THE DARKENING SCALE

The Klanggalerie record label just released "The Empty Mirror" by The Darkening Scale, David Janssen's project.

David Janssen, best known for his work as Ted The Loaf in Renaldo & The Loaf. 

Digital download / streaming, and CD release.

SELAH SUE - PERSONA

• Selah Sue: Persona
      (2022, 2cd, Europe, because music)

With the upcoming collaboration of Selah Sue and The Gallands (Stéphane & Elvin Galland), I thought it would only be appropriate to familiarize myself a bit with Selah Sue's music.
The perfect reason to buy a couple of her albums.

"Persona".
Released in 2022.
The regular release is a single CD but I went for the one that came with a bonus disc.
Soulful pop music.
Beautiful.
Uplifting.

'All The Way Down', live

INTIGE TALUURE

Experimental music alert !

For volume 5 of their "Newton's Flat Fidelity" series, Intige Taluure teamed up with BeNe GeSSeRiT.

The result can be found on Bandcamp but was also made available on cassette !!

COMMANDER CODY AND HIS LOST PLANET AIRMEN

Referred to as an American country/western swing band, Commander Cody And His Lost Planet Airmen released their first album in 1971.

I got introduced to their 1988 "Sleazy Roadside Stories" and the 1993 "Lost In Space" albums yesterday, and I enjoyed them quite a lot.
 

• Commander Cody & The Lost Planet Airmen: Sleazy Roadside Stories
      (1988, cd, USA, relix records)

• Commander Cody And His Lost Planet Airmen: Lost In Space
      (1993, cd, USA, relix records)

Here's a YouTube snippet from a 1977 concert.

-- info: Danny Mathys

BLACK FLOWER 2022 CONCERT ON YOUTUBE

A must-see and must-hear concert.

Black Flower, November 26, 2022,
Recorded at Jazztime Ravensburg.

• Nathan Daems – sax, ney, kaval, fl
• Jon Birdsong – cornet
• Karel Cuelenaere – org, clavinet
• Filip Vandebril – b
• Alfredo Bravo – dr

 -- info: Danny Mathys

KAMEEL - BLEAK

Belgian band Kameel.

With Rudy Trouvé as a guest (on vocals)

SJAKO! ANNOUNCED A NEW ALBUM

 A new album, "Senior Citizens", and new concert dates for Dutch band Sjako!.

February 27, 2026, The tour will kick off in Haarlem.
Check https://sjako.eu/

Here's Sjako! performing FZ's 'Magic Fingers', in concert in Apeldoorn in 2016.

BOBBY BRANDFORD, MARK DRESSER & GLENN FERRIS - LIVE IN L.A.

• Bobby Bradford, Mark Dresser & Glenn Ferris: Live In L.A.
      (2011, cd, Portugal, clean feed)

Bobby Bradford (who also recorded with Don Preston) on cornet, Mark Dresser on bass, and Glenn Ferris (who performed and recorded with Frank Zappa) on trombone.
A live session, not recorded in a club before an audience, but in Bruce Fowler's (another famous Frank Zappa trombone player) living room.

-- info: Jan van Kemenade

DARKO THE SUPER - BEWARE OF BOB

Darko The Super has just released "Beware Of Bob".
Produced by MF Grimm.

‘Beware of Bob’ is an out-of-this-world album that is inspired by the truly singular television experience ‘Twin Peaks’ and rooted in Hip-Hop.

I like it.

NEW BOOK ON ZAPPA - - - FRANK ZAPPA - THE LIFE, MUSIC, AND LEGACY...

"Frank Zappa, The LIfe, Music, and Legacy of an Unconvnetional Artist - An Independent Biography"
by Susan M. Chloe

90 pages, hardcover.
It looks and reads like some sort of an AI supported introduction to FZ.

NEW BOOK ON FRANK ZAPPA'S DISSONANT PHILOSOPHY BY BEBO BEST

 Available in English and in Italian:
"Frank Zappa, The Dissonant Philosophy"
and
"Contro Ogni Autorita' - La Filosofia Dissonante Di Frank Zappa"
by Bebo Best

The different chapters discuss politics, dogmas and religion, technology, pop as parody, family man, the yellow shark, dweezil & the ZFT.

50 pages.
Nothing new, but nice to browse through.

MAURO PAWLOWSKI - ALWAYS SOMEONE

'Always Someone'
From Mauro Pawlowski's "Eternal Sunday Drive".

Also out on 7". On gold swirl vinyl.

• Mauro Pawlowski: Always Someone
      (2020, 7", Belgium, unday records)

ANGINE DE POITRINE

 

MOO-AH !

The upcoming Moo-Ah! Frank Zappa tribute festival has the most amazing line-up.

This 5th edition will feature John Etheridge' Zappatistas, Treacherous Cretins and The Muffin Men. Gabba Zappa Hey!, Fred Händl, and Turbulator.

March 20 & 21, 2026. 

https://www.festivalmoo-ah.com/

Check out the German Rockradio special:
https://www.rockradio.de/sendung_info.php?auswahl_lfdnr=39019&name_der_seite1=zappatime

THE LOVE SUBSTITUTES

The Love Substitutes have released two albums, plus one EP.
(The Love Substitutes = Mauro Pawlowski, Craig Ward, Rudy Trouvé & Bert Lenaerts)

I already mentioned "Meet The Love Substitutes While The House Is On Fire", but "The Velvet Sailor EP" (a 12" EP from 2005) and "More Songs About Hangovers And Sailors" (CD, 2006) also need your attention, if only for the beautiful artwork by Rudy Trouvé.

• The Love Substitutes: The Velvet Sailer EP
      (2005, 12”, Belgium, heavenhhotel hh0502)

• The Love Substitutes: More Songs About Hangovers And Sailors
      (2006, cd, Belgium, heavenhotel hh0601)

KATZENJAMMER - A KISS BEFORE YOU GO

• Katzenjammer: A Kiss Before You Go
      (2011, cd, Norway, propeller recordings)

Katzenjammer is a Norwegian female folk / world music quartet.
Dweezil Zappa added electric guitar feedback to one of the tracks...

Here's the track, 'Gypsy Flee':

Here's some more Katzenjammer

THE HOLLYWOOD PERSUADERS - DRUMS A GO-GO

• The Hollywood Persuaders: Drums A Go-Go
      (2007, cd, Japan, amr)

Art Laboe’s Original Sound record label released a compilation album by The Hollywood Persuaders in 1965. 
An extended version of the album got issued on CD in Japan in 2007.
One of the bonus tracks was ‘Grunion Run’, written by Frank Zappa.

All songs were taken from early sixties Original Sound singles, plus two tracks that had been previously unreleased.

S. M. V. - THUNDER

• S. M. V. : Thunder
      (2008, cd, --, heads up international) 

S. M. V. = Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller a Victor Wooten.
3 extraordinary funky bass players.
With George Duke as special guest on some of the tracks.

This is amazing.
Wonderful !!

Here's 'Mongoose Walk', with Chick Corea

-- info & more: André Oomen

BEAT EUROPEAN TOURDATES

BEAT Europe 2026

• 07/06 WOLVERHAMPTON, UK
• 08/06 LONDON, UK
• 10/06 PARIS, FRANCE
• 11/06 DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY
• 13/06 STRASBOURG, FRANCE
• 14/06 HAMBURG, GERMANY
• 15/06 BERLIN, GERMANY
• 16/06 AARHUS, DENMARK
• 18/06 PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
• 19/06 MUNICH, GERMANY
• 20/06 VIENNA, AUSTRIA
• 22/06 ZÜRICH, SWITZERLAND
• 23/06 BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
• 24/06 TILBURG, NETHERLANDS
• 26/06 MADRID, SPAIN
• 27/06 BILBAO, SPAIN
• 28/06 BARCELONA, SPAIN
• 30/06 GARDONE RIVIERA, ITALY
• 02/07 POMPEI, ITALY
• 03/07 BARI, ITALY
• 04/07 PERUGIA, ITALY
• 06/07 UDINE, ITALY
• 07/07 ZAGREB, CROATIA
• 09/07 SOFIA, BULGARIA
• 11/07 ISTANBUL, TURKEY
• 13/07 BUCHAREST, ROMANIA
• 15/07 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
• 17/07 ZAMEK ĆMIELOW, POLAND

KEVIN KASTNING & BRUNO RABERG - ACROSS TALL RAIN

• Kevin Kastning & Bruno Raberg: Across Tall Rain
      (2026, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)

Multi-string acoustic guitar player Kevin Kestning and double bass player Bruno Raberg have just released "Across Tall Rain" next week. It's the duo's second collaboration, after the 2024 "Silent Dimensions" album.

Expect spacious, open soundscapes in which complex movements are performed. Adventurous, but also a perfect soundtrack for a relaxing or even a reflective moment.

Out on Bandcamp:

THE ED PALERMO BIG BAND WILL BE PLAYING AT THE FALCON NEXT WEEK

Next week Eddy & Co. head up to Marlboro Country! Live at The Falcon in scenic Marlboro, NY It's going to be a smokin' good time. :) liveatthefalcon.com

DOCTOR DELTA

I'm quite happy with the news that Doctor Delta will be releasing their Zappa tribute album on CD.
Reason enough to give their "Slow Dog Blues" release another spin.

Out on 2 CD, but you can also check it out on Bandcamp:

THE LOVE SUBSTITUTES - MEET THE LOVE SUBSTITUTES WHILE THE HOUSE IS ON FIRE

• The Love Substitutes: Meet The Love Substitutes While The House Is On Fire
      (2004, cd, Belgium, heavenhotel hh0403)

Kicking off the weekend with The Love Substitutes.
Featuring Craig Ward, Bert Lenaerts, Mauro Pawlowski, and Rudy Trouvé (who also did the album cover artwork !!)

PHISH HAS JUST RELEASED THEIR NEW YEAR'S EVE 1993 CONCERT (INCL. A ZAPPA COVERVERSION)

Phish has just released their New Year's Eve 1993 concert.
As a deluxe 5 LP set, and as a 3 CD set.

The band performed Frank Zappa's 'Peaches En Regalia'.
The piece is getting released on both the 5 LP set and the 3 CD set.

The 5 LP box is being distributed, but the 3 CD set is only available from the Phish website
(https://drygoods.phish.com/products/new-years-eve-1993-live-at-worcester-centrum-3cd-box-set)

Here's the promo picture for the box set, colored vinyl in a box with an aquarium pop-up and everything.

The 3 CD set:

THE McHILSON PROJECT

The McHILSON PROJECT (UK) are Mark Mcinnes, John Hills & James Snelson who first played together in a band in the UK as teenagers (circa 1990) and after years of many & varied musical adventures, they got back together in 2025 to finally record "Insurrection".

"Insurrection", their debut album, will be released worldwide on March 1st !

Marc McInnes was the man behind Zappatika!, the Frank Zappa tribute band that featured Ike Willis and musicians from the UK and The Netherlands.

I was able to get a sneak-peak of "Insurrection", and I can already add that I'm looking forward to the first of March !

A NEW PIECE BY EIDON

'Passioni Contrapposte'
by Eidon

CHAD WACKERMAN AND THE L.A. ALL-STARS

Drummer Chad Wackerman, best known for his lengthy tenures with Frank Zappa and Allan Holdsworth, and his newly-formed supergroup, The L.A. All-Stars, featuring guitar virtuoso Alex Machacek, keyboardist and fellow Holdsworth alumni Steve Hunt, and bassist Jimmy Haslip, have announced upcoming tour dates throughout Europe. 

The quartet will be supporting their new album, "Quube", which will be available exclusively on this tour. Quube is a galvanic collection of nine original pieces that showcase the synergy between all four band members. The album is steeped in the traditions of eclecticism that defines and carries the torch of Holdsworth, Weather Report, and Mahavishnu Orchestra, while the upcoming dates offer a rare opportunity for European fans of modern electric fusion to witness these four renowned musicians performing the material in a setting with no musical guardrails.
The tour launches February 26 in Prague, CZ., and concludes on March 30 with a show at Ronnie Scott’s in London

 Chad Wackerman & the L.A. All-Stars

AZIOLA CRY

Aziola Cry is an American instrumental progressive metal trio from Chicago, consisting of Jason Blake (Warr guitar), Mike Milaniak (guitar), and Tommy Murray (drums). 
April 17 will see the release of their fourth album, "Dysphoria Ritual".
On 7D Media.

SEAN NOONAN

An update (and a new album) by Sean Noonan !

Dear friends,
The wait is finally over.

Today, February 20th, marks the official release of The Drummer of Tedworth. This double album is the explosive culmination of a long-running cosmic saga, recorded with the world-renowned London Symphony Orchestra.

Bringing this project to life has been an extraordinary journey. From the first rhythmic sketches of my alter ego, Olis, to standing at the drum kit in front of the LSO, this work represents everything I strive for as a speaking drummer: the collision of story, rhythm, and orchestral power.

THE ALBUM IS OUT NOW

You can now stream, download, or—for the true collectors—pick up the double vinyl and CD. Your support on release day makes a massive difference in helping this boundary-breaking music reach new ears.

THE WORLD PREMIERE: MARCH 30

With the album now in your hands (and ears), the final step of this journey is the live experience. On March 30th at Milton Court Concert Hall, I will be joined by St. Paul’s Sinfonia to bring this "surreal fantasy epic" to the stage.

This is the first orchestral work ever written for a speaking drummer. It’s more than a concert; it’s a ritual of rock opera and punk-jazz energy that you won’t want to miss.

DOCTOR DELTA'S ZAPPA TRIBUTE ALBUM OUT ON CD

"Doctor Delta Play Zappa - Hydrogen and Stupidity"
got released as a digital download / streaming album in November 2025.

And now, it has been issued on CD !

A superb tribute.

DWIKI DHARMAWAN INTERVIEW ON THE BLUES DOT GR BLOG

a message from the MoonJune Records label:

Here is a great interview with Indonesian pianist/keyboardist/composer/arranger/cultural ambassador Dwiki Dharmawan by Michael Limnios in BLUES.GR online blog.

blues.gr/profiles/blogs/q-a-with-indonesian-musician-dwiki-dharmawan-one-the-most-accompl

“Music has always shaped civilizations. It influences identity, memory, protest, healing, and unity. In today's polarized world, music can become a soft power for peace. As an advocate for peace and the environment, I believe music should raise awareness — about humanity, about coexistence, about our responsibility to the Earth. If my music can inspire even one person to become more compassionate, more thoughtful, or more open to dialogue, then it has achieved its purpose.”

'Anagnorisis', Dwiki's 5th album on MoonJune Records is out now:
• 2LP
• CD
• BandCamp 24bit Download
dwikidharmawan-moonjune.bandcamp.com

OZRIC TENTACLES + QUANTUM FANTAY

I saw both bands in concert at Zappanale, and now they're on the same bill at 'De Casino' in Sint Niklaas, Belgium on March 5, 2026.

NEW COMPILATION ALBUM BY MARBIN

 Progressive jazz / rock band Marbin has just released a new compilation album:

"More Is More Vol. 4"
vinyl release

MORE DWEEZIL ZAPPA ON YOUTUBE

Dweezil's weirdest guitars...

PASMANS

Pasmans is a Belgian band who made an album in 2011 as the soundtrack for the play adaptation of Elsschot's book “Dwaallicht”.

They recorded a second album, “Deluxe”, in 2013 and then spend an eternity mixing it.
It has just been released.
Bandcamp streaming / download, and also on CD.

STICK MEN TOURDATES

2026 Stick Men Brutal Spring Tour

March 4-10, 2026 Cruise to the Edge, Miami/Nassau/Bahamas

South America

March 11, 2026 — Buenos Aires, Las Trastiendas

March 13, 2026 — Santiago, Chile, Teatro Nescafe

March 15, 2026 — Concepcion, Chile, Teatro de la Universidad



USA

26 Mar 2026 – Vault Performing Arts Center – New Bedford, MA

27 Mar 2026 – The Center for Arts in Natick – Natick, MA

28 Mar 2026 – Lofaro PAC – Henniker, NH (SOLD OUT)
29 Mar 2026 – Strand Theatre – Hudson Falls, NY

30 Mar 2026 – Bearsville Theater – Woodstock, NY

31 Mar 2026 – The Iron Horse – Northampton, MA

01 Apr 2026 – Iridium – New York, NY

02 Apr 2026 – Allen Theatre – Annville, PA

03 Apr 2026 – Elkton Music Hall – Elkton, MD

06 Apr 2026 – Lovin’ Cup – Rochester, NY

15 Apr 2026 – Beachland Ballroom – Cleveland, OH

16 Apr 2026 – Ludlow Garage – Cincinnati, OH 

17 Apr 2026 – Irving Theater – Indianapolis, IN

18 Apr 2026 – The Livery – Benton Harbor, MI

19 Apr 2026 – The Token Lounge – Westland, MI

22 Apr 2026 – Reggies – Chicago, IL

23 Apr 2026 – Shank Hall – Milwaukee, WI

24 Apr 2026 – Appleton Beer Factory – Appleton, WI

25 Apr 2026 – Rascals Live – Moline, IL

28 Apr 2026 – City Winery – Pittsburgh, PA

29 Apr 2026 – Ardmore Music Hall – Ardmore, PA

MONSIEUR THIBAULT

The Dur & Doux record label has just released Monsieur Thibault's "Port-Cucu".

CLEARLIGHT

The Cherry Red record label is releasing a Clearlight box set.
French progressive rock from the seventies.

It includes the albums “Clearlight Symphony”, “Forever Blowing Bubbles”, “Les Contes Du Singe Fou”, “Visions” and “Impressionist Symphony”.

SNARKY PUPPY EUROPEAN TOUR

August 28 & 29, 2026, Snarky Puppy will team up with The Metropool Orkest for two concerts in Paris, France, after which Snarky Puppy will kick off their European tour.

https://snarkypuppy.com/tour

MARK WINGFIELD - ELEMENTAL

• Mark Wingfield: Elemental
      (2025, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)
      (2026, cd, --, moonjune records)

Mark Wingfield's latest CD arrived a little while ago. I keep on getting back to it.
From the first notes, Mark's very recognizable sound draws all the attention.

Very lyrical and melancholic, but also very inviting to listen to multiple times.
Top-notch instrumental guitar music.

Out on the MoonJune Records label.

JOE DENINZON / STRATOSPHEERIUS UPDATE

 A message from Joe Deninzon

Ladies & Gentlemen,

Stratospheerius is psyched to share the stage with our good friend Jane Getter & her band Premonition.

Also, just added: Stratospheerius will be joined for the first time by the great keyboardist Neil' “Nail” Alexander! Check out his incredible resume and original compositions on his website NAILMUSIC.COM.

Sunday, March 1st at 8 PM at the legendary Iridium.
1650 Broadway on 51st St in NYC.

Jane is a badass guitarist, singer, and songwriter who blends jazz fusion and prog to create her own unique sound. Along with her incredible band which features her husband, keyboardist Adam Holzman (Steven Wilson, Miles Davis), drummer Gene Lake, and bassist Paul Frazier, she has toured the world and released seven albums to critical acclaim. Joining Jane on guitar that evening will be our own Michelangelo Quirinale, the hardest working man in show business!

Jane is a friend of the band, and after trying to put a show together for years and overcoming many scheduling challenging, we are excited that we’re finally making this night happen!

This show will also serve as a warmup for Jane’s appearance on Cruise to the Edge March 4-9.

As I’ve mentioned before, Stratospheerius shows are rare these days due to my touring schedule with Kansas, so we really hope you can join us for this special night if you’re in the NY area.

Stratospheerius will be:

• Joe Deninzon-electric violin; lead vocals
• Jason Gianni-drums/background vocals
• Michelangelo Quirinale-guitar/vocals
• Jeff Koch-bass
• Special guest Neil “Nail” Alexander on Keyboards.
  
  

KING CRIMSON

King Crimson has been releasing concerts.
On CD.
At an incredible speed.

The most recent ones focus on the 2015 Tokyo shows.
Two times 6 CDs.

-

ALBERT MARCOEUR, PLONK & REPLONK

• Albert Marcoeur, Plonk & Replonk: Mais Monsieur Marcoeur
      (2014, book, France, label frères)

Next to his impressive audio output, Albert Marcoeur also released a book.
It was a collaboration with Plonk & Replonk.
Biographical stories.
Sort of.

SUN RA ARKESTRA SCHEDULED TO PERFORM AT GHENT JAZZ FESTIVAL

 Thursday, July 2, 2026, the Sun Ra Arkestra is scheduled to perform at the Ghent Jazz Festival.

https://www.gentjazz.com/line-up/sun-ra-arkestra

-- info: Dirk Verschaeve

ANCORE D'ARIA - TEPTALIDUM!

• Ancora d’Aria: TepTaliDum!
      (2009, cd, Italy, private release)

Under the direction of Oskar Boldre, Italian polyphonic and experimental choir Ancora d’Aria reinterpretes etno/jazz, progressive rock, crossover and minimal music.
The ensemble released several CDs.

Their “Teptalidum!’ album included three pieces by King Crimson, next to a reworked version of FZ’s ‘City Of Tiny Lites’.

This is brilliant, and I'm not necessarily talking about 'City Of Tiny Lites'.
The entire album is one great surprise / adventure.

Released in 2009. What a fine discovery.

Here's a short introduction:

ANDREA BRAIDO - LE BIZZARRE AVVENTURE DEL DOTTOR KRANIUS

• Andrea Braido: Le Bizzarre Avventure Del Dottor Kranius
      (1996, cd, Italy, srazz records)

Italian guitarist and composer Andrea released a Frank Zappa tribute on his “Le Bizzarre Avventure Del Dottor Kranius” album.
Instrumental guitar-oriented rock: guitar, bass and drums, with a lot of guitar wizardry going on.

Track eleven is entitled ‘Libertá Accordata (alla memoria del grande Frank Zappa)'.

A fine album, and the (inspired) FZ tribute is excellent.
The disc got released in 1996. That's 30 years ago. (But I only learned about it a couple of weeks ago...)
Here's 'Libertá Accordata (alla memoria del grande Frank Zappa)'

JAZZ HICCUPS PLAYS FRANK ZAPPA

Jazz Hiccups
celebrating Frank Zappa's 85th birthday 

Recorded @ Waldorf School Ljubljana, 20. 12. 2025

THE HEARTBREAKERS - EVERYTIME I SEE YOU / CRADDLE ROCK

I'm still lacking several of these old Cucamonga-era singles, but it's fun to add one to the collection every once in a while.
In the meantime, I keep on searching.

DEWA BUDJANA & CZECH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA - PRAGUENAYAMA

• Dewa Budjana & Czech Symphony Orchestra: Praguenayama
      (2026, download / streaming, --, bandcamp / moonjune records)
      (2026, cd, --, moonjune records mjr143)
      (2026, lp, --, moonjune records mjr143)

I have this weak spot for guitarists that perform with an orchestra or a larger ensemble. Most probably because I've seen and heard a few that rank in my top 5 concerts or albums of all time.

It's a balanced exercise, of course. You need the compositions to start with, plus the orchestration, and the guitar has to add that extra flavour.
"Praguenayama" (Prague Mountain), the collaboration between Indonesian guitarist and composer Dewa Budjana and the Czech Symphony Orchestra ticks all these boxes.

Beautiful.

Released on the MoonJune Records label.
Available as a download / streaming album through bandcamp, but also out on CD and on LP.

KVHW

 KVHW, also known as Kimock, Vega, Hertz and White, only existed for a couple of years.

Fun fact: for their final gig, December 31, 1999, Ray White could not make it.
As it happens, he was replaced by none other than Ike Willis.

The band was still KVHW, but this time it was Kimock, Vega, Hertz and Willis.

An excellent audience audio recording can be found here:
https://archive.org/details/kvhw1999-12-31.shnf

The band performed 'Trouble Every Day', 'Outside Now' and 'Lucille'.

'Outside Now' featured special guest Derek Trucks on slide guitar !!

Snippets of the show:

-

HANS ANNELLSSON - SINISTER FOOTWEAR

• Hans Annellsson: Sinister Footwear
      (2026, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)
      (2026, cd, Sweden, private release)
  

Hans Annellsson finished his rendition / arrangement of Frank Zappa's 'Sinister Footwear' !
I loved the first and third movement that Hans issued a little while ago, but now the piece is complete.

One of Frank Zappa's most beautiful works.
Performed by HA, with Andreas Hagman (violin) & Viktor Enebjörn (drums).

Incredible.
Beautiful.

NEW DATA FOR THE ARCHIVES

• Captain Beefheart & The Magic Band: Lick My Decals Off, Baby
      (2026, 2lp, --, rhino)
      = the 1970 LP + takes from the original sessions / RSD release

• Dans Dans: Live !
      (2026, lp, Belgium, unday records)
      = RSD release

• Gruppo Sportivo: Talkshow
      (2026, 10”, --, mie)
      = RSD release, white vinyl

• Heliocentrics, Marshall Allen, Knoel Scott, Bilal: Nuclear War
      (2026, lp, --, strut records)
      = RSD release, limited-edition “hazardous” orange and yellow vinyl exclusive

• Jeff Buckley: Live A L’Olympia
      (2026, 2lp, --, sony)
      = RSD release, originally released in 2001, this is the first vinyl release

• King Crimson: Penn State 29 June, 1974
      (2026, lp, --, panegyric)
      = RSD release

• King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard: Big Fig Wasp
      (2026, lp, --, having fun)
      = RSD release, a bee (pollinator) shaped picture disc

• King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard: Live Around the Globe – Part VI - The Acoustic Concert
      (2026, lp, --, blind rope)
      = RSD release, transparent turquoise marbled vinyl

• Little Feat: Little Feat (Deluxe Edition)
      (2026, 2lp, --, rhino)
      = RSD release, the original album plus early recoring sessions

• Nolan Porter & Stone Foundation: Live At The 100 Club
      (2026, lp, --, the turning point)
      = RSD release, white vinyl

• Pink Floyd: Live at LA Sports Arena, 1975
      (2026, 4lp, --, sony music)
      = RSD release, clear vinyl, produced by Steven Wilson

• The Pretty Things: From The Other Side
      (2026, 10”, --, madfish)
      = RSD release, coke bottle green vinyl

• The Residents: The Residents Present Randy, Chuck & Bob In The Studio
      (2026, lp, --, ralph)
      = RSD release, unreleased material

• The Sensational Alex Harvey Band: Live In The New World – Berlin ’76
      (2026, lp, --, madfish)
      = RSD release, issued to coincide with the release of the 21 CD box set

• XTC: Live at Emerald City 1981
      (2026, 2lp, --, ape house)
      = RSD release
      New official XTC bootleg series titled ‘Live Boots’ planned from 2026, exclusive to RSD

TOP 10 FRANK ZAPPA GUITAR SOLOS BY CHANAN HANSPAL

 

VARIOUS ARTISTS - JAZZ MIDDELHEIM VOLUME 1

• Various Artists: Jazz Middelheim Volume 1
      (2025, lp, Belgium, vrt)

Released by Belgian national radio station VRT in 2025, "Jazz Middelheim Volume 1" presented recordings from the Antwerp jazz festival: Aka Moon, Flat Earth Society, Greetings From Mercury,...

It says "Volume 1". Does this imply that it may become a series?

IGORRR - AMEN

I have friends that make lists.
Lists with concerts they attended and / or albums they bought.
Adding their top 5, top 10, or whatever.
And they always know to surprise me.

Igorrr is a band that I had heard of, but never really checked out.
Fortunately, we now have Bandcamp and YouTube to help us with that.

-- recommendation: Uli Mrosek

THE MERIDIAN ARTS ENSEMBLE

Catching up and enjoying The Meridian Arts Ensemble.

• Meridian Arts Ensemble: Timbrando
      (2008, sacd)

The MAE added: This is our ninth CD, and it is being released in the year of our twentieth anniversary. The CD is a kind of travelogue, featuring music we picked up during our tour of Latin and South America and the United States. Several of the pieces on this disc were commissioned for our visit to the Subtropics Festival in Miami, a city that was a major crossroads of Latin culture in 1997. Other pieces were collected abroad or from friends we made there. We brought all this music back to our home base, New York, another intercultural meeting place. And now to listeners wherever they may be. Timbrando is Portuguese for making a tone or sound (it is related to the word timbre).

• Meridian Arts Ensemble: Brink
       (2006, sacd)

The MAE added: On this disc, we present three commissioned works, composed by David Sanford, Elliott Sharp and Nick Didkovsky. For a long time, we wanted to put together concert programmes with just a few large-scale works, each of which fully developed their ideas. Now the repertoire is growing, and we are on the cusp of something new. All three pieces draw on different musical styles available to the contemporary listener, from free improvisation in a densely notated art-rock setting to evocations of African vocal polyphony, from oblique references to 1970s television themes to the rhythms and intonations of a preaching minister. Yet each piece creates its own unique style and language. We recorded this CD in the Mennonite Church on the town square of Deventer, the Netherlands, on a large pedestrian square locally known as the Brink.

-- info & more: Danny Mathys