GRETCHEN PARLATO - THE WISE ONES

• Gretchen Parlato: The Wise Ones
      (2026, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)
      (2026, lp, --, edition records)
  

When you're last name is Parlato, you know that you'll make some heads turn. Especially on the United-Mutations blog.

Daughter of Dave Parlato (who worked with Frank Zappa on his "Wazoo" and "Lather" projects), Gretchen is a superb jazz vocalist.
She's made quite a name for herself. I shouldn't even be mentioning her famous dad.

"The Wise Ones" is a beautiful album
And you can check it out on Bandcamp !

--info: Jan van Kemenade 

"ZAPPA AND ME" MOVIE UPDATE

Welcome to this latest newsletter for the Zappa and Me movie.
The hot news from the Kickstarter campaign is that we have had some fabulously generous contributions form people and, with the Kickstarter Culture Fund contribution, we have now hit over 15% of our funding target in just over 48hrs - over £5,000! Amazeballs!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/781727606/zappa-and-me

Thanks to everyone who has dipped into their pocket and offered to support our project. We appreciate the generosity and the love for our story.

#ZappaAndMeMovie

SNARKY PUPPY EUROPE 2027 TOUR DATES

JON KIEBON - - - INSIDE OUTSIDE NOW

 

CHARLES MICHAEL - CROSSED OUT

• Charles Michael: Crossed Out
      (2026, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)

Charles Michael's most recent album, "Crossed Out", presents a set of 20 cover versions, recorded between 2019 and 2026.
It includes Charles Michael's version of Frank Zappa's 'Baby Snakes'.

Check it out, right after 'Making Plans For Nigel' !!

GLUELEG - A COLOSSUS WITH CLAY FEET

• Glueleg: A Colossus With Clay Feet
      (2023, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)
      (2026, cd ep, UK, elastic stage)

Originally released on digital music platforms in 2023, Glueleg's "A Colossus With Clay Feet" has now been released on CD.
It includes ‘Peaches En Regalia’ (F. Zappa).

MONDO HOLLYWOOD

• Mondo Hollywood
      (2008, dvd, France, chalet pointu) 

2008 saw the DVD release of "Mondo Hollywood", the 1967 movie by director Robert Carl Cohen.
Released in France. In English with the option for French subtitles.

Not exactly a movie as such, but more a collection of fragments, introducing various people who live(d) in Hollywood.

Feat. Bobby Jameson and his girlfriend at the time Gail Sloatman, and the L.A. freaks / dancing group with Vito Paulekas, Szou, and Carl Franzoni.
It also briefly shows Frank Zappa and Jimmy Carl Black.

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

NEEDLEPOINT - REMNANTS OF LIGHT

Revisiting Needlepoint's latest album, "Remnants Of Light'.

Bjørn Klakegg's fragile vocals combined with the melodic, storytelling approach give "Remnants Of Light" its distinctive and recognizable sound.
For fans of the Canterbury scene.

Beautiful.

THE SPACELORDS - URANUS OMNIBUS SANCTUS

• The Spacelords: Uranus Omnibus Sanctus
      (2026, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)
  

German psychedelic rock trio The Spacelords are back.
Havin enjoyed their 2023 "Nectar Of The Gods" album, I'm very happy their brand new "Uranus Omnibus Sanctus".

Delivering heavy, hypnotic space rock, the album presents four expansive, long form instrumental tracks spanning roughly 45 minutes.
The Spacelords managed to find the perfect balance between structured progressive rock and gravity defying, sci-fi jam excursions.

Recommended listening !

IVO PERELMAN, MATTHEW SHIPP, WILLIAM PARKER, BOBBY KAPP - SYNESTHESIA

• Ivo Perelman, Matthew Shipp, William Parker and Bobby Kapp: Synesthesia
      (2026, cd, --, defkaz records)
      (2026, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)

In an attempt to get my brain and mind prepared for some upcoming John Coltrane tributes (Flat Earth Society, but also Aka Moon), I submerged myself into the latest Ivo Perelman, Matthew Shipp, William Parker and Bobby Kapp collaboration, "Synesthesia".

Sure, "Synesthesia" is not a tribute to the music of John Coltrane, but it's a fine example of intense and spontaneous improvisations. Characteristics that can also be found in John Coltrane's music.

Five extended modern jazz tracks. Great interplay. Beautiful.
"Synesthesia". The album title does the music justice !