers.
Track 11 was the duo’s version of Frank Zappa’s ‘The Deathless Horsie’, and there's 'Hugh's Horsie' as well, but there's quite a number of other gems on this album !

Recommended listening !

BREEZE BREWIN - HINDSIGHT

• Breeze Brewin: Hindsight
      (2021, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)
      (2021, cd, USA, matic records / fatbeats records)
      (2021, 2lp, USA, matic records / fatbeats records)

Rapper and producer Breeze Brewin (real name Paul Smith) was a member of New York City underground hip hop  group Juggaknots.
He released “Hindsight” in 2021. It was his first solo album.
The final track, ‘Devil’s Advocate’, kicked off with a sample from the intro to ‘Plastic People’:

Ladies and gentlemen,
The president of the United States

CORRIE VAN BINSBERGEN - - - WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW

 Corrie van Binsbergen received a composition commission from Het Bimhuis, the cultural temple in Amsterdam, NL.
The result is called "What The World Needs Now" and it will premiere at Het Bimhuis on November.

Poetic lines, sentences from interviews with artists and film dialogues form the libretto on which Corrie van Binsbergen bases her composition for a unique septet. The line-up features versatile musicians with whom Van Binsbergen has not worked before. Van Binsbergen herself controls the text samples on stage. She may also pick up the guitar.

In her recent newsletter, Corrie mentioned that at least one of the quotes is by Frank Zappa:
'The biggest problem facing the world today is mental health. If everybody had good mental health then all the other problems would be solved.'

• Nov 28 2025 WTWNN BIMHUIS AMSTERDAM, NL
• Nov 29 2025 WTWNN BREBL NIJMEGEN, NL
• Dec 02 2025 WTWNN TIVOLI VREDENBURG UTRECHT, NL
• Feb 28 2026 WTWNN PARADOX TILBURG, NL

YUVAL RON - FUTURISTIC WORLDS UNDER CONSTRUCTION

• Yuval Ron & Residents Of The Future: Futuristic Worlds Under Construction
      (2004, cd, Germany, wrong notes music)

Dating back to 2004, "Futuristic Worlds Under Construction" might well be Yuval Ron's first release.
The 5-track mini album is available on Bandcamp, but as it had been released on CD as well, I felt like I needed a hard copy.

Yuval Ron on guitar and guitar synth, Ofir Shwartz on keyboards and synths, Yaniv Shamelashvili on bass, and Yatziv Caspi on drums.
5 great fusion pieces with improvisations by all.
The final track is Allan Holdsworth's extraoradinary 'Looking Glass'.
Beautiful.

MICK FARREN - VAMPIRES STOLE MY LUNCH MONEY

I have a couple of different editions of Mick Farren's "Vampires Stole My Lunch Money".
Because it's a fine album, but also because it carries Mick Farren's version of 'Trouble Every Day'.

I just noticed that my Japanese copy on the Captain Trip Records label (= a 1998 re-issue) is missing the obi. Too bad. But still a fine album.

CABALLERO REYNALDO - ON THE UNMATCHED SERIES

• Caballero Reynaldo: Unmatched Vol. 27 / On The Unmatched Series
      (2025, streaming / download, --, bandcamp / crpp) – 2025 – 08 20
      (2025, cd, Spain, caballero reynaldo producciones psicotropicas)

On Bandcamp, Caballero Reynaldo’s compilation album is titled “Unmatched Vol. 27”.
The CD is called “On The Unmatched Series” and is released in a limited edition of 25 copies !
Both releases have the same artwork.

Caballero Reynado added:
As Caballero Reynaldo I made several complete discs for the series Unmatched - Spanish Zappa Tributes, but I also participated in all the other volumes.
This album remasters and compiles all those scattered versions celebrating my 63rd birthday.

A beautiful addition to The Others Of Invention !!
Essential for Zappa freaks.

NANCY - HOW DOES THAT GRAB YOU DARLIN ?

• Nancy: How Does That Grab You Darlin?
      (1997, cd, Belgium, RCA)

Belgian pop band Nancy featured Hans Van Rompaey, Ief De Schepper, Mark Schrooten and Stefan Van Rompaey.
They released one album. Later they would change their name to Kamino.

"How Does That Grab You Darlin?" got produced by Peter Vermeersch and Pierre Vervloesem and featured Bart Maris, Peter Vandenberghe and Peter Vermeersch as guests.

I had never heard of Nancy, but I stumbled upon a copy last week.
Pop.

DARKO THE SUPER - THAT THOUGHT BECAME A SHOVEL

• Darko The Super: That Thought Became A Shovel
      (2025, streaming / download, --, bandcamp) – 2025 04 04
      (2025, cassette, USA, you don’t deserve this beautiful art) - ltd to 40 copies
      (2025, cd, USA, you don’t deserve this beautiful art) - ltd to 50 copies

Released on Bandcamp on the fourth of April earlier this year, Darko The Super's "That Thought Became A Shovel" also got released on CD and on cassette.

The album opens with ‘Dig Yourself Out Of The Shit (Intro)’, a track that starts with a sample of FZ’s ‘I’m The Slime’.

Both the CD and the cassette arrived a little while ago already. With different artwork compared to the Bandcamp album cover. The (shiny gold) cassette does not really have any artwork but is re-titled "Shovel Your Way Out Of The Shit".

A fun release, and great additions to The Others Of Invention.

JOE SATRIANI / ERIC JOHNSON / STEVE VAI - G3 REUNION LIVE

• Joe Satriani / Eric Johnson / Steve Vai: G3 Reunion Live
      (2025, 2cd, Europe, ear music)

Next to the 4 LP / 2 CD deluxe box, the "G3 Reunion Live" album also got released as a 4 LP set and as a 2 CD set.
The 4 LP set had the same cover artwork as the deluxe box set. The 2 CD set had different artwork.
Quite a lot of the music that's on this set, also got performed by the SatchVai band.
As I'm patiently awaiting a SatchVai release, I thought it would only be logic to give this "G3 Reunion Live" album another spin.

MUZE JAZZ ORCHESTRA / MARCO CIRONE / FRANK ZAPPA

The MJO (Muze Jazz Orchestra) will be performing the music of Marco Cirone (and Frank Zappa) on October 5, 2025 at CC De Muze in Heusden-Zolder, BE.

This should be fun !!

SUN RA - DO THE IMPOSSIBLE

I mentioned this brand-new documentary a little while ago at it will be screening in Tilburg, NL, later today. (Sunday - Sept 21, 2025)

https://www.pathe.nl/nl/films/sun-ra-do-the-impossible-49292

It doesn't really fit in today's schedule for me, but I do hope to catch it somewhere soon.

The documentary premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in June and is now being shown at various film festivals all over the world.

Here's a snippet and an interview with director Christine Turner.

-

MATS ÖBERG TRIO - HERMETO'S CHEESE

Mats Öberg Trio - Hermeto's cheese

To be found on their "So Very Mats" album.

Here's a live version:

 

HERMETO PASCOAL - AO VIVO MONTREUX JAZZ

Being not familiar enough with the music of Hermeto Pascoal, I was very happy when I received digital transfers of some of his albums.
One of these was a recording of the Montreux concert.

All of these are now on my (physical copy) want list, by the way. There's so much excellent music around...

Hermeto Pascoal Live in Montreux 1979

-- info & more: Jan van Kemenade

THE THIRD MIND - RIGHT NOW

Enjoying the latest album by The Third Mind.

While The Third Mind may be a supergroup—the band consists of Grammy-winning singer/songwriter/guitarist Dave Alvin (The Blasters), bassist Victor Krummenacher (Camper Van Beethoven, Cracker), drummer Michael Jerome (Richard Thompson, John Cale), guitarist David Immergluck (Counting Crows, John Hiatt), and singer/songwriter Jesse Sykes—the quintet’s mesmerizing new album, Right Now!, is as ego-less a record as you’ll find. Captured over four days in LA, the collection is a masterclass in being present, in letting go of control and embracing the thrill of collaboration. The recordings represent a singular moment—completely unscripted, completely unrehearsed—and the performances are as unpredictable as they are engrossing, blurring the lines between psychedelic rock, folk, blues, and soul on tunes from artists as diverse as Elizabeth Cotton and Pharoah Sanders.

It's hard to imagine that these are unrehearsed and unscripted recordings.
It surely shows the incredible musicianship.
Excellent !

MARC VAN EYCK - PIERRE VERVLOESEM - GUY SEGERS

Marc Van Eyck used to play drums on the first recordings of Pierre Vervloesem.
Back in 1987.

After 35 years Marc contacted Pierre with a series of drums patterns he recorded over the years for different projects and bands.
Pierre added guitars, basses, keys, effects, mixing and producing.

The result was AMAZING.
The album, "Tamtams" got released on the Off Records label in 2022.
If you're not familiar with it, check it out !!
Download / Streaming only.

For the sequel, Marc contacted Rock In Opposition legend Guy Segers.
"Tamtamtams" has just been released by Off Records.
Download / Streaming only.

NEW ALBUM BY ASAF SIRKIS

"The Journey Is You"
by Asaf Sirkis (current drummer of Soft Machine)

• Asaf Sirkis – drums, crotales and all compositions
• Frank Harrison – electric and Acoustic piano, Organ
• Kevin Glasgow – electric bass guitar
• David Preston – electric guitar

THE STRUT LABEL RE-RELEASED SUN RA'S "HIDDEN FIRE"

Strut Records proudly presents the official reissue of Hidden Fire Volumes 1 & 2, the final album released by Sun Ra on his El Saturn label in 1988.

2 LP set and/or digital download / streaming.

HANS ANNELLSSON - SINISTER FOOTWEAR - 3:RD MOVEMENT

A couple of months after the 1st Movement, Hans Annellsson's has now released his version of the '3rd Movement of Sinister Footwear'.

Performed by Hans Annellsson with Viktor Enebjörn (drums) & Andreas Hagman (violin).
Released on Bandcamp.

This is brilliant.
One of Frank's most impressive pieces in a beautiful rendition.

ZAP MAMA - SEVEN

• Zap Mama: Seven
      (1997, cd, --, virgin)

True, I don't know the story behind it but I love it when a band names their fourth album "Seven".

Belgian band Zap Mama (Marie Daulne's project) has been around for quite a number of years already.
They specialize in polyphonic world / pop music.

"Seven" featured Stéphane Galland and Michel Hatzigeorgiou (both from Aka Moon) as well as Bruno Meeus (Wizards Of Ooze) as guests.

'African Sunset' with Stéphane Galland (drums) and Michel Hatzigeorgiou (bass)

And to satisfy the curiosity, here's the original version by Myriam Makeba.

OASIS BOOM

Check out this new (and first) album by Oasis Boom.
Out on CD and on LP, and also on Bandcamp which is perfect to give it a listen.
Out on the Dur & Doux record label.

It's been a while!
We're delighted to present Cactus Bus, the debut album from OASIS BOOM, out today September 19.

Embark on a desert krautrock odyssey with this experimental trance duo mixed with hypnotic jazz. Here, synthesizers are hit with drumsticks and subway tickets get stuck in guitar strings as if there were sand everywhere.

Hand-silk-screened double vinyls with fluorescent inks are available in very limited editions but also a simple 2LP edition.* There are also CDs. :)

BANNED FROM UTOPIA TOUR POSTPONED

from the BFU :

We have some sad news for you regarding the Banned from Utopia tour, below. Please hold on to your tickets and we hope to get back to you soon with new dates.

Banned From Utopia Announces Postponement Of 2025 Fall Tour
LOS ANGELES, CA, September 17, 2025

Dear friends, fans, and extended family of Banned From Utopia,

Due to an overwhelming amount of adverse and unpredictable events that have transpired in recent weeks, we have come to the difficult decision to postpone our upcoming We’re Only In It For The Euros fall tour of Europe. We are currently working with our European promoters to reschedule the dates for late spring/early summer 2026. It is our intention to return stronger than ever and deliver shows worthy of the most loyal Zappa fans on the planet. We are as disappointed as you are by these developments and appreciate your understanding and continued unwavering support.

“Music Is The Best!”-Scott, Ray, Chad, Robbie, Nick, and Jamie

-- info: Philippe Lamoot 

THE RIVERSIDE HIGH SCHOOL BAND - THE BEST OF THE RIVERSIDE HIGH SCHOOL BAND - SECOND EDITION

• Riverside High School Jazz Band: The Best Of The Riverside High School Jazz Band – Second Edition
      (1977, lp, USA, private release / amp 7759)

The Riverside High School Band released two albums entitled “The Best Of The Riverside High School Band”.
The first one was subtitled “1973-1976”, the second one “Second Edition”. Both probably released in 1977.
“The Best Of The Riverside High School Jazz Band – Second Edition” included the ensemble’s rendition of FZ’s ‘Chunga’s Revenge’n under the direction of Tony Femiano.

Another fine addition to The Others Of Invention. Pretty happy to have found a copy.
And 'Chunga's Revenge' sounds exceptional !!
Give it a listen.

DOC HEYNE - ['DRAI]

• Doc Heyne: ['drai]
      (2008, download, Europe, trigger jam records)
      (2008, cd, Europe, trigger jam records)

As mentioned a little while ago, German guitarist Ralf ‘Doc’ Heyne’s third album, ['drai], included a track ('J. C. Van') that opened with Frank Zappa saying “Jazz is not dead. It just smells funny”, taken from the intro of the ‘Be-Bop Tango (Of The Old Jazzmen’s Church’ on the “Roxy & Elsewhere” album.
In the meantime, I was able to locate (and buy) a copy of the album.

Bombastic, symphonic guitar-oriented instrumental rock.
'J. C. Van' is a fine sample of the album.

VARIOUS ARTISTS - TURALURA

In 1990, and again in 2010, the Belgian rock scene paid tribute to Will Tura, the king of the Flemish chansons / ballads / tearjerkers. The resulting albums were called "Turalura".

I'm not a fan of Will Tura but I do like the two tribute albums. Mostly because I think that they're hilarious. And because of the artwork by Ever Meulen.

-

Here's a live version of the track that Mauro Pawlowski recorded. With Triggerfinger.