Wednesday, August 5, 2026

FRANK ZAPPA - ZAPPATITE

Released in different versions, some of which have been slightly delayed.
But the Japanese (SHM)CD is out !


NEW RELEASE BY MEN & VOLTS

Selections from David Greenberger's archive !
13 different versions of 'Tramps In Bloom' by Men & Volts.
Live and rehearsal sessions.


Tuesday, August 4, 2026

NICO CHIENTAROLI & MICHAEL MOORE - THE CARD PLAYERS

  • Nico Chientaroli & Michael Moore: The Card Players
        (2026, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)
Recorded, on February 14th, 2026, at independent music club Splendor in Amsterdam, NL, "The Card Players" album features Nico Chientaroli on piano and Michael Moore on alto sax and clarinet.

Four chamber music-style improvisations.
Beautiful.


DECEMBER 20 - - - CRANK SOME FRANK

 December 2026, 'Musicon', The Hague, NL


"ZAPPA & CO", OCTOBER 30 AT DOMICIL IN DORTMUND, GERMANY

The Zappa Orchestra Hamm is giving a special concert with a number of guest performers at the Domicil. Alongside the magnificent music of the master Frank Zappa, the programme will also feature music by Prince, Stevie Wonder and others. The Zappa Orchestra Hamm comprises 30 professional musicians, all of whom are or have been associated with the Hamm Municipal Music School. The orchestra was founded in 2015 to mark the music school’s 75th anniversary by Bernd Kortenkamp, a great admirer of Frank Zappa’s music. After a few years’ hiatus, they have been performing regular concerts again since 2023. The large ensemble’s repertoire includes more than 30 Zappa songs. No Zappa fan should miss this special concert. Tickets are available for €20.80 from numerous ticket outlets.


"FREAK OUT !"

 

In 1966, Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention released the album that started it all. Sixty years later, the Freak Out! 60th Anniversary Edition is officially unleashed and ready for pre-order.

The brand-new 60th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition presents 5 CDs of material, featuring the newly remastered 1966 stereo mix, a previously unreleased pre-master mix, the long-awaited mono master mix, The Mothers live at The Fillmore, 1966 rehearsals, demos, rarities, vocal reference mixes, session outtakes, and a cornucopia of bonus material. It’s the mother lode of mother lodes.

In addition to that glorious monstrosity, the Blu-ray contains ATMOS, 5.1, and high-res audio options. The set is rounded out with an expanded booklet with rare photos, new essays, a very special new section of even more “Relevant Quotes,” and an original double-sided fold-out Freak Out! Hot Spots Map.

Also available on a 5LP Box Set, as well as a multi-colored 2LP vinyl edition. Arrives everywhere on September 25th.


FREAK OUT! WITH JOE TRAVERS AND JOHN POLITO

Frank Zappa - Freak Out! 60th with Joe Travers and John Polito



THE PLASTER CASTER BLUES BAND - THE PLASTER CASTERS

 

  • The Plaster Caster Blues Band: The Plaster Casters
        (1969, lp, USA, blues time)
        (2024, lp, Russia, --)

“The Plaster Casters” album by The Plaster Caster Blues Band did not include the actual Plaster Casters Of Chicago (Cynthia Albritton and her assistant(s)) but was a group of session musicians improvising on a number of blues themes.
The album included ‘You Didn’t Try To Ball Me (Dedicated To Frank Zappa)’, a track that also got released on the B-side of their only 7” single release.

The LP got re-released in 2024 on a Russian (?) label.



MADLIB - ROCK KONDUCTA PART 2

  • Madlib: Rock Konducta Part 2
        (2014, lp, USA, madlib invazion)
        (2023, lp, USA, madlib invazion) – smoke vinyl

American DJ, music producer, multi-instrumentalist, and rapper Madlib, released a follow-up to his 2013 ”Rock Konducta Pt. 1” album in 2014.

"Rock Konducta - Part 2" included :

  • 'Galactic Supermaket'   - sampled Lumpy Gravy pt.2 (FZ)
    and
  • 'Stürmischer'   - sampled Apostrophe (‘) (FZ, Bruce, Gordon)

In 2023, "Rock Konducta - Part 2" got re-released on smoke vinyl.


Monday, August 3, 2026

MICHAEL MOORE UNIVERSE QUARTET - LISTEN !

  • Michael Moore Universe Quartet: Listen !
        (2026, download / streaming, -, ramboy recordings)

Starting the day with the latest album by the Michael Moore Universe Quartet is always a pleasure. Reed master Michael Moore, a crucial component of the ICP Orchestra, has delivered another beautiful album, "Listen !".

Michael Moore's warm, melancholic alto saxophone tone, combined with Guillermo Celano's guitar lines are joy to listen to.

On the Bandcamp page, Michael adds:
The rather presumptious title, the 'Universe' quartet, has to do with it being an exploration of my universe. It's a repertoire band, these guys are ready and willing to play anything I give them, and I am grateful for that.
My intent is, rather than break new ground, to explore older forms and make enjoyable music.
The advantage of being DIY one's whole life is that you have total freedom from commercial pressures; I can follow my muse anywhere, and this is where it has taken me!

The result is a beautiful album.

Take the album title as a strong recommendation and "Listen !":

-- info: Danny Mathys