DOCTOR DARK IS GETTING READY FOR ZAPPANALE

Doctor Dark is playing at Cafe 9 New Haven, CT. on Tuesday July 3.


Mr. Berry's Pub in Long Island, New York on July 14.

THE SUPPLEMENT TAPE LIVE ON STAGE AT ZAPPANALE 2012

Here's a message from Thomas Dippel:

Years ago he recorded a historical document and now Co de Kloet will present The Supplement Tape live on stage at Zappanale 2012.
He will be supported by very special guests as George Duke, Gary Lucas and Scott Thunes. This will be history, this will be hot!
Don't miss it!!! Safe money and buy your tickets in the presale which soon will be closed !!!

GARY LUCAS UPDATE

Gary Lucas Live on CNBC
Mon. July 2nd

and @ the CBGB Festival with Gods and Monsters
Thurs. July 5th

MORE PHISH

Next month, Phish will be releasing a new album: "Chicago '94".
This 6 CD-box will contain both live shows from Chicago 1994 (1994/06/18 and 1994/11/25).

And this will be a box for both Phishheads and Zappa-freaks to enjoy, as Phish performed Frank Zappa's 'Peaches En Regalia' at the June show.

COPERNICUS - VICTIM OF THE SKY

• copernicus: victim of the sky
  (2012, cd, usa, nevermore / moonjune ncd 2086)

MoonJune Records has just re-released the second album by Copernicus.
Copernicus is a performance poet, declaiming his thoughts and ideas to the world. All in search for the absolute truth.
"Victim Of The Sky" (or of The Universe if you listen to Copernicus) got released on vinyl in 1986. Compared to his more recent releases where Copernicus dives into the quantumworld, "Victim Of The Sky" might be considered more accesible. Copernicus' lyrics are more down-to-earth and the music gets a more prominent place.

I like this. I like the way that Copernicus looks at the world. From an angle that noone else could imagine.

Recommended listening.

http://www.copernicusonline.net/

www.moonjune.com

UNCOOL FESTIVAL 2012

Marshall Allen, Director of the Sun Ra Arkestra offers a musical blessing at Uncool 2012, Poschiavo Switzerland.



Here's a snippet from the dress rehearsal for Akhenaten. Uncool 2012 - Giovedi 21 giugno 2012 - Akhenaten (dress rehearsal) - The Sun Ra Arkestra, under the direction Marshall Allen - Actor: Ina Maria Jaich - http://www.ilbernina.ch/

PHISH PERFORMED ZAPPA'S PEACHES EN REGALIA IN CONCERT

They used to do it on a regular basis, but it has been a while since Phish performed Zappa's 'Peaches En Regalia' in concert.

Until two days ago, that is.

Phish

2012/06/22 concert 'Riverbend Music Center', Cincinnati, OH, usa

 

SET ONE

• Wolfman's Brother (10:18)
• Peaches En Regalia (3:48)
• Shaggy Dog (3:07)
• Runaway Jim (8:28)
• Light Up or Leave Me Alone (5:39)
• Wilson (4:16)
• Alaska (11:01)
• Stash (12:52)
• Llama (4:43)
• Buffalo Bill (2:33)
• Saw It Again (5:40)
• David Bowie (11:49)

SET TWO

• Down with Disease (12:16)
• Guelah Papyrus (5:46)
• Kill Devil Falls (11:20)
• Twist (14:12)
• Halley's Comet (5:34)
• Sand (8:43)
• Roggae (8:07)
• Carini (5:11)
• Chalk Dust Torture (6:23)
• Golgi Apparatus (5:47)

ENCORE

• Fluffhead (15:58)

 

 

 

VARIOUS ARTISTS - MOJO - THE ROOTS OF BOB DYLAN

• various artists: mojo - the roots of bob dylan
  (2006, cd, uk, mojo magazine)

Released as a bonus disc with the September 2006 issue of Mojo Magazine, "The Roots Of Bob Dylan" presents some classic blues and gospel tunes.
Here's The Staple Singers with 'Uncloudy Day',

and The Highway Q.C.'s with 'Somthing On My Mind', which is not on the album, but just sounds great.

JOCE MIENNIEL - PARIS SHORT STORIES SAISON 1

• joce mienniel: paris short stories saison 1
  (2012, cd, france, drugstore malone dm001)

For his latest project, French flutist and composer Joce Mienniel assambled three trios. These trios included musicians from different musical backgrounds.

Each trio performed four pieces of music and one of these was performed by each trio.

Hence, the recipe.

Joce Mienniel's choice of musicians was excellent and the compositions that he picked are just great. I could name a few, but I prefer to give the entire list.

joce mienniel: flutes, voice, electronics 1 - 12

aymeric avice: trumpet, electronics 1, 6, 8, 12
sylvain rifflet: clarinet , electronics 1, 6, 8, 12
vincent lafont: fender rhodes, electronics 3, 9, 10, 11
antonin rayon: hammond b3 3, 9, 10, 11
eve risser: prepaired piano 2, 4, 5, 7
philippe gordiani: electric and acoustic guitars, electronics 2, 4, 5, 7

1. box 25/4 lid (h.hopper, m.ratledge)
2. mozambic (m.portal)
3. the band over the clouds (s.texier)
4. the pirate of penance (j.mitchell)
5. box 25/4 lid (h.hopper, m.ratledge)
6. max mon amour (m.portal)
7. big swifty (f.zappa)
8. immature (björk)
9. continuum (j.pastorius)
10. box 25/4 lid (h.hopper, m.ratledge)
11. the modern things (björk, g.massey)
12. turkish mambo (l.tristano)

It was Zappa's 'Big Swifty' that made me want to check out this recording. It was the perfect bait to find an impressive album.

On "Paris Short Stories Saison 1", Joce Mienniel and his fellow musicians use a modern and experimental approach to give a personal view upon a number of beautiful compositions.
Great concept. Excellent result.
Recommended listening.

ARCHAEA STRINGS - IN BILICO

• archaea strings: in bilico
  (2009, cd, italy, materiali sonore 99085)

The Archaea Strings ensemble has a classical setting: three violins, a cello and a contrabass.
The quintet performs Frank Zappa's 'Alien Orifice' on their "In Bilico" album. It's the first track on the CD.

The ensemble has Damiano Puliti on the cello. A name that you might remember from the Harmonia Ensemble. His 'Frank Lesson', a Zappa tribute that's on the "Harmonia Plays Zappa" album, is also performed by Archaea Strings. And the ensemble recorded a composition by his Harmonia-colleague Orio Odori as well.

"In Bilico" offers en ensemble playing and mixing rock, jazz and classical music. Nice.
I love their rendition of 'Alien Orifice' and it's great to hear Damiano Puliti's 'Frank Lesson' by the string quintet.

I would have liked a link to their fine version of 'Eleanor Rigby', but 'Rock Reel' and 'Frank Lesson' will give you an impression of what they sound like.

HARMONIA ENSEMBLE - MEETS FRANK ZAPPA

• harmonia ensemble: meets frank zappa
  (2007, cd, italy, maso / independent recordings)

The Italian Harmonia Ensemble released their "Harmonia Meets Zappa" album in 1992. The album got released by Materiali Sonori, the same label that also published the remarkable "Sonora 4/94" magazine: a Frank Zappa special that came with a beautiful CD of renditions of Zappa pieces and tributes by various Italian musicians.

The "Harmonia Meets Zappa" CD quickly sold out and got re-released in 2002 with two extra tracks. Shortly after the ensemble's memorable Zappanale concert in 2007, the album got a second re-release. This time, with a slightly diffent title, plus a different album cover: a "Chunga's Revenge" painting by Philippe Giroux.

 

The music on the album is a mix of Zappa-inspired pieces by Damiano Puliti and by Orio Odori, and of beautifully arranged Zappa pieces.

This album belongs in every Zappa collection, next to The Ensemble Ambrosius, The Ed Palermo Big Band and LeBocal. The below live fragments will tell you why.

 

Essential !!

• Orio Odori: clarinets
• Damiano Puliti: cellos, computer programming
• Alessandra Garosi: piano, keyboards
• Paolo Corsi: drums, percussion

Zappanale, 2007

Mexico City, 2007

 

LA FRITURE MODERNE - POUR EN FINIR AVEC 69

• la friture moderne: pour en finir avec 69
  (2010, cd, france, mr morezon 005)

La Friture Moderne is a French marching band. They play in the streets.
I don't know if La Friture Moderne released more than one record, but "Pour En Finir Avec 69" sure is fun.

The band plays music by Pharoah Sanders, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Pink Floyd, Carla Bley, King Crimson, Albert Marcoeur and Frank Zappa !!
A fine addition to the Others Of Invention.

MÖRGLBL - BRÜTAL RÖMANCE

• mörglbl: brütal römance
  (2012, cd, usa, free electric sound fes4010)

Today's required dose of madness comes from Mörglbl.  Christophe Godin on guitar, Ivan Rougny on bass, and Aurélien Ouzoulias on drums.
Not only does the trio display some of the most incredible musical skills, they play some excellent compositions.
"Brütal Römance" is the band's fifth album. It sounds great. It makes you wonder how they do it. And it's very funny as well.

Mörglbl rules !!

http://www.morglbl.com/en/

www.christophegodin.com

Here's Christophe warming up, performing 'Gnocchis On The Block', the first track from "Brütal Römance".

ROBERT MARTIN SPECIAL GUEST AT ZAPPANALE 2012

Former Zappa keyboard, sax, french horn player and vocalist Robert Martin will be special guest at Zappanale 2012.
The last couple of years, we have seen him performing keyboards and saxophone, and we've heard him sing some of our favourite tunes.
This time, Robert promised to bring his French horn !!

POJAMA PEOPLE ON TOUR

Pojama People Performing the Music of Frank Zappa Featuring Ike Willis

• 2012/08/30 Pojama People - concert 'Star Theater', Portland
• 2012/08/31 Pojama People - concert 'Wow Hall', Eugene
• 2012/09/01 Pojama People - concert 'The Mix', Seattle
• 2012/09/02 Pojama People - concert 'Sparks', Bellingham

TOHPATI BERTIGA - RIOT

• tohpati bertiga: riot
  (2012, cd, usa, moonjune mrj045)

Tohpati has a new album out. It's his second one on the Moonjune Records label and it's called "Riot".

I like what Tohpati does. I think his work with simakDIALOG is very impressive and I value his solo projects even more.
"Riot" sounds quite different compared to Tohpati's previous solo release, "Save The Planet" (MoonJune, 2010).
The album kicks off with a rather sharp sounding 'Upload', an eight-minute, powerful, almost aggressive track. Impressive.
'I Feel Great', the second track on the disc, has a funky rhythm, but still has the same energy-level. I love the parts that are played in unison by the guitar, bass and drums.
The title track, 'Riot', continues in the same vain: a heavy guitar attack, complex rhythms and great solo lines.
'Middle East' is one of my favourite tracks on "Riot". Instrumental, guitar orientated progressive rock at its best.
Track number six, 'Pay Attention', takes you for a fusion ride. The assertive playing that you get in the first three tracks has made room for a warmer sound. The speed and the energy level, however, are still top. 'Pay Attention' also has a great bass solo by Indro Hardjodikoro.
With 'Rock Camp', the trio takes a side road: bluesy licks & rock vamps, but if I had to pick one track, it would be 'Absurd'. Beautiful lines by the trio, pushing the boundaries of melody & rhythm. This is great.
Next up are 'Disco Robot' and 'Lost In Space'. 'Lost In Space' lowers the tempo and delivers a beautiful melodic ballad.
"Riot" ends with 'Bertiga', not only the name of the track but also of the trio. A perfect visiting card.

On "Riot", Tohpati mixes rock, jazz and fusion. It is an impressive album.
Recommended listening.

http://www.moonjune.com/

NEW ON LEO RECORDS

U.K. label Leo Records has released four new titles:

• vinz vonlanthen / christophe berthet / cyril bondi: silo
  (2012, cd, uk, leo records cd lr 638)
• 6 i x: almost even further
  (2012, cd, uk, leo records cd lr 644)
• steve day: strewn with pebbles
  (2012, cd, uk, leo records cd lr 645)
• actis dato quartet: sin fronteras
  (2012, cd, uk, leo records cd lr 646)
  
  

ANDRE CHOLMONDELEY

a message from Andre Cholmondeley

Andre Cholmondeley Solo - Guitar, Vocals and Electronics - June 2012


June 2012 Music Update

Summer Greetings! It's officially here...I hope June has been great for you. I'm recently back from a very cool, 2-month tour in the USA and Canada with the one and only Greg Lake (King Crimson/ELP).

We head back out (Europe/Mideast) in November/December. Right now I'm getting some rest (kind of) and recording & playing a LOT of music locally. I'm rehearsing with three projects and planning two others, plus also doing some music-biz work from home, all here in the amazing mountains of Asheville NC.

Leaving right now to hit the road briefly - I'll be working at the FINAL Nearfest Prog Rock Festival in Bethlehem PA. Once again teching for John Wetton, he's doing the "UK 2012 Tour" with Eddie Jobson, Gary Husband and Alex Macachek. Check youTube if you can't make it, John, Eddie and Terry Bozzio also recently did their first reunion shows in 30+ yrs

I'm also up North to do play at THE SAINT in Asbury Park NJ on Monday June 25 , and also record a CD with Mike Haleta in Red Bank NJ.

On Thursday June 28 in Baltimore MD. at THE WINDUP SPACE - I'll also be part of a night of diverse electronic music performance, part of a series

MON JUNE 25 - THE SAINT - ASBURY PARK NJ

I'll be doing a couple SONGS...original, and covers..and some instrumental music, some acoustic, some electronic soundscapes. I'll be joined by my old buddy and musical cohort since 1983 Bob Ramos. We'll also be joined by good friends Jon Francis & Mike Haleta , who will do sets before and after me.

Andre Cholmondeley And Friends: 7:30 - 10:30

7:300 doors and Jon Francis
8:30 Andre  Cholmondeley with Bob Ramos
9:30 Michael Haleta
$8.00
THE SAINT 601 Main St 07712 http://www.thesaintnj.com/



THU JUNE 28 - THE WINDUP SPACE - BALTIMORE MD

I'll be doing a 1/2 hour set at 10:00pm of electronic, synth-based music as part of a very cool series that goes on every couple months here in Baltimore.

Baltimore Electronic Music 2012 Summerfest Concert $5.00
10:00pm - 10:30pm: Andre Cholmondeley - Solo Electronics
12 W. North Avenue 21201 www.thewindupspace.com

EVENT PAGE: http://sites.google.com/site/baltimoresdiygroup/Home/group-shows/baltimore-electronic-music-2012-summerfest-concert

More info always at my site: http://www.guitartour.net/

TOM COERVER - WOOD, WIRE, VIBES... & SLIDE

• tom coerver: wood, wire, vibes... & slide
  (2010, cd, usa, backwater curve)

Tom Coerver recorded Frank Zappa's 'Zoot Allures' on his self-released 2010 "Wood, Wire, Vibes... & Slide" album.
The album starts out rather bluesy with some fine original tracks and covers of Lynard Skynyrd, ZZ Top, The Rolling Stones and The Allman Brothers.
Towards the second part, the album gets more of a rock feeling with an excellent Jan Hammer piece, 'Red & Orange Stratus', Zappa's 'Zoot Allures', Gov't Mule's 'Monkey Hill' and the self-penned 'Timeshift'.
An excellent find.

-- thanks to 'La Parade de l'Homme Wazoo' on Facebook

NEW KING CRIMSON ALBUM

• king crimson: live in argentina
  (2012, 2dvd, eur, discipline global mobile)

Adding data to the United Mutations Archives, here's the info on the brand-new to be released King Crimson album.
A two-dvd audio and video set of the double trio (including Adrian Belew), recorded in concert in 1994 in Argentina.
Should be out next month.

DWALMACAT 475

Go to http://www.fmbrussel.be/programmas/dwalmacat.aspx
and click on “Luister” to enjoy

• LEONARD NIMOY – Where no man has gone before
• FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS – Die Zauberflöte: der Hölle rache
• HANZ WURMAN – Minute Waltz
• MATY SCHNEIDER – Yodeling Mozart
• SOGENANNTES LINKS RADIKALISCHE BLASORCHESTER - Trauermarsch
• GUCKENHEIMER SAUERKRAUT ORCHESTER – Second Hungarian rhapsody
• THE JETHROS – Little bummer boy
• PETTY BOOKA – Ukulele lady
• TANGELA TRICOLA – The stinky poodle
• TAKESHI TERAUCHI BUSHI – Kanjinncyou
• MRS MILLER – Green tambourine
• CHARLIE HAMSTER – Noah had an arc
• ORLANDO PRESLO – Oh Carol
• THE FUTURE STARS – King of the road
• THE BEATLE BARKERS – Love me do
• THE LOST DIMENSION – Purple haze
• ARCESIA – Butterfly mind
• THE SINGING MACMURRAYS – I’ve found a hiding place
• THE TYPHOONS – Dance on
• GIL TRYTHALL – Yakety moog

NEW ON HALL OF FAME RECORDS

The Spanish Hall Of Fame Records label has released four new titles.

• toni mena: ludic group
  (2012, cd, spain, hall of fame records hof-070-cd)
• le sheik: like it belongs to somebody else
  (2012, cd, spain, hall of fame records hof-071-cd)
• luis prado: bso el efecto k
  (2012, cd, spain, hall of fame records hof-072-cd)
• caballero reynaldo y el visionario de lupa: nuevos testamentos antiguos
  (2012, cd, spain, hall of fame records hof-073-cd)

http://www.halloffame.es/

SH.TG.N - SH.TG.N

• sh.tg.n: sh.tg.n
  (2012, cd, usa, moonjune mjr046)

Leonardo Pavkovik and his MoonJune Records label are doing it again. They just keep amazing me.

Belgian band Sh.tg.n was founded by keyboardist Antoine Guenet in February 2009.

At first, the band consisted of Antoine Guenet on keyboards, Wim Segers on vibraphone, Dries Geusens on bass and Simon Segers on drums. Shortly before their first gig, guitarist Yannick De Pauw joined the ranks. Later, Fulco Ottervanger stepped in on vocals.

I was fortunate to see Antoine Guenet as a part of Michel Delville's Wrong Object recently when the band played in Liège and in Ghent. It was good to see how his input added extra colours to one of my favourite bands. It sure made me curious for the Sh.tg.n album.

Sh.tg.n blends experimental rock and jazz. The compositions on this debut release are great. Surprising tempo changes are mixed with loads of energy and power. I'm a big fan of progressive and avant-garde rock and of expermintal jazz and "Sh.tg.n" has it all.

Think Zappa, think unpredictable, think high-energy, think Sh.tg.n.
The name does indeed fit the beautiful package.

Out on Moonjune Records.
www.moonjune.com

Highly recommended !

BLOOD DUSTER - STR8OUTTANORTHCOTE

• blood duster: str8outtanorthcote
  (2008, cd, australia, blood duster recordings)

Sometimes my search for bands that perform the music of Zappa, Beefheart or The Residents brings me some beautiful discoveries.
And sometimes I encounter albums that I find less interesting...

Blood Duster released Frank Zappa's 'Tell Me You Love Me' as a bonus track on the re-release of their Str8outtanorthcote" album, in 2008. Recorded live in concert.

Here's a Blood Duster sample:

ALLAN HOLDSWORTH - NONE TOO SOON

• allan holdsworth: none too soon
  (2012, cd, usa, moonjune records)

On "None To Soon", Allan Holdsworth interpretes a number of jazz classics (Coltrane, Django Rheinhardt, Bill Evans and Joe Henderson), and Irving Berlin tune, two compositions by British jazz pianist Gordon Beck, and a classic Lennon / McCartney pop song.
In the liner notes, Allan Holdsworth says that it's his close friend Gordon Beck who convinced him at the time to make 'an album that people might be able to releate to'. Most of the pieces were picked and arranged by Gordon Beck. Allan admits that he wasn't familiar with all of the tunes, but that his approach to playing and to soloing was the same as on his previous albums.

The result is astonishing. This is not just an album of coverversions. Each and every song gets the Allan Holdsworth treatment: it's like the complete song structure got teared apart, and got build up again. The arrangements are great and the soloing is superb.
Excellent stuff.

The album got released in 1996, but has been out of print for quite a while.
Moonjune re-released this gem earlier this month, together with "Hard Hat Area".
Perfect twins. Essential listening.
www.moonjune.com

A MIKE KENEALLY UPDATE

The Mike Keneally Band is preparing to perform at the NEARfest festival on June 24.
Mike's new album "Wing Beat Fantatstic" is finished. It will be available for pre-order soon. Release date is July 24.
And Mike will be touring with Dethklok and with Joe Satriani the next couple of months as well.

DEUS - FOLLOWING SEA

• deus: following sea
  (2012, cd, eu, play it again sam)

There's never a dull moment at the United Mutations headquarters. Yesterday, I enjoyed the dEUS concert on OP 12, a new Belgian national tv station, and started my Saturday with "Following Sea" in my headphones.
All of the tracks were recorded at the same time as "Keep You Close". These are not leftovers, just tracks that didn't fit the "Keep You  Close" album.
I like "Following Sea". I like the distinct dEUS sound and there's a couple of great tunes on this disc.

Let Tom Barman walk you through it !! It's in English, but unfortunately it doesn't carry music samples.

And here's the new single.

DEUS LIVE AT STUBRU

In a couple of minutes, dEUS will be presenting their new album, live at the club69 at studiobrussel.

http://www.stubru.be/

RETURN TO FOREVER WITH JEAN-LUC PONTY

Return To Forever reformed in 2010. For this latest line-up, Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke and Lenny White were joined by Jean-Luc Ponty and Frank Gambale.

And they have released a new album: "The Mothership Returns": 2 CD's + 1 DVD, recorded in 2011.

ALLAN HOLDSWORTH - HARD HAT AREA

• allan holdsworth: hard hat area
  (2012, cd, usa, moonjune records mjr044)

Many people consider "Hard Hat Area" their favourite Allan Holdsworth album.
Initially, the album got released by Polydor Records in Japan in 1993. Shortly thereafter, it got picked up by Fred Bloggs Music (UK), and by Restless Records (USA).

Allan Holdsworth has been involved in many different projects (Nucleus, Soft Machine, Jean-Luc Ponty, U.K. with Eddie Jobson, ...), and he has made a nice batch of solo album (some with Chad Wackerman on drums) but for me, "Hard Hat Area" shows what Allan Holdsworth is all about. Smooth, legato yet unpredictable melodic lines performed on a guitar synthesizer. Jazz fusion at its best.

The thing that makes "Hard Hat Area" stand out, is the great band (Allan Holdsworth - Steve Hunt - Skulli Sverrisson - Gary Husband) and the beautiful compositions.

This is the kind of music that will absorb you completely. I love it.

The album has been re-mastered and re-issued by Moonjune Records. It was made available earlier this month.
Highly recommended !!

www.moonjune.com

ZAPPA PLAYS ZAPPA CONCERT IN BRUSSELS NEXT NOVEMBER

Dweezil Zappa Plays Zappa will be touring North America in June and July, but the first European date turned up as well:

November 19, 2012, ZpZ will be performing at the 'AB' in Brussels, Belgium.

 

and here are the dates for the upcoming shows: 

• 26-Jun-12 Rochester, NY Kodak Hall @ Eastman Theatre
• 28-Jun-12 Wilkes Barre, PA FM Kirby Center
• 29-Jun-12 Englewood, NJ Bergen PAC
• 30-Jun-12 Westbury, NY Capitol One Bank Theatre
• 1-Jul-12 New Bedford, MA Zeiterion PAC
• 6-Jul-12 Hampton Beach, NH Hampton Beach Casino 
• 7-Jul-12 Tarrytown, NY Tarrytown Music Hall
• 8-Jul-12 Alexandria, VA The Birchmere
• 10-Jul-12 Norfolk, VA The Norva
• 11-Jul-12 Raleigh, NC Lincoln Theatre
• 12-Jul-12 Knoxville, TN Bijou Theatre
• 13-Jul-12 Nashville, TN The Cannery Ballroom
• 14-Jul-12 Bloomington, IL The Castle Theatre
• 15-Jul-12 Merrillville, IL Star Plaza Theater
• 17-Jul-12 Grand Rapids, MI The Intersection
• 18-Jul-12 Cleveland, OH House of Blues
• 19-Jul-12 Morristown, NJ Mayo Center for the PAC
• 20-Jul-12 Albany, NY The Egg

 -- info: Philippe Lamoot

ZAPPACAST EPISODE 8

Scott Parker's Zappacast Episode 8

SNAT! The ZappaCast takes you all the way back, boys and girls...back to the 1960s with the peaceful and loving Mothers Of Invention. You'll hear two concerts from 1967 (Lund and Copenhagen) in their (as far as we know) entirety. Professor Ekers gives you some serious info on FZ's Gibson Switchmaster guitar in his Zappa's Gear spot, while the good Reverend Greenaway has a brisk selection of rare '60s allsorts for ya. Didja Get Any Onya?

http://zappacast.podomatic.com/entry/2012-06-10T18_05_53-07_00

UGLY RADIO REBELLION UPDATE

Ugly Radio Rebellion will be performing the music of Frank Zappa on 2012/06/15 at 'Gottrocks' in Greenville, SC, usa.

MAY BLITZ

Earlier today, I read that the two May Blitz albums will be re-issued in a paper sleeve CD edition.
I first heard about May Blitz two weeks ago, at the Mosae Zappa festival, while talking to Henry. He described the cover of their debut album in fine detail...

This can't be a coincidence, so here's a track from their 1970 debut album:

Taken from the album May Blitz, Selftitled 1970


May Blitz were formed in England during the early part of 1969. Tony Newman ex Jeff Beck Group actually formed the band recruiting James Black & Reid Hudson. Black and Hudson were Canadians from Victoria, British Columbia who pioneered Canadian West Coast music prior to moving to England. The band played extensively on the UK college circuit in 1969 before signing to Vertigo. Their debut album 'May Blitz' in 1970 was heavy and featured a grotesque cartoon cover. The first album sold moderately and a follow up 'The 2nd Of May' was recorded in 1971. Unfortunately despite being an excellent album full of heavy original numbers the album flopped. The band were dropped by Vertigo shortly after.

BROKKENAVOND

June 29, 2012, Corrie van Binsbergen will host the last Brokkenavond of the season.

at 21.00 h : Nosoyo  (Donata Kramarz, Jasja Offermans,... + special guest Dionys Breukers)
at 22.30 h : Losse Brokken  (Beatrice van der Poel, Dionys Breukers, Mete ERker, Yonga Sun)

At 'Zaal 100' in Amsterdam, NL.

DWALMACAT 474

Go to http://www.fmbrussel.be/programmas/dwalmacat.aspx
and click on “Luister” to enjoy

• FRANK ZAPPA – Peaches en regalia
• THE POLITICIANS ft. McKINLEY JACKSON – Psycha-soula-funkadelic
• A.K.KLOSOWSKI & PYROLATOR – What made you so no-good?
• STOCK, HAUSEN & WALKMAN – Stripper
• BUDDY HOLLY – Well... All right
• HEINZ – Just like Eddie
• AFTER DINNER – Kitchen life
• THE FIERY FURNACES – Norwegian wood
• THE BEATLES – The word
• STEVE MOORE – Diptych
• KYLIE MINOGUE – Slow
• FEIST – A commotion
• X-MAL DEUTSCHLAND – Mondlicht
• SEVERED HEADS – Mount
• YBU ft. JONELL – Soul magic
• MRS. MILLS – Everybody’s doing it
• DESMOND SIMMONS – Alone on penguin-island

TIME TO FREAK OUT

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/time-to-freak-out-franks-back-2012-06-11

LA THEORIE DES CORDES MADE A FILM CLIP

La Theorie Des Cordes made a film clip...

"Here is the work made by a friendly team of "benevoles". It's very important to know that this clip is the result of a common desire to create it and it's born with the help of all this energys.

In this clip we benefited of a castle (the Château de la Madeleine). L'Atelier de l'Hermine Blanche has crafted 70 bespoke costumes for the purposes of the film.
A small technical team but skilled; a make-up artist, photographers, actors and a lot of outsiders who helped us to carry out this crazy project both in its content and in its ambitions."

PIERREJEAN GAUCHER - MELODY MAKERS II

• pierrejean gaucher: melody makers II
  (2012, cd, france, musiclip mu 1205)

Searching for a new sound, a new project, Pierrejean Gaucher brought us "Melody Makers" in 2009, an album that he made with Clément Petit and Cédric Affre. The trio performed classic pop tunes in jazzy arrangements. The combination of a jazz guitar, a cello and drums was quite remarkable.

And now there's the sequel: "Melody Makers II".
This time, the album consists of original compositions, inspired by various pop tunes.
The biggest difference, however, is that the compositions were co-written by Pierrejean Gaucher and Clément Petit. On the bonus video that you find on the album, Pierrejean explains that his mind had to shift from working in a Zappa-way (total control) to a more Lennon/McCartney-approach (co-writing). He adds that the writing process is more demanding, but that the results are compositions that are richer, stronger and more innovative.

The result sounds great. The trio has a sound of its own. There's a link to the pop melodies, you get the jazz arrangements and jazz guitar solos, all in balance with the lyrical and powerful sound of the cello. Add the drums to keep it tight and you get "Melody Makers II".

The biggest surprise is track number 5, 'Sleep Sweet' is Pierrejean's imaginary continuation of Frank Zappa's 'Sleep Dirt'. A beautiful tribute !
Recommended listening !

http://www.pierrejeangaucher.com/

Here's the first five minutes of the 15-minute video that's included on the album. It'll give you a good idea of what it sounds like.

DOC DAÏL

French rock band Doc Daïl lived a short life: from 1969 until 1971, releasing only 3 singles.

It gets more interesting when you click on the below link: you get a picture of Frank Zappa jamming with Doc Daïl.
Unfortunately, I couldn't find any additional info...

http://france-heavy-rock.over-blog.com/article-29297649.html

Here's one of their singles:

DWALMACAT 473

Go to http://www.fmbrussel.be/programmas/dwalmacat.aspx
and click on “Luister” to enjoy

• LES TUEURS DE LA LUNE DE MIEL – Oh Suzanna
• PLANNING TO ROCK – Doorway
• SNAKEFINGER – Kill the great raven
• HOLGER HILLER – Das Feuer
• CASSIX – Criota
• THE LIARS – The wrong coat for you mt. Heart attack
• JOE MEEK – Untitled
• FLYING LOTUS – Do the astral plane
• P16 D4 – Pix
• SHERBET – Howzat
• DAVID BOWIE – Starman
• HENK WIJNGAARD – 100 kilo, dat ben ik
• CRASS – Sheepfarming in the Falklands
• THE RAPTURE – Frames frames frames
• MAX ROMEO & THE UPSETTERS – I chase the devil
• MATTHEW FRIEDBERGER – North to...
• MOONDOG – Wildwood
• MICHAEL NYMAN – Queen of the night
• RICHARD HAWLEY – Before

BRECKER BROTHERS LIVE IN TOKYO DVD

The Brecker Brothers' "Live In Tokyo" DVD presents a broadcast from Japanese TV.
It includes 'Slang', 'Spherical', 'Harpoon', 'Song For Barry' and 'Some Skunk Funk'.

VINNIE COLAIUTA UPDATE

Former Zappa-drummer Vinnie Colaiuta plays the drums on the latest Dominic Miller album, "5th House".

MADS TOLLING QUARTET - CELEBRATING JEAN LUC PONTY - LIVE AT YOSHI'S

• mads tolling quartet: celebrating jean-luc ponty - live at yoshi's
  (2012, cd, usa, madsman records mt-02)

Mads Tolling first met Jean-Luc Ponty during a master class that Jean-Luc did at the Berkeley College of Music. One year later, Jean-Luc Ponty recommended Mads to bassist Stanley Clarke and Mads ended up touring with Stanley Clarke for eight years.
In the liner notes of "Live At Yoshi's", Mads acknowledges Jean-Luc Ponty as one of his heroes and he made a fine selection for this tribute.
Pieces by John McLaughlin, Stanley Clarke, Cannonball Adderley, Jean-Luc Ponty, Frank Zappa's 'King Kong', and the excellent 'Pontyfication', written by Mads himself.
Great tunes, stunning performances (Mike Abraham on the guitar !!), and all recorded live in concert.

It's a 1970's fusion feast.

JAZZMAN RECORDS RELEASES A SALAH RAGAB 7" SET

Salah Ragab formed the first jazz big band in Egypt (The Cairo Jazz Band) in 1968. He was also the leader of the Military Music Departments in Heliopolis and some of the best musicians in Egypt of that time were members of the band.


Salah Ragab invited Sun Ra to Egypt in 1971 and in 1983 and 1984, and he accompanied Sun Ra on a tour in Egypt, Greece, France and Spain in 1984.
He died in July 2008 in Cairo at age 72.


In 2010, the Art Yard label released "Egyptian Jazz".
And now, housed in a triangle- / pyramid shaped package, Jazzman Records is releasing a 2 x 7" set with unreleased material.

• salah ragab: black butterfly
  (2012, 2 x 7", uk, jazzman)

CHAD SMITH'S BOMBASTIC MEATBATS

Red Hot Chili Pepper's drummer Chad Smith has just released an live album with his Bombastic Meatbats project: "Live Meat And Potatoes".
Recorded live at The Baked Potato.

CHRISTOPHE GODIN - METAL KARTOON

• christophe godin: metal kartoon
  (2005, cd, france, les mercenaires associés)

There's lots of news, and I'm running a bit behind schedule, but I really wanted to talk a bit about Christophe Godin's "Metal Kartoon" album.
You might, or should, know that the new Mörglbl album is out / will be out very soon. It's called "Brutal Romance". To get ready for this new release, I started the day with "Metal Kartoon".

Released in 2005, "Metal Kartoon" was Christophe Godin's first solo album. As the title suggests, "Metal Kartoon" tells stories. Pretty funny stories. The music is a mix of metal, fusion and prog rock, but there's also quite a number of songs that could be classified as pop as well.

The band sounds very good, and Christophe's guitar playing is as impressive as ever.
I love the humour (even my sons caught the Simpsons-theme in the middle of 'Au Pays De Ghandi') and the guitar solos give me goosebumps. This is great !!

Food for guitar freaks and for melomaniacs with a sense of humour.

Here's the Metal Kartoon band in concert, with special guest Mattias IA Eklundh (who also guests on the album):

MORGAN AGREN DRUM VIDEO ANNOUNCED

Producer and filmmaker Carl King has started this "kickstarter" to raise some funds to be able to finish this so far self funded movie/documentary : "Morgan Agren - A Drummer".

Click this link below to see footage from Los Angeles May 2012, and to read about how the kickstarter works.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/carlking/morgan-agren-a-drummer-documentary

GRYPHON LABS IN CONCERT IN HOLLYWOOD TONIGHT

Gryphon Labs will be performing in Hollywood tonight, 2012/06/10.
At the Amplyfi club.

Gryphon Labs is Pete Griffin's band. Pete used to play the bass in Zappa Plays Zappa.
Fellow / former ZpZ members Jamie Kime and Joe Travers are also part of Gryphon Labs.

Jamie Kime has left ZpZ in the meantime and is focusing his attention towards his first solo release (on which Mike Keneally collaborates).
Joe Travers should need no introduction. He's the ZFT vaultmeister and has played the drums with Dweezil Zappa, Z, ZpZ, Mike Keneally and lots of others.

http://www.amplyfi.com/

DWALMACAT 472

Go to http://www.fmbrussel.be/programmas/dwalmacat.aspx
and click on "Luister" to enjoy

• NEGATIVLAND – Helter stupid
• ENNIO MORRICONE – The strength of the righteous
• PLANNING TO ROCK - #9
• RONALD HEILOO & HAROLD SCHELLINX – In times of panic
• JEAN-FRANCOIS PAUVROS – Hutopie!
• LEE RANALDO – Waiting on a dream
• DEFICIT DES ANNEES ANTERIEURES – La pluie sur ton visage
• MARK PERRY – Snappy turns
• DAPHNI – Jiao
• MATHILDE SANTING – You took advantage of me
• STRAFE FÜR REBELLION – Wiegenlied
• AUGSBURGER TAFELCONFECT – Tastes friendly
• ITOKEN – Land
• COS BER ZAM – Ne noya (Daphni remix)
• PSYCHIC TV – Themes 2

PAUL BUFF PRESENTS... AN UPDATE

Here's Greg Russo with an update on the "Paul Buff Presents..." Box.

"The box is currently in production, although the manufacturing time will be a bit longer than expected. We're expecting to receive the finished product during the third week of June. As usual, I will personally process each and every order."

Greg also mentioned that there are just a few sets of bonus Tornadoes CDs left!
If you haven't ordered your copy yet, you'd better hurry.

http://www.crossfirepublications.com/

ZAPPANALE, ANYONE ?

Zappanale Teaser 2012 from Don Medien.

MARK PINSKE

June 20, 2012, Canadian CKCU-FM radio will broadcast an interview with Mark Pinske as part of their Frank Zappa specials.
Mark Pinske was Frank Zappa's recording engineer for the 1984 tour.

A FIREWORKS ENSEMBLE UPDATE

None of the Above


The audacious, ground-breaking chamber music of American iconoclast FRANK ZAPPA. For the 2012-2013 season, Fireworks has the rare honor of being able to present the PREMIERE PERFORMANCES of works left unperformed at the time of the composer’s death, along with favorites such as Big Swifty, Drowning Witch, The Black Page, and King Kong.


http://fireworksensemble.org/projects/zappa/

-- info: Guy Darol (on facebook)

ZAPPATIKA'S NEW SINGLE IS OUT

Zappatika's latest single, 'Time', is available from CDBaby and iTunes.

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/zappatika3

VARIOUS ARTISTS - PINK BOX : SONGS OF PINK FLOYD

• various artists: pink box - the songs of pink floyd
  (2007, 2cd, ??, ??)

The "Pink Box" 2 CD set collects various artists performing the music of Pink Floyd.
The box includes contributions by Dweezil Zappa, Adrian Belew, and Aynsley Dunbar.

Data has been added to the U.M.Archives.

-- info: Jan van Kemenade

MOSAE ZAPPA 2012 - - - PART 1 - - - THE ENSEMBLE MOSAE

Mosae Zappa was a treat.
The Ensemble Mosae opened on Friday.

This one-off project consisted of Michel Delville (guitar), Laurent Delchambre (drums) & Guy Segers (bass). They performed some Zappa (& related) love songs, displaying a good sense of humour and some great musicianship.

• Mosae Intro
• Touch Me There
• Gumbo Variations
• Treacherous Cretins
• Tengo Na Minchia Tanta
• Pink/Black Napkins
• Wonderful Wino
• Five-Five-FIVE
• The Black Page Variations
• Apostrophe
• The Torture Never Stops
• Help I’m a Rock

-- picture by Philippe Lamoot

dEUS RELEASES NEW ALBUM

Out of the blue comes this new album by belgian band dEUS: "Following Sea".
Available on iTunes, and released on CD on June 8.

Here's 'Quatre Mains':

GERMAN HIGH COURT SETS FRANK ZAPPA FREE

You should have heard it by now, but just in case that you didn't, here's the recap:

In 2009, the Zappa Family Trust filed a complaint against the Arf Society and Zappanale for the use of the term "Zappa".

The German High Court rejected this complaint, stating that the trademark "Zappa" had been filed by the ZFT in Europe, but that it had lost its protection because it hadn't been used within five years after registration.

Zappanale will continue to be Zappanale.