LA JUNGLE

LA JUNGLE shifts into third gear and treats itself to a two-drum-kit go-fast. The duo becomes a trio with its seventh studio album, "An Order Of Things".
Nine tracks written by six hands in Mons, on the banks of La Trouille — the unsettling river — and recorded in the woods of Normandy.
In 2026, Roxie, Jim, and their friend Da offer a new order of things after 700 shows and more than 10 years of touring face to face. Double kick, double snare, triple trance. Dance, always.

Here's 'Witches Carousel':

PROJECT Z

Project Z

Freak Me Out, Frank Festival in SMUP - 21/3/2026

 

THE STINKFOOT ORCHESTRA PLAYS ZAPPA

From GlassOnyonPR

THE STINKFOOT ORCHESTRA

14-PIECE FRANK ZAPPA TRIBUTE ANNOUNCES SOUTHWEST SPRING TOUR WITH ZAPPA ALUM, NAPOLEON MURPHY BROCK

The Stinkfoot Orchestra’s April–May run includes a headline slot at San Diego’s Global Earth Day Festival, first-ever shows in Phoenix and Las Vegas, and a two-night no-repeat Vegas stand

BAY AREA, CA — The Stinkfoot Orchestra, a Bay Area-based 14-piece ensemble dedicated to the music of Frank Zappa, will launch a Southwest spring tour beginning April 16, bringing one of rock’s most ambitious catalogs to stages across California, Arizona, and Nevada.

Fronted by Napoleon Murphy Brock and featuring a history of collaborations with Zappa alumni including Ike Willis and Ray White, the band’s 2026 spring run includes a headline performance at San Diego’s 34th Annual Global Earth Day Festival, first-ever appearances in Phoenix and Las Vegas, and a two-night late-night stand in Las Vegas featuring more than 70 songs with no repeats.

Known for combining musical precision with theatrical irreverence, The Stinkfoot Orchestra has built a devoted following on the West Coast by bringing Frank Zappa’s technically demanding music to life through a 14-piece lineup featuring a six-piece horn section, five vocalists, tuned percussion, and a stage show that embraces both the complexity and absurdity of Zappa’s work.

“I appreciate the fact that they prepared themselves properly. They learned the music properly, they play the right notes and they are articulate about it. If they weren’t doing it correctly, I wouldn’t show up. The standard is high.”
- Napoleon Murphy Brock, Frank Zappa alumnus and Stinkfoot Orchestra frontman.

The tour opens at Venice West in Venice Beach on April 16 - a favorite stop both for the band and fans alike where past performances have included sit-ins by several Zappa alumni including Bruce Fowler and Arthur Barrow. Venice is followed by a stop at Spaghetti Western in Morongo Valley on April 17. On April 19, the band will headline the Global Earth Day Festival at the WorldBeat Cultural Center in San Diego’s Balboa Park.

From there, the band heads to Arizona for a return to Tucson at 191 Toole on April 22, followed by its first-ever Phoenix performance at The Rhythm Room on April 23.

The run reaches a peak on April 24 and 25 in Las Vegas, where The Stinkfoot Orchestra will make its Vegas debut with two complete, late-night performances at The Bonfire following Phish’s second weekend at the Sphere. Curated by Cash or Trade, the shows are being billed as two nights of music with no repeated songs between them.

The band returns home to Northern California to conclude the tour with 3 dates at Cornerstone in Berkeley on April 30, The Boardwalk in Orangevale on May 1, and Lost on Main in Chico on May 2.

“The connection between the musicians is palpable, Chargin making it look easy is an illusion that is the product of countless hours of practice. Even my untrained ears recognize the technical ability required of all the musicians to deliver. ”
- Spike Steffenhagen, San Diego Reader (March 2024)

“The impression left upon driving home from this experience was one of deep appreciation mixed with laughter and amazement. The Stinkfoot Orchestra is more than worthy of your time and money.”
- Ted Silverman, JamBase (September 2021)

TOUR DATES
Apr 16 — Venice West — Venice Beach, CA — 8pm
Apr 17 — Spaghetti Western — Morongo Valley, CA — 9pm
Apr 19 — WorldBeat Cultural Center Global Earth Day Festival — San Diego, CA — Headlining
Apr 22 — 191 Toole — Tucson, AZ — 8pm
Apr 23 — The Rhythm Room — Phoenix, AZ — 8pm (first-ever Phoenix show)
Apr 24–25 — The Bonfire — Las Vegas, NV — 11:59pm (first-ever Las Vegas shows)
Apr 30 — Cornerstone — Berkeley, CA — 8pm
May 1 — The Boardwalk — Orangevale, CA — 8pm
May 2 — Lost on Main — Chico, CA — 9pm

ABOUT THE STINKFOOT ORCHESTRA
The Stinkfoot Orchestra is a Bay Area-based 14-piece ensemble dedicated to performing the music of Frank Zappa. Featuring a six-piece horn section, five vocalists, tuned percussion, and collaborations with Zappa alumni including Napoleon Murphy Brock, Ike Willis, and Ray White, the group has earned a reputation across the West Coast for performances that bring Zappa’s technically demanding catalog to life with precision, humor, and theatrical flair.

FROGHAT

Froghat recently uploaded a fine version of Frank Zappa's 'Cletus Awreetus-Awrightus' to YouTube.

And that wasn't the end of the surprise.
www.minnowland.net revealed more exiting music by Froghat, including a sublime surf version of FZ's 'Take Your Clothes Off When You Dance'.

The track made it to three Froghat Bandcamp releases and, again, proved that bands that cover a Zappa tune are worth checking out.

Listen to "Meet Froghat" (with a little album-artwork-nod to The Residents).

DAI KAHT

Dai Kaht, a band from Finland. Obviously inspired by Magma.

This is great !!

-

-- info & more: Danny Mathys 

THE RETURN OF AL DOUM & THE FARYDS

About a week ago, I mentioned two fine albums by Al Doum & The Faryds: "Cosmic Love" (2014) and"Spirit Rejoin" (2018).

In the meantime, my exploration continued with "Freaky People" (2021) and (the brand-new) "Ipnagogico" (2026).

Spiritual exotic jazz.

Perfect to get in a good mood.

-

RECORD COLLECTOR PRESENTS FRANK ZAPPA

Due out in April :

-- info: Andrew Greenaway (on Facebook)
 

FULANO - - - NADIE NOS CONOCE

Fulano released 'Nadie Nos Conoce' on their "Trabajos Inutiles" album in 1997.
The piece is said to be a tribute to Frank Zappa.

 

MEDIABANDA - - - CHILEAN WIKEN AGAIN

Mediabanda's 'Chilean Wikén Again' includes a snippet of a Frank Zappa song.
The piece can be found on their "Entre La Inseguridad Y El Ego"album.
The Zappa reference starts with the bass solo, around 05:30 into the song

-- info: Charly

EIDON - FOUR PATTERNS

a new piece by Eidon:
'Four Patterns'

 

GHOST RHYTHMS - SEPT CERCLES

• Ghost Rhythms: Sept Cercles
      (2008, cd, France, laboratoire d'exploration musicale)

The name Ghost Rhythms' record label says it all: Laboratoire d'Exploration Musicale.
For French band Ghost Rhythms, it's indeed all about the exploration of sounds and rhythms.

That being said, the band does not produce free form experimental music. "Sept Cercles", for instance, presents 9 pieces (10 if you count the hidden track). Instrumental, melodic and well structured modern jazz, with the emphasis on the rhythmic aspect.

Very nice.
An excellent discovery.

-- info & more: Danny Mathys

GARY LUCAS RELEASED "THE EDGE OF HEAVEN VOLUME 2"

On Chinese New Year Feb. 7th 2026 (Year of the Fire Horse), Gary Lucas released “The Edge of Heaven Volume 2,” featuring Chinese vocalist and erhu virtuoso Feifei Yang and multi-instrumentalist Jason Candler;

It's a Digital Music Platform-only release.

 

CRAIG SMITH / MAITREYA KALI - APACHE INCA

• Craig Smith / Maitreya Kali: Apache Inca
      (2025, 2lp + 7”, --, maitreya apache music)

Craig Smith, changed his name to Maitreya Kali in the late 1960s. He recorded and privately released a 2 LP set in 1972 entitled “Apache Inca”.
In fact, these were two separate albums, but they got issued as a 2 LP gatefold release.

The back of the “Apache” record sleeve included a message by Frank Zappa:
“Voodoo Spell” is probably the best item on this tape.
-- Frank Zappa

The album got re-issued in 2019 in the U.S.
Counterfeits have also been spotted. Both on vinyl and on cd:
(2019, 2lp, Germany, little Indians)
(2020, 2cd, Germany, shadoks music)

In 2025, Record Store Day saw a more luxurious re-release with the 2 LP set housed in a slipcase, adding a booklet, an insert and an additional 7” record.

The bandcamp version :

THE DESMOND LEGACY - - - BEYOND "TAKE FIVE"

A beautiful project by Sharp Elven / The Desmond Legacy

-- info: Dirk Verschaeve

HANS ANNELLSSON - VARFÖR HOSTAR BONDEN?

Hans Annellsson just released "Varför Hostar Bonden?"

The album features Jimmy Ågren and Mats Öberg, to name just two of the guests.

NEW ALBUM BY XAVI REIJA ELECTRIC QUINTET

"Nu Breed", new album on MoonJune Records by the Catalan drummer and composer Xavi Reija.

• Xavi Reija – Drums
• Dusan Jevtovic - Electric Guitar
• Tomás Fosch - Fender Rhodes Electric Piano, Mini Moog
• Rafael Garacés – Sax
• Brnat Hernandez - Bass Guitar

Contemporary Spanish electric jazz.

BILL BRUFORD'S EARTHWORKS - LIVE IN SANTIAGO

• Bill Bruford's Earthworks: Live In Santiago
      (2023, cd + dvd)

Featuring Bill Bruford (Drums), Steve Hamilton (Keyboards), Tim Garland (Saxophones, Bass Clarinet), and Mark Hodgson (Acoustic Bass), Bill Bruford's Earthworks band performed in Santiago on September 29, 2002.

Originally released in the 2019 "Complete" box set, this Santiago concert was made available in a CD/DVD package in 2023.
With beautiful artwork by Dave McKean !!

Lovely.

-- info & more: Danny Mathys

GOV'T MULE SPRING TOUR

 

THE STINKFOOT ORCHESTRA PLAYS ZAPPA

The word is out- Stinkfoot Orchestra is playing TWO NIGHTS in Vegas at The Bonfire featuring Frank Zappa alumnus, Napoleon Murphy Brock! Two nights, 4 sets, 2 extend encores and absolutely NO REPEATS!

NEW ALBUM BY FLAT EARTH SOCIETY

The Flat Earth Society Orchestra has just released "Missa Asinorum".
The bandcamp download / streaming version is already available.
The CD / LP release will follow around the 18th of April.

I'm listening while I'm typing this.
Beautiful !!

THE VEGETARIANS - AMPERSAND ON THE BEACH

The Vegetarians (= Hans Annellsson & John Tabacco) have just released "Ampersand On The Beach".

 

dEUS - WORST CASE SCENARIO (30th ANNIVERSARY EDITION)

• dEUS: Worst Case Scenario (30th Anniversary Edition)
      (2026, 2cd, Belgium, piasb1042cd)
      (2026, 3lp, Belgium, piasb1042lp)

After having released two EP's in 1994 ("Zea" and "Suds & Soda"), dEUS released their first album, "Worst Case Scenario" later in the same year.
It got produced by Peter Vermeersch and Pierre Vervloesem.
Soon after the album another two EP's followed: "Via" and "Hotellounge".

All of these EP's did get quite some airplay on Studio Brussel, Belgian national radio, and as a result, most Belgians (at least those who have a good taste in music) can whistle or hum most of these tunes along.

A classic album and the little references will immediately explain where their influences come from.

- ‘Zea Intro Replica’ sampled ‘The Blimp’ (D. Van Vliet), It's The Blimp, Frank !

- ‘W.C.S. (First Draft)’ sampled ‘Little Umbrellas’ (F. Zappa)

This is not the first 'deluxe' re-issue of "Worst Case Scenario" but it fits nicely next to the "In A Bar, Under The Sea (30th Anniversary Edition)", so I consider it essential.

It's The Blimp! It's The Blimp, Frank !

 

NEW ALBUM BY FRENCH TV

French TV's latest CD, "The Spanish Caper", is the 16th in their long history and their 2nd for Cuneiform.

Disc One is new songs recorded in Spain featuring charter member bassist/composer Mike Sary, guitarist Kasumi Yoneda (also from the Japanese band TEE), long-time drummer Jeff Gard, plus members of the French band Mentat Routage (who also make up French TV's line-up when touring Europe).

The second disc is a collection of somewhat-obscure rock covers from the late 60s-early 70s. The line-up on this includes Sary, Yoneda, Gard, plus keyboardist Patrick Strawser (best known for his work in the 90's band Volare).

STICKMEN TOURDATES

 

TOM WILSON

Here's an interesting article on Tom Wilson 
https://www.producertomwilson.com/the-music-factory/

Photo: PoPsie Randolph/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

The article also refers to Irwin Chusid's website:
https://www.producertomwilson.com/the-music-factory/

Tom Wilson's (1967-1968) radio show was called "The Music Factory".
Fun fact: The first episode had 'Help, I'm A Rock' as an opening theme and Tom briefly discussed going to Europe with The Mothers Of Invention. It starts at around 20 minutes into the show.

https://www.producertomwilson.com/the-music-factory/

-- info: J. M. Smig

J. M. SMIG - SCHIZOSPANGLIC

J. M. Smig released "Schizospanglic" last week. A compilation, sort of.
He added "I just created this to market to Latin stations so I don't plan on making this permanent in my discography".

Which exactly is the reason why you should check it out now:

J. M. also mentioned that his "Zappcrite" suite is "by no means finished. I'm just taking a break while I research material for a developing storyline".

JEFF AUG - LIVE IN EUROPE 2016

• Jeff Aug: Live In Europe
      (2016, cd, Germany, brainstorm records)

In between the sunshine and the hailstorms, though safely behind glass, I’m enjoying Jeff Aug's "Live In Europe 2016".

I recently caught Jeff opening for Chad Wackerman & the L. A. All Stars.
He made quite an impression.
Short acoustic instrumental fingerstyle guitar tunes, with Jeff giving funny comments in-between the tracks. I really enjoyed it.

"Live In Europe 2016" got recorded on Jeff's European Tour as support for the Alex Skolnick Trio during the months of January and February 2016.

Out on CD on Jeff's own label (with is the same label that also released music from Ape Shifter, one of Jeff's other projects), and also available on Bandcamp.

-- info & more: Philippe Lamoot

dEUS - IN A BAR, UNDER THE SEA (30th ANNIVERSARY EDITION)

• dEUS: In A Bar, Under The Sea (30th Anniversary Edition)
      (2026, 2cd, Belgium, piasb1043cd)
      (2026, 3lp, Belgium, piasb1043lp)

The 30th anniversary of dEUS' "In A Bar, Under The Sea" is celebrated with a beautiful reissue: the original album plus some B-sides and demos.

Next to being a fantastic album (great songs, superb artwork), there are also some nice references to the music of Captain Beefheart, who, obviously, was a big inspiration.

- The title of ‘Disappointed By The Sun’ is taken from a Captain Beefheart interview

- ‘Roses’ mentions Captain Beefheart in the lyrics
- ‘My Wife Jan’ refered to Don Van Vliet & sampled ‘Wild Life’ (D. Van Vliet)

Essential.

Here's a recent live snippet: 'Little Arithmetics':

 

THE ED PALERMO BIG BAND

The horrible Eddy the Hun (Attila's 3rd cousin) of West Orange has set his sights on the majestic mountains of Ulster County.
For One Night Only. April 25, 2026, at 7:30 PM. Live at The Falcon!
Reservations: www.liveatthefalcon.com/shows/the-ed-palermo-big-band-21

MOLTEN PENGUIN

Here's a snippet of a recent Molten Penguin concert.

I'm a fan !

• Pieter Claus: vibraphone, synthesizer, compositions
• Jan Ghesquière: guitar
• Joshua Dellaert: bass
• Jonathan Callens: drums

Check out their 2019 EP (also out on vinyl !)
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kRPJWqOXHFvtkDnWayhO9ZgNYOmLMnN2g

LEIF DE LEEUW BAND

The Leif de Leeuw Band is a Dutch jamband.

Their latest album is called "Leif de Leeuw Band Plays The Allman Brothers Band II" and it even includes their version of 'Whipping Post'.

Here's a fine recording of the Leif de Leeuw Band live at Herzberg 2025 Festival !
Check them out performing 'Jessica' (at 46:20). Fun !!
And Neil Young's 'Southern Man' (at 1:08:09).

THE FURIOUS BONGOS PLAY ZAPPA

TODD RUNDGREN ANNOUNCES "DAMNED IF I DO" 2026 TOUR

Todd Rundgren Announces “Damned If I Do” 2026 Tour

Legendary producer/songwriter/guitarist Todd Rundgren announces today that he will be embarking on a tour across the United States! Entitled “Damned If I Do”, this tour promises to include plenty of fan favorite songs. Says Todd, “It’s always a challenge for me because my audience is so diverse, I never know what they’re in the mood for. I want to make sure we have all the musical ammunition we need to satisfy the spectrum.”

The tour commences June 11th at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, Illinois and ends July 19th at the Cabot Theater in Beverly, Massachusetts. 

Todd’s band for the "Damned If I Do" tour will feature Gil Assayas (Keys), Bruce McDaniel (Guitar), Prairie Prince (Drums), Bobby Strickland (Horns), and Kasim Sulton (Bass).

TODD RUNDGREN “DAMNED IF I DO” TOUR

June 11 – Arcada Theatre – St. Charles, IL
June 12 – Des Plaines Theatre – Des Plaines, IL
June 14 – Vibrant Music Hall – Waukee, IA
June 16 – Majestic Theatre – Dallas, TX
June 17 – House of Blues – Houston, TX
June 19 – Tobin Center for the Performing Arts – San Antonio, TX
June 20 – Golden Nugget – Lake Charles, LA
June 22 – Buckhead Theatre – Atlanta, GA
June 23 – The Parker – Ft. Lauderdale, FL
June 25 – Capitol Theatre – Clearwater, FL
June 26 – Capitol Theatre – Clearwater, FL
June 28 – Circle Square Cultural Center – Ocala, FL
June 30 – Charleston Music Hall – Charleston, SC
July 01 – Carolina Theatre of Durham – Durham, NC
July 03 – The Caverns – Pelham, TN
July 05 – KEMBA Live! – Columbus, OH
July 06 – Riviera Theatre – North Tonawanda, NY
July 08 – Community Arts Center – Williamsport, PA
July 09 – Warner Theatre – Washington, DC
July 11 – Keswick Theatre – Glenside, PA
July 12 – Keswick Theatre - Glenside, PA
July 15 – Patchogue Theatre – Patchogue, NY
July 16 – Tarrytown Music Hall – Tarrytown, NY
July 18 – Bally’s Twin River Casino – Lincoln, RI
July 19 – Cabot Theater – Beverly, MA

MATTIAS DE CRAENE

Mattias De Craene & Black Koyo - "Moulay Abdellah Chrif"

From their upcoming album, soon to be released on the WERF label.

• Mattias De Craene: Wind instruments, Synthesizers & percussion
  
  & Black Koyo
• Hicham Bilali: Voice, Guimbri, Ouisja, Qraqueb 
• Ismail Akheraze: Voice, Qraqueb 
• Marouane Abantor: Voice, Qraqueb 
• Ayoub Boufous: Voice, Qraqueb

25.03 - Brosella Spring Festival, Brussel, BE
04.04 - PUSH THE BUTTON, Oostende, BE
30.04 - 30CC, Leuven, BE
02.05 - CC CasinoKoksijde, Koksijde, BE
06.05 - Ha Concerts, Gent, BE
13.05 - Rataplan, Antwerpen, BE
15.05 - De Warande, Turnhout, BE
19.05 - GC de Muze van Meise, Meise, BE
22.05 - CC De Woeker, Oudenaarde, BE
23.05 - Cultuurcentrum Muze, BE
25.05 - Music Meeting Festival, Nijmegen, NL
27.05 - CC De Werft, Geel, BE
30.05 - Muziekclub N9, Eeklo, BE
05.06 - Flagey, Brussel, BE
06.06 - CC de Meent, Alsemberg, BE

CRO MAGNON - ZAPP!

Cro Magnon.
Rock In Opposition / urban chamber music.
Another excellent Belgian ensemble that has been around since the early 1980s.
They released their first album in 1992.

'BIZARRIA', A NEW PIECE BY EIDON

'Bizzarria'
by Eidon 

TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND - FUTURE SOUL

A new release by the Tedeschi Trucks Band: "Future Soul".
And it sounds great.

J. M. SMIG - ZAPPACRITE

The last couple of years, J. M. Smig has been updating and expanding his "Zappacrite" suite.

The latest (final?) version is now up on Bandcamp.

Give it a listen !!

o Zappacrite I. Knight Of A Malt Shop
o Zappacrite II. Homungulatis
o Zappacrite III. Ranc’d Honker: Lumpy Rapey Or Taboos
o Zappacrite IV. Errs A Parent
o Zappacrite V. Moondance

SELAH SUE & THE GALLANDS - MOVIN'

• Selah Sue & The Gallands: Movin'
      (2026, cd, France, because music)

Preparing for an upcoming concert of Selah Sue & The Gallands, I acquired their latest album.

It's all about the groove.
Selah Sue, Stéphane Galland & Elvin Galland.

Live at Radio Nova.
Selah Sue & Elvin Galland
'Another Way' and a (goosebumps) cover of 'Black Bird'

JEFF AUG - LIVING ROOM SESSIONS

• Jeff Aug: Living Room Sessions
      (2009, cd, Germany, netmusiczon)

Jeff Aug opened for Chad Wackerman & the L.A. All-Stars on their recent European tour.
I caught them at the Paradox club in Tilburg, NL.

Instrumental fingerpicking acoustic guitar.
It was lovely to watch and a real pleasure to listen to.

The most impressive thing of all was the energy with which Jeff performed.

Less visually striking, but just as impressive, is "Living Room Sessions", Jeff's 2009 album.
14 short and impressive pieces, plus one longer (18 minute) suite. 

Recommended listening.

Here's a more recent video snippet:

-- info & more: Philippe Lamoot

AL DOUM & THE FARYDS

Al Doum & The Faryds.
Somewhere between psychedelic tribal music and spiritual exotic jazz.
From Italy.

I was pleasantly surprised when I received "Cosmic Love" (2014) and "Spirit Rejoin" (2018).

-

-- info & more (Danny Mathys)

J. M. SMIG - SCHIZOSPANGLIC

J. M. Smig has just released "Schizospanglic", a collection of previously released compositions.
Check it out.
It's a great introduction to J. M. Smig's music.

NEW ALBUM BY NUBIYAN TWIST

"Chasing Shadows", a new album by Nubiyan Twist.

Nubiyan Twist is a Leeds-formed, London-based eclectic collective blending jazz, afrobeat, hip-hop, soul, reggae, and electronic music into a high-energy, infectious sound. Known for a powerful horn section, intricate live instrumentation, and soulful vocals, their music features virtuosic musicianship and danceable global grooves.

ZAPPA / BEEFHEART / MOTHERS - BONGO FURY (50th ANNIVERSARY EDITION)

It's out and available in different editions, even including a Hi-Res (24-bit/96 kHz or 24-bit/192 kHz) download option...

• LP - Bernie Grundman remastered 1 LP on black vinyl 
• LP - Bernie Grundman remastered 1 LP on orange/black galaxy vinyl + bonus litho
• 2LP - Bernie Grundman remastered 1 LP on black vinyl + bonus LP
• 5 CD + blu-ray box set - Bob Ludwig remastered album and bonus tracks plus two live concerts

THE OTHERS OF INVENTION

My "Others Of Invention" project sure keeps me busy.
Sometimes I can't resist, and I even go for different editions of some of the albums.

Earlier this week I was able to add the 1974 LP German version of Woody Herman's "Thundering Herd" and the original 1969 UK LP of Ambrose Slade's "Beginnings"

• Woody Herman: Thundering Herd
      (1974, lp, Germany, fantasy)
      - incl. 'America Drinks And Goes Home'
  
  
• Ambrose Slade: Beginnings
      (1969, lp, UK, fontana)
      - incl. ‘I Ain’t Got No Heart’ (F. Zappa)

FRANK ZAPPA FUQ (FREQUENTLY UNASKED QUESTIONS)

A message from Andrew :

For those unable to attend Festival Moo-ah this weekend - where I will be selling copies of my three Frank Zappa FUQ paperback books at a discounted price of £10 each - I am temporarily reducing the price of the eBook version that comprises Vols 1 and 2.

https://idiotbastard.my-online.store/product/frank-zappa-fuq-ebook

BONGO FURY 50th WITH THE VAULTMEISTER

From the Zappa newsletter: 

Bongo Fury 50ᵀᴴ with the Vaultmeister

Dive into the Bongo Fury box set with the Vaultmeister as he unpacks the Frank & Beefheart origin story, Frank’s cutting-edge studio sorcery, and what’s brewing next in the Zappaverse.

A NEW RELEASE BY JOERI CHIPSVINGERS

Narrated in Flemish, but oh so wonderful.

A second album by Joeri Chipsvingers !

 

GOV'T MULE'S ISLAND EXODUS

Yes, January 2027 !!

BONGO FURY (50th ANNIVERSARY EDITION) RELEASED TODAY

Bongo Fury (50th Anniversary Edition)

Released today !

A MESSAGE FROM THE ED PALERMO BIG BAND

The Ed Palermo Big Band

That's right, Ed. The Iridium is right over there on B'way & 51st. And Ed and the gang will be there too this Monday night. Featuring the return of violinist extraordinaire Katie Jacoby (The Who, Foreigner, Debbie Harry). And other special guests too!
It's going to be a beautiful night. Come join the celebration.

ELEMENTUS MUSICALIS - XENOCHRONY

June 2021, Elementus Musicalis released a piece on Bandcamp called 'Xenochrony'.

Xenochrony (as one should know) was a technique used and developed by Frank Zappa, pasting pieces of one song into another.

Not that I can hear any references to Frank Zappa's music is in this piece, but it is called 'Xenochrony'.

But Elementus Musicalis is not unfamiliar with Frank Zappa's music.
Also in 2021, Elementus Musicalis released "Zappa Revisited", and later in 2023, "Zappa's Sofa".

-

GUITAR TYLER - MOGGIO & WHAT'S NEW IN BALTIMORE

-

-- info: Jérôme Munnier

A DISTURBING MESSAGE FROM STICK MEN

Hi everyone,

Keeping it as short as possible: I’m writing to share a difficult update regarding our recent travels in Chile. Unfortunately, we (Stick Men) were victims of an organized theft where much of our gear and personal items were stolen from our suitcases while in the custody of the airline.

The loss is significant. While I still have my primary instrument, we lost essential equipment, most notably including two of our Quad Cortex units and Pat’s sample pad. More devastatingly, three of my hard drives were taken containing dozens of music projects, archival data, and over 300 unreleased concert recordings from the last decade. On a personal level, these drives also held the only complete archive of photos and videos of my daughter from since she was born.


While we are not asking for direct donations, many of you have asked how you can help. If you would like to support the band during this time, the most effective way is to visit our Bandcamp pages and purchase digital downloads. Links below. Supporting our digital catalog helps us recover from the severe financial and emotional blow of this loss as we continue our tour next week.

And if any of our Chilean friends hear of our equipment and personal items being traded, we're very interested in recovering what was stolen from us, and we offer a reward for that.
Despite this setback, we will be back on the road next week and look forward to seeing many of you at the upcoming shows.

Thank you for your ongoing support and for standing by us.

Best,
Markus Reuter
Stick Men

stickmenband.com/music/

PIERRE VERVLOESEM

There are 10 cds back in stock from Pierre fabulous "Flambant 9" album!
pierrevervloesem.bandcamp.com/album/pierre-vervloesems-flambant-neuf

LINUS HOFFMANN'S BOOK ON ZAPPA ALSO AVAILABLE AS PAPERBACK

I mentioned Linus Hoffmann's "Gegen Jede Schablone" book a little while ago.
It seems not only to be available as a hardcover book, but also as a paperback.

ONLY A MOTHER - NAKED SONGS FOR CONTORTIONISTS

• Only A Mother: Naked Songs For Contortionists
      (1991, cd, USA, tec tones)

Info from Discogs:
TEC Tones was founded in 1989 from the ashes of Ralph Records by Tom Timony after the Residents turned over Ralph to him. He kept it going, distributing many former Ralph acts as well as other like-minded individuals, like Negativland. In 1999 the name was changed to Esoteric Music Group though releases were mostly limited to CD reissues of old Ralph releases. Unfortunately, EMG closed its mail-order doors in 2001.

Only A Mother, Frank Pahl's project, was one of 'new' artists on TEC tones.
"Naked Songs For Contortionists" was Only A Mother's third release.
Experimental folk music could be a possible description.

Am I the only one who thinks that 'Bricks Are Naked, Damned" ends with a little Residents reference?

-- info & more: Danny Mathys

CYRIL CYRIL - LE PETIT BONHOMME ORANGE

' Le Petit Bonhomme Orange'
(the little orange guy)

by Cyril Cyril

Out on the Bongo Joe record label.

This deserves to become a hit single !

The video over at the Bongo Joe Bandcamp page is animated. Check that out as well.

https://cyrilcyrilband.bandcamp.com/album/le-petit-bonhomme-orange-le-gros-hit

AN ED PALERMO UPDATE

A message from Ed Palermo

Sunday night, I brought my sextet to The Falcon (Marlboro, NY) and had a blast. Bruce McDaniel, Ted Kooshian, Bob Quaranta, Paul Adamy and Ray Marchica brought the house down. Call me Mr. Lucky. Thank you, Kevin Cavanaugh for the pic!

The set list:
MARCH 15, 2026
EDDY’S CHEMISTRY SET

DOGTOWN-Kamaal Williams (British DJ)
BIG SWIFTY (Zappa)
WHAT’S NEW IN BALTIMORE? (Zappa)
TWENTY SMALL CIGARS (Zappa)
MR.SOUL (Buffalo Springfield)
BIG SWIFTY reprise (Zappa)
FLESH FOR FANTASY (Billy Idol)
OH NO (Zappa)
TOADS OF THE SHORT FOREST (Zappa)
JITTERBUG WALTZ (Fats Waller)
TOADS OF THE SHORT FOREST reprise

AGAIN-part two (David Sancious)
FRED (Allan Holdsworth)
ZOOT ALLURES (Zappa)
THIRD WORLD MAN (Steely Dan)
SNAKE OIL (Tony Williams)
DON’T BOTHER ME (Beatles)
NARDIS (Miles Davis)
CINNAMON GIRL (Neil Young)
JOSIE INTRO (Fagan)
ECHIDNA’S ARF (Zappa)
WE ARE NOT ALONE (Zappa)

(encore)

NEVER-NEVERLAND (Todd Rundgren/Peter Pan)
GLAD (Traffic)

HUUN-HUUR-TU

Tuvan throatsingers Huun-Huur-Tu participated in the Frank Zappa Margarita Nights.
Check out Rip Rens's article for more info.
https://www.riprense.com/zappa_drinks.htm

To my surprise, I recently found out that Huun-Huur-Tu's 1993 "60 Horses In My Herd" album included a piece that the band had recorded in honor of Frank Zappa, who loves this song.
The piece in question was entitled: 'Ching Söörtükchülerining Yryzy' (Song Of The Caravan Drivers).

The album got re-released (both on CD and on LP) in 1996, with different artwork.

-- info: Andreas Rausch (on Facebook)

HANS ANNELLSSON - SINISTER FOOTWEAR

I've mentioned this essential new release by Hans Annellsson a little while ago already, and in the meantime I've also received the (beautifully produced) CD.
Great !!

Here's some additional info, from GlassOnyon PR

Hans Annellsson Releases New Cover of Frank Zappa’s “Sinister Footwear”

Hans Annellsson, one part of the prog duo The Vegetarians, has recorded a complete cover version of Frank Zappa's orchestral composition 'Sinister Footwear'. This new version has been arranged for keyboards, bass, drums, guitar, violin, woodwinds & mallets. This recording was produced and performed by Hans Annellsson with Andreas Hagman (violin) & Viktor Enebjörn (drums). The new recording released on March 1, 2026 on Bandcamp, and is available as a digital download or as a numbered limited edition CD.

The complete version of Sinister Footwear, which had its world premiere at Zellerbach Auditorium, Berkeley, California on June 15, 1984, has never been officially released by Frank Zappa.

Most of the instruments on this new version were recorded in Annellsson's studio during the second half of 2025. The drums were recorded by Viktor Enebjörn in his studio, and the violin was recorded at Studio Loftet, Malmö, Sweden by Janne Brovall. The mixing and mastering was also done at Studio Loftet by Hans Annellsson & Janne Brovall.

The story of the music:

00:00 JAKE, WHO DESIGNS IT
01:06 SOMEPLACE IN NEW JERSEY WHERE THEY MAKE THEM
02:55 ILLEGAL ALIENS ON A LUNCHBREAK
03:35 AT THE CATERING TRUCK
04:15 JAKE EATS A MOLDED JELLO SALAD
05:16 JAKE'S SECRETARY
05:55 ILLEGAL ALIENS WORK SLOWER IN THE AFTERNOON
06:06 JAKE'S SECRETARY READS HER MAGAZINE
06:22 ILLEGAL ALIENS WANT TO GO HOME
06:30 JAKE'S SECRETARY EATS COTTAGE CHEESE
06:41 UGLY SHOES ON THE ASSEMBLY LINE
07:51 WHAT YOU THINK YOU LOOK LIKE WHILE YOU'RE WEARING THEM
09:11 SOMETIMES THEY MAKE YOU WALK FUNNY
09:48 OTHER PEOPLE PRETEND NOT TO NOTICE
12:08 SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO TAKE THEM OFF FOR A MINUTE
12:28 THEN YOU PUT THEM BACK ON BECAUSE YOU THINK THEY LOOK SO GOOD ON YOU
13:18 CHILDREN CAN ALSO HAVE UGLY SHOES
15:03 THE FOOT DOCTOR SAYS YOU MIGHT NEED AN OPERATION
15:30 BUT YOU'RE GONNA WEAR THEM ANYWAY
16:04 VARIOUS NEW POSTURES
16:42 EVERYBODY HAS A PAIR SOMEWHERE
18:19 A PLACE YOU CAN GO WHEN YOU GOT THEM ON

Hans Annellsson
Musician/Composer from Sweden. One part of the Swedish-American Prog duo The Vegetarians with John Tabacco. Has released music on his label Annellssongs since 1989. Has his own studio where the majority of the music is recorded. Got permission from Frank Zappa to release one of Frank’s compositions in Swedish, Penisens Storlek, (Penis Dimension) 1993. Performed with The Vegetarians at the Zappanale Festival in Bad Doberman, Germany in 2011. Has worked with Morgan Ågren & Mats Öberg (Mats&Morgan Band), Gustaf Hielm (Meshugga), Napoleon Murphy Brock (Frank Zappa & George Duke) & John Tabacco.

Andreas Hagman
Violinist from Sweden with an interest in contemporary & avant-garde music. A member of the Opera Orchestra in Malmö, Sweden.

Viktor Enebjörn
Freelancing drummer from Sweden. Also supporting himself as a drum teacher.


To purchase digitally or on CD: https://hansannellsson.bandcamp.com/album/sinister-footwear

MARCH 2026 CUNEIFORM RECORDS UPDATE

2 NEW RELEASES COMING OUT MARCH 27, 2026:

JANEL LEPPIN – SLOWLY MELTING
CINEMATIC INSTRUMENTAL / POST-GENRE / CONTEMPORY COMPOSITION / POST-ROCK / POST-JAZZ / INDIE ART / FUZZTONE
Cellist & composer Janel Leppin's 2nd solo album of genre-defying music [USA]
~~~
JANEL LEPPIN / ENSEMBLE VOLCANIC ASH - PLUTO IN AQUARIUS
AVANT JAZZ / CONEMPORARY COMPOSITION / IMPROVISATION
Third release by composer / cellist Janel Leppin's Ensemble Volcanic Ash, a jazz ensemble featuring Washington DC avant jazz stars Brian Settles, Anthony Pirog, Luke Stewart, Larry Ferguson [USA]  

THE STINKFOOT ORCHESTRA FEATURING N. M. BROCK IN CONCERT IN SAN DIEGO ON APRIL 19

TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND - - - WILLIE THE PIMP (F. ZAPPA)

Tedeschi Trucks Band - Willie the Pimp (Zappa Cover) - Beacon Theater 3/13/26

For more info:
https://liveforlivemusic.com/news/derek-trucks-plays-jerry-garcias-tiger-beacon-theatre-3-13-26/

THE GRANDMOTHES - THE WEASELS SESSIONS '93

• The Grandmothers: The Weasels Sessions '93
      (2026, download / streaming, --, digital music platforms / muffin records productions)

Featuring Jimmy Carl Black, Don Preston, Bunk Gardner, Roland St Germain, Linda Valdmots, Ener Bladezipper and Sandro Oliva !

1. Progress
2. The Quartet
3. Prelude to the Eric Dolphy Memorial BBQ (Live)
4. I Can't Breath
5. '59 Chevrolet
6. Chest Pain
7. The Austin Chronicle
8. Lady Queen Bee
9. Primal Jazz (Live)
10. Soft Construction with Sharp Interlude (Live)
11. Be All You Can Be
12. Silicone Hump
13. Where Were You (Live)
14. King of My Castle
15. Transitions
16. What's the Ugliest Part of Your Body (Excerpt)
17. My Car
18. Idiot
19. Do You Think My Pants Are Too Tight (Live)
20. Let the Good Times Roll
21. The Eternal Question (Live)
22. Trouble Every Day (Live)
23. Plastic People (Live)
24. Primorial (Hingshammer Version)

Excellent news !!
Check out your digital music platforms for this release !!

ANGINE DE POITRINE

Experimental duo Angine de Poitrine is on Bandcamp.
Their second album will be out in April.

And, yes, that strange guitar sound is coming from a microtonal guitar.

Interesting detail: their first album was also made available on LP.

-

MCCOY TYNER - PRELUDE AND SONATA

• McCoy Tyner: Prelude And Sonata
      (1995, cd, Europe, milestone)

Just look at that tracklist:

1. Prelude in E minor Op. 28, no. 4 (F. Chopin)
2. Loss of love (H. Mancini - B. Merrill)
3. Contemplation (McCoy Tyner)
4. For all we know (F. Coots - S. Lewis)
5. I will wait for you (M. Legrand - J. Demy - N. Gimbel)
6. Soul eyes (M. Waldron)
7. Smile (C. Chaplin)
8. Good morning heartache (I. Higginbotham - E. Drake - D. Fisher)
9. Piano sonata no. 8 in C minor (L. Van Beethoven)

"Prelude And Sonata" is a beautiful, lyrical modern jazz album.
It got released in 1995 but it still sounds fresh and crispy today.

McCoy Tyner on piano, Antonio Hart Bass on alto sax, Christian McBride on bass, and Marvin 'Smitty' Smith on drums, plus guest Joshua Redman on tenor sax on three of the tracks.

Here's the quintet's take on Henry Mancini's melancholic 'Loss Of Love' :

-- info & more: Danny Mathys

DAVE LIEBMAN - RETURN OF THE TENOR - STANDARDS

• Dave Liebman: Return Of The Tenor - Standards
      (1996, cd, USA, doubletime)

Dave Liebman on tenor sax, Vic Juris on guitar, Phil Markowitz on piano, Tony Marino on double bass, and Jamey Haddad on the drums.

The album features energetic takes on classic jazz standards without heavy rearrangements, but with lots of inventive improvisations.

Here's Dave Liebman with Vic Juris on the guitar!

-- info & more: Danny Mathys

CORIMA - CORIMA

• Corima: Corima
      (2007, cdr, --, private release)

After recently having enjoyed Corima's latest release ("Hunab Ku"), I was quite happy to give their first album a listening today.

At the start, Corima was a trio (keyboard, bass & drums), including vocals.
Nice. Very nice.

-- info & more: Danny Mathys

OCTOBER EQUUS

Today's power breakfast:

• October Equus: Isla Purgatorio
      (2013, cd)

• October Equus: Noches Blancas, Luces Rojas
      (2022, cd)

SOFT MACHINE - THIRTEEN

• Soft Machine: Thirteen
      (2026, cd, UK, dyad records)
      (2026, cd uhq cd, Japan, june dream / moonjune records)

Released on CD on John Etheridge's Dyad Records label but also on Ultra High Quality CD in Japan. The latter in collaboration with the MoonJune Records label, and even adding two bonus tracks to the album.

Featuring John Etheridge (Guitar), Theo Travis (Sax, Flute), Fred Thelonius Baker (Fretless Bass) and Asaf Sirkis (Drums and Percussion), plus special guests Daevid Allen (Glissando Guitar on track 13), Pete Whittaker (Organ on tracks 2 & 5), and Nick Utteridge (Gong on track 5).

And speaking of John Etheridge, you can catch him with the Zappatistas at the Moo-Ah festival next weekend.

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

But back to "Thirteen".

Recommended listening !!

THE MESSTHETICS - DEFACE THE CURRENCY

• The Messthetics And James Brandon Lewis: Deface The Currency
      (2026, cd, --, impulse)

Vigorous modern jazz with beautiful melodies and superb improvisations.

If I read their discography correctly, "Deface The Currency" is The Messthetics' fourth release and their second with sax master Brandon Lewis. 

And check out that guitar tone. Wow !

• Anthony Pirog - guitar James
• Joe Lally - bass
• Brendan Canty - drums
  plus
• Brandon Lewis - sax

-- info & more: Danny Mathys

WIGWAM - LIVE IN DENMARK 1976

• Wigwam: Live In Denmark 1976
      (2026, cd, Finland, svart records)
      (2026, 2lp, Finland, svart records)

Svart Records is taking us back to 1976.
To a Wigwam in concert in Denmark, November 26, 1976 in Denmark.

• Jim Pembroke – Vocals
• Pekka Rechardt – Guitar
• Hessu Hietanen – Keyboards
• Måns Groundstroem – Bass
• Ronnie Österberg – Drums

Recorded for a radio broadcast, and the band is in fine shape, so this is a treat.

Earlier in their career, Wigwam performed Frank Zappa's 'Peaches En Regalia' in concert, as can be heard on the 2022 deluxe reissue.

Here's Wigwam during a 1976 studio session:

-- info & more: Danny Mathys

WARREN CUCCURULLO - THE RETURN OF THE ROSE VORTEX

• Warren Cuccurullo: Return Of The Rose Vortex
      (2026, download / streaming, --, digital music platforms)

After having released "Synthia" and "Synthia Vol.II" in December, Warren Cuccurullo is already back with "Return Of The Rose Vortex", a fine album that features Azar Lawrence (!!) on the saxophone.
Plus Tommy Mars !!

For a glimpse of Azar's career, take a look at:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azar_Lawrence

Warren on synth soundscapes with Tommy Mars and Azar adding beautiful lines and phrases.
This is great.

-- info & more: Harald Haering

VARIOUS ARTISTS - ON THE NINETIES TIP - HEAR AND NOW

• Various Artists: On The Nineties Tip - Hear And Now
      (1995, cd promo, USA, caroline records)

I learn something new every day.
Initially, Primus recorded ‘Hello Skinny / Constantinople’ (The Residents) for the "On The Nineties Tip - Hear And Now" sampler.
Later the same year, the track got added to their 'Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver' CD single.
This was the release that got their version introduced to a wider audience.

In 2002, 'Hello Skinny / Constantinople' got added as a bonus track to "Frizzle Fry", an album that was originally released in 1990.

CORIMA - HUNAB KU

• Corima: Hunab Ku
      (2026, cd, France, soleil zeuhl)

Los Angeles-based band Corima has just released their fourth album.
Rock, fusion, Zeuhl.
LOVE IT !!

It's a bit of a particular story as the band released their first album / demo in 2007 and their previous one in 2016, along with some shifts in the band's line-up.
They only released four albums during their 20-year career !!

That being said, this is an amazing record.
Leaning heavy on the polyrhythms, complex and full of energy.

Out on CD on the French Soleil Zeuhl record label, and also available as a digital download from Bandcamp.

-- info & more: Danny Mathys