Friday, November 30, 2018

MULA POIL - S/T



Experimental rock band PoiL has a new release out. It's a split 12 with two tracks by Mula on one side and one PoiL track on the other side.

I haven't seen the 12" yet, but the download sounds pretty good !!



NEW RELEASE BY JULIE SLICK / ECHOTEST


Julie Slick (Adrian Belew Trio) and Marco Machera are Echo Test.
They just released "Daughter Of Ocean" on Bandcamp.
It will also be made available on vinyl !



VLEK - 2009 - 2018

Earlier this week, I mentioned two new album by experimental jazz ensemble VLEK: "Music On The Far Side Of The Moon" and "Rumble, Live In Neerpelt".
The El Negocito label is making both albums available on CD as well. It's a package deal. You get a box with the two CD's and the download code for the previous two albums ("Speck" and "Smoking Gun"). The box is called "2009 - 2018" and will give you access to the entire Vlek discography.

Major deal.
Nice 6-panel digipack, showing all four album covers. Two CD's and two downloads.

Only 50 copies, so don't hesitate.



VARIOUS ARTISTS - THE CARBON 7 COMPLATIONS VOLUME 1

Subtitled "Avant Jazz", this compilation album that got released by the Belgian Carbon 7 record label in 1998 takes a closer look at some of the modern jazz bands that were signed to the label.

On this album, the listener is treated to Jeroen Van Herzeele, La Grande Formation and Aka Moon, just to name three. Worth checking out.
Here's a trck from Jeroen Van Herzeele's Greetings From Mercury project :



TODD RUNDGREN AUTOBIOGRAPHY

from Glass Onyon PR

The Individualist: Digressions, Dreams and Dissertations, by Legendary Songwriter, Musician, Interactive Artist and Producer, Todd Rundgren

Los Angeles - Cleopatra Records is pleased to announce the release of The Individualist: digressions, dreams and dissertations, by legendary songwriter, musician, interactive artist, producer and a current nominee for the Rock N' Roll Hall Of Fame, Todd Rundgren on December 21. Rundgren pens his first ever autobiography reflecting on both his phenomenal career as well as his rollercoaster of a personal life with pages of recollections, structured into bite-sized single-page three-paragraph chapters, about encounters with rock royalty including Janis Joplin, Brian Wilson, Ringo Starr, Patti Smith, The NY Dolls, and Meat Loaf along with numerous photos never before published.

In conjunction with the release, Rundgren will be embarking on the world’s first hybrid concert/book tour this coming spring, highlighting both hits and “deep tracks” spanning his 50- year career. Live Nation will be announcing the details of the tour, presented by SiriusXM, on December 3, which will include shows in North America, the UK, Europe, and Japan.

Consistent with his history of innovation, Todd writes in the introduction to his book: “So in order to get myself and the reader through this process with a minimum of chaos, the book will take on the form of this page:[paragraph #1] a recollection of something that I witnessed, [paragraph #2] a subjective assessment of my state of mind in either experiencing or remembering the episode (or a haphazard combination of both), and as in this 3rd paragraph, a conclusion, a statement of plain facts or simply soap-box proselytizing. I suggest scanning the book in whatever manner one’s taste and temperament dictate.”

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Rundgren began playing guitar as a teenager, going on to found and front Nazz, the quintessential `60's psychedelic group. In 1969, he left the band to pursue a solo career, recording his debut offering, Runt. But it was 1972's seminal Something/Anything?, on which he played all the instruments, sang all the vocal parts, and acted as his own producer, that catapulted Todd into the superstar limelight, prompting the press to unanimously dub him 'Rock's New Wunderkind'. It was followed by such landmark LPs as A Wizard, A True Star and The Hermit of Mink Hollow, as well as such hit singles as “I Saw The Light, “Hello It's Me,” “Can We Still Be Friends,” and “Bang The Drum.”



Thursday, November 29, 2018

THE WRONG OBJECT - INTO THE HERD



"Into The Herd" is the latest album by The Wrong Object. The band had brought some copies to the Mosae Festival but I think the actual release date will be next month, or even January.

Anyway, The Wrong Object did it again.
A fine mixture of Zappa-inspired jazz and rock.

Amazing !

Get it here :
http://off-recordlabel.blogspot.com/

Or even better, order your copy together with The Wrong Object's Zappa tribute album, "Zappa Jawaka".


STEFAN BELLNÄS - PODUNK

  • stefan bellnäs: podunk
        (2018, cd, sweden, country & eastern ce40)
Stefan Bellnäs is the bass player for Bengt Berger's Beches Brew ensemble. "Podunk" is the first album that he recorded in his own name.
Not only does Stefan play the bass, he's also an accomplished slide guitar and keyboard player. "Podunk" showcases all these different parts. In that aspect, "Podunk" gives perfect samples of what Stefan Bellnäs is all about.
On the other hand, however, I do miss a bit of consistency. There's a couple of superb jazz tunes on this album ("Big Chief', 'Searching For The Lost Spice Rack', 'Spokes',...). There's also some beautiful blues songs and amazing slide guitar to be found on this album. Hopping between those tracks and genres isn't easy, but if you can program your CD player, you're in for a treat.

Out on the Country & Eastern record label :
https://countryandeastern.se/records/podunk/



BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY


"Bohemian Rhapsody"
Steve Vai, Malmsteen, Zakk Wylde
@Sands Bethlehem, PA 11/27/18



ED PALERMO UPDATE


THE ED PALERMO BIG BAND
announces
New Year's Eve, 12/31/18, at
The Falcon!!

https://www.liveatthefalcon.com/181231
1348 Rt. 9W Marlboro, NY 845-236-7970
8pm, No Cover. Donations encouraged.

On New Year's Eve - Ed Palermo hosts a thoroughly suspicious award program - THE EDDYS,
A Night of a Thousand Jerk-Offs - with Guest Host, Napoleon Murphy Brock!



MOSAE ZAPPA 045 WITH DE SCHULDJONGENS


As some of you might guess, I'm a fan of the music of Frank Zappa. Not just Zappa, but you know what I mean.
I'm also into comic books, comic strips, illustrations, graphic novels,... That's what you get when you grow up in Belgium.

So imagine my surprise when the team that organizes the Mosae Zappa festival added Dutch band De Schuldjongens to the line up of Mosae Zappa #5 by saying : 'De Schuldjongens, featuring vocalist Berend Vonk,...'.
For your information, Berend Vonk is an illustrator, painter and comic book artist that I have known and admired for over 25 years. I knew that Berend had an interest in music as I have an (amazing) album by De Sufgerukte Wallies ("Zebulon Zal Wonen In Het Licht") on which he sings lead vocals, but I didn't know that Berend was still performing...
Mosae would be the perfect opportunity to get my weekly dose of Zappa AND to see De Schuldjongens in concert.
Lotsa birds, one stone (or something like that).

The 1991 album by De Sufgerukte Wallies.

At Mosae, De Schuldjongens were the third act of the evening. The trio featured LoveCavern (Berend Vonk) on vocals, Safari Safari on guitar, and Kapitein Knier on drums and they blew everyone away.

Pure energy. Punk dada. Or dada punk. With some Zappa quotes and a performance of 'Evelyn A Modified Dog' thrown in as icing on the cake.

picture by Philippe Lamoot.

  • intro
  • "ladies and gentlemen, here he is... larry lovecavern the dwarf"
  • Lightning Boy
  • Buddy Holly
  • "there's a big difference between kneeling down and bending over"
  • Bonjour L'amour
  • Cash
  • microphone issues
  • Avoid
  • Spool Of Yarn
  • "opel you hot little bitch"
  • Fathouse
  • An American Trilogy (M.Newbury)
  • lovecavern tells some jokes
  • Blind Man Temporary
  • No I Won't
  • The Bell Of Xmas
  • Die Oude Ridder In De Disco
  • Laundry (part one)
  • Evelyn A Modified Dog (F.Zappa)
  • Laundry (part two)


The band had brought along their new album : "Everything You Hate Is On The Run".


Here's two songs as a teaser :




In all, a top act.
And a perfect band for Mosae Zappa.


Wednesday, November 28, 2018

TWO NEW RELEASES BY PHILIP JOHNSTON

Composer, saxophonist and bandleader Philip Johnston has just released two albums.

If you liked what Philip did with The Microscopic Septet, or with the Fast 'n Bulbous Captain Beefheart tribute project, you should check these out :

"The Adventures of Prince Achmed", soundtrack to an animation movie.
on the Asynchronous label: download and CD.



and "Diggin' Bones", by Philip Johnston and the Coolerators.
on the Asynchronous label: download and CD.




KING CRIMSON 2019 TOUR


Glass Onyon PR :

King Crimson 2019 Tour – Celebrating 50 Years

As part of a series of events and releases for their 50th anniversary, King Crimson's 2019 tour will include special concerts across three continents, including both festivals and headline shows.

The band's packed three-hour shows regularly include material from twelve of their thirteen studio albums, including many of the songs from their seminal 1969 album “In The Court of the Crimson King”, described by Pete Townshend, as an “uncanny masterpiece”. The new 8-piece line-up plays many historic pieces which Crimson have never played live, as well as new arrangements of Crimson classics – “the music is new whenever it was written”. There are also new instrumentals and songs, as well as the compositions by the three drummers, Pat Mastelotto, Gavin Harrison and Jeremy Stacey, which are a regular highlight. A unique show, where eight of the best musicians in the world play music without distraction or adornment.

King Crimson will be playing three shows at the Albert Hall in London in June 2019!
June 18, 19 and 20.


ROBERT FRIPP, though best known for his work in King Crimson, has contributed to numerous albums by players as diverse as Brian Eno, David Bowie, Peter Gabriel, Blondie, Talking Heads, Daryl Hall, The Roches, Peter Hammill, Keith Tippett, David Sylvian, The Orb, and The Grid. His 1979 solo album, “Exposure” was described as “the Sergeant Pepper of avant punk.” He has appeared twice in Rolling Stone magazine's 100 Greatest Guitarist Of All Time poll, although Fripp claims these are likely to have been mistakes by the typesetter.

TONY LEVIN has been a member of King Crimson since 1981. Internationally renowned and constantly in-demand for his distinctive bass work, he also tours with Peter Gabriel with whom he has worked since 1977. He has appeared on albums by Paul Simon, John Lennon, David Bowie and countless others and recently formed his own band, Stick Men alongside Crimson drummer, Pat Mastelotto.

JAKKO JAKSZYK was a member of Level 42, before working with Mel Collins as part of ex-KC alumni group, 21st Century Schizoid Band between 2002 - 2004. His solo album, “The Bruised Romantic Glee Club” (2006) was his first recorded collaboration with Fripp, followed by “A Scarcity of Miracles” in 2011. An acclaimed producer in his own right, Jakszyk has recently mixed Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson's UK Top 20 album, “Homo Erraticus.” .

MEL COLLINS was previously a member of King Crimson 1970 - 1972 appearing on “In The Wake Of Poseidon” (1970), “Lizard” (1970), “Islands” (1971), “Earthbound” (1972) as well as a guest appearance on “Red” (1974), the final King Crimson album of the 1970s. He subsequently worked with The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd's Roger Waters, Dire Straits, Eric Clapton and many others, before returning to King Crimson in 2014.

GAVIN HARRISON joined King Crimson in 2007, playing a series of dates in the USA the following year. A respected author and tutor, he has also recorded three albums with The Pineapple Thief, though Harrison is probably best-known for his work with Porcupine Tree. Modern Drummer magazine placed him in their Top 50 Drummers Of All Time.

PAT MASTELOTTO joined King Crimson in 1994 after working with Robert Fripp and David Sylvian. A member of the hugely successful American 1980s group and MTV favourites, Mr. Mister, he is at home in both experimental music working with KTU as well as pop and rock appearing on albums by The Rembrandts, Hall And Oates and XTC.

JEREMY STACEY is a British drummer. His early work included the 1990s band, The Lemon Trees (with twin brother Paul Stacey on guitars, Guy Chambers and others) and Denzil. He has also played with Sheryl Crow, the Finn Brothers, Nick Harper, Noel Gallagher, and many more. On March 7, 2016, it was announced that he would be taking the place of Bill Rieflin as the centre drummer on the 2016 King Crimson European tour, a position he retained even after Rieflin's return to the band.

BILL RIEFLIN is a multi-instrumentalist but is primarily known for his drumming with Ministry and industrial rock outfit KMFDM. From 2003 until their dissolution in 2011 he played drums with REM. He recorded with Robert Fripp on “Birth Of A Giant” and “The Repercussions Of Angelic Behaviour” (both 1999) and most recently in the ambient super-group, Slow Music in 2006 and 2014.



NOSTOC


Belgian band Nostoc is about to release their second album.

Click to go to the Nostoc website. It includes audio :
https://vi.be/nostoc?track=

The album cover gives a pretty good idea of what their music sounds like...



Tuesday, November 27, 2018

VLEK

Belgian El Negocito Records is releasing two new albums by Dutch band Vlek.

"Music On The Far Side Of The Moon"


and
"Rumble, Vlek In Neerpelt".


"Music On The Far Side Of The Moon" will get a CD-release as well. Not sure about "Rumble".
The live shows of "Music On The Far Side" included Frank Zappa's "Son Of Mr. Green Genes". Too bad that it didn't make the album...
Still... Impressive stuff.

Vlek will be presenting their new album(s) at 'De Paradox' jazz club in Tilburg NL, tomorrow, November 28.


DEEP IN THE DEEP


If you like the music of Aka Moon and Greetings From Mercury, you should also check out Deep In The Deep, another Belgian jazz band that mixes complex rhythms, European tradition and African vibes.
It should come as no surprise that all of these bands have the same drummer: Stéphane Galland.

"Au Fond Dans La Mer" was the first album by Deep In The Deep. It got released in 1995 !



ENDLESS BOOGIE


New York band Endless Boogie.
Listening to (and enjoying) their 2017 album on YouTube :


-- info: Philippe Lamoot


CRAYON SUN


Crayon Sun is

'Big Dave' Reniers : vocals, harp
Aldo Struyf : guitars, bass, piano, synths, beats, backings
Paul V. May : drums, percussion

Wednesday, November 28, they'll present their first (and new) album at 'Het Bos' in Antwerp, BE.



MOSAE ZAPPA 045 WITH FRED HÄNDL

The Mosae Zappa festival kicked off on Friday evening with Gabba Zappa Hey.
Couldn't make it, but only heard good things about it.

Saturday afternoon, Fred Hândl played Zappa at 'Coasters', a fine coffee bar in Heerlen.

Starting from a melody line and a couple of chords, looking and searching for the extra notes and accompaniment, Fred's approach results in a fragile and even sometimes quite experimental quest.
I loved it.
He only messed up (his own words) one song and so he made this little video.



Monday, November 26, 2018

WE'RE ONLY IN IT FOR THE MONEY PICTURE DISC


The Black Friday re-release of The Mothers' "We're Only In It" in mono and on a picture disc comes in five variations. Four got released in the U.S., one in Europe.

Thanks to pappazappa over at Zappateers, here's some snapshots :




Sunday, November 25, 2018

CHRIS SQUIRE TRIBUTE


If you want to read more about the Chris Squire tribute album (that Dweezil Zappa contributed to), go here :
http://exystence.net/blog/2018/11/25/various-artists-a-life-in-yes-the-chris-squire-tribute-2018/

-- info: Jan van Kemenade


AN ED PALERMO UDATE


ED PALERMO BIG BAND
announces
A VERY PROGGY CHRISTMAS
COMING YOUR WAY!

TWO SHOWS/TWO VENUES

Iridium Jazz Club - Monday December 10
1650 Broadway @ West 51 St., NYC


The Falcon - Saturday December 22
  Special guest: Napoleon Murphy Brock
  1348 Rt. 9W, Marlboro, NY

Ed Palermo adds : My 16 piece band and I will mash-up holiday songs, the music of Frank Zappa and some of the best progressive rock and jazz fusion tunes ever written.
"A Very Proggy Christmas" will lift your spirits and warm your heart. Don't miss it!

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:
On Dec. 10 Iridium owner, Ron Strum will be honoring me with a new menu item called Ed Palermo's Grand Wazoo Waygu Burger.
Thank you to Ron for this wonderful tribute.


Friday, November 23, 2018

THE WRONG OBJECT

The new Wrong Object album, "Zappa Jawaka" is being released today !!

Order your copy here:
https://off-recordlabel.blogspot.com/2018/11/ocd042-wrong-object-zappa-jawaka.html

Marti MELIA: tenor sax, clarinet, backing vocals
François LOURTIE: tenor and soprano saxes, vocals
Michel DELVILLE: guitar, Roland GR09, vocals
Antoine GUENET: keyboards, vocals
Pierre MOTTET: bass
Laurent DELCHAMBRE: drums, percussions, objects, samples

All tracks recorded by Maxime Wathieu @ Studio 5, Liège.
Mixed and mastered by Pierre Vervloesem @ Studio Fiasco.

Track listing:

1. Wonderful Wino 4:16
2. Mr Green Genes/King Kong 7:57
3. Big Swifty 4:38
4. This Town is a Sealed Tuna Sandwich/The Sealed Tuna Bolero 5:11
5. Apostrophe/Chunga’s Revenge 6:24
6. Sleep Dirt 4:29
7. Wedding Dress Song/Handsome Cabin Boy 5:49
8. I’m the Slime 4:47


RESIDENTS' LOSS OF THE LIZARD LADY ALSO TO BE RELEASED ON CD


Secret Records is releasing a Residents collection called "Loss Of The Lizard Lady".
Initially only on vinyl, but recently the CD version has been added to the shop !

Look at the Steven Cerio artwork !!



MARCO PACASSONI

Marco Pacassoni recently released "Frank & Ruth", his excellent Zappa tribute album.

Danny Mathys was kind enough to send me the info on Marco's discography :
  • marco pacassoni & partido latino: dancing
    (2006, cd, ??, ??)
  • marco pacassoni & marcello pellitteri quartet: weekend in new york
    (2007, cd, ??, ??)
  • partido latino: latino italiano
    (2009, cd, ??, ??)
  • marco pacassoni quartet: finally
    (2011, cd, italy, groove master edition)
  • marco pacassoni quartet: happiness
    (2014, cd, ??, ??)
  • marco pacassoni quartet: grazie
    (2017, cd, ??, ??)
and, of course,
  • marco pacassoni group: frank & ruth
    (2018, cd, italy, esordisc esocd 1802)





NEW EDDIE JOBSON ANTHOLOGY

From Glass Onyon PR :

Music Legend Eddie Jobson To Release “1971-1979 The Band Years” 2CD Set

Includes performances by Bryan Ferry, Frank Zappa, Robert Fripp, Simon Phillips, Terry Bozzio, Allan Holdsworth, John Wetton and Bill Bruford!

Nominated for 2019 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for his innovative work along with Roxy Music, Eddie Jobson is considered the definitive musicians' musician. “1971-1979 The Band Years” is the first of five planned compilation albums, one for each decade of Jobson's outstanding career as an award-winning composer and internationally acclaimed keyboardist and electric violinist.

This first double-CD release features tracks from Jobson's band years in the '70s, including his work as a member of Curved Air, Roxy Music, Frank Zappa & The Mothers, and UK - the progressive-rock supergroup he co-founded with John Wetton, Allan Holdsworth and Bill Bruford. Classic tracks include Curved Air's “Metamorphosis,” written by Jobson at the age of 17; Roxy Music's “Out of the Blue”; and UK's “In The Dead of Night.” All tracks have been digitally remastered for this special compilation.

Includes performances by Bryan Ferry, Frank Zappa, Robert Fripp, Simon Phillips, Terry Bozzio, Allan Holdsworth, John Wetton and Bill Bruford.

The album includes a live performance of Frank Zappa's "Läther". Probably during his time with Zappa's band, or maybe from the 2011 concert that Eddie Jobson did in Japan (released on the "Four Decades" box).


ROBERTO OLZER TRIO - CELESTE

The Robeto Olzer Trio (Roberto Olzer: piano * Yuri Goloubev: double bass * Mauro Beggio: drums) recorded their most recent album, "Celeste", on August 28 - 30, 2017, at the Artesuono Studios in Cavalicco, Italy.
It got released by the Atelier Sawano label in Japan. It just shows you how small the world has become.

"Celeste" is a very enjoyable album. It's modern jazz with beautiful themes and fine improvisations.
Next to the original material (by Robert Olzer and by Yuri Goloubev), the disc also includes pieces by other composers. Modest Mussorgsky's 'The Castle' did make a fine impression, but what the band did with Frank Zappa's 'G-Sport Tornado' and 'Sleep Dirt' is fabulous.
In fact, they perform the Zappa pieces as one composition, starting with 'G-Spot Tornade', through a drum solo / break towards 'Sleep Dirt', a double bass solo, and back to 'G-Spot Tornado'. Breathtaking. Nine and a half minutes.

Here's 'G-Spot Tornado' :



RAGINI TRIO

The Ragini Trio is Nathan Daems on sax, Lander Gyselink on drums and Marco Bardoscia on double bass. They exlore and mix contemporary jazz with Indian music.
Their new tour will feature pianist Bojan Z and vocalist Sawani Mudgal.


Thursday, March 7, 2019, they'll perform at 'De Roma' in Antwerp, BE.

Around the same time, they'll release their second album (on the W.E.R.F. record label).



MACHACEK, PREUSCHL & PIRKER - FAT #AWESOME

Alex Machacek has recorded and performed with Terry Bozzio and Patrick O'Hearn, with Eddie Jobson (and Eddie Jobson's UK) and has also released a few excellent solo and trio albums.

The latest Alex Machacek released arrived at U.M. Headquarters a couple of days ago. I had bought the album through Bandcamp so I had already enjoyed it a couple of times but the physical CD gave the opportunity for another couple of listening sessions.

"FAT #awesome" is the third release by Alex Machacek, Raphael Preuschl and Herbert Pirker, the Fabulous Austrian Trio. Again, the trio succeeds in making complex music sound funky.

Right up my alley.



ALASDAIR ROBERTS, NEIL MCDERMOTT AND TARTINE DE CLOUS - AU CUBE

  • alasdair roberts, neil mcdermott and tartine de clous: au cube
        (2018, 2*10", belgium, okraina #12)
Brussels-based Okraine records has just released "Au Cube", a concert registration of Alasdair Roberts, Neil McDermott and Tartine De Clous.

Alasdair Roberts has worked with Drag City Records for some 20 years, releasing more than ten records featuring both interpretations of traditional songs and his own songwriting. He has played with Will Oldham, Jason Molina and many others and is now part of The Furrow Collective. In addition to being a fine fiddler in the Scottish traditional style, Neil McDermott is currently researching the musical and political engagement of the 1960s Scottish folk scene with the anti-nuclear movement. Tartine de Clous (Geoffroy Dudouit, Thomas Georget and Guillaume Maupin) is a singing trio originally from the department of Charente in western France. Following in the footsteps of some of the great French groups of the late 20th century folk revival (such as Mélusine and La Bamboche), they sing largely unaccompanied three-part harmony arrangements of the traditional songs of France... and Scotland !

In early 2016 Alasdair Roberts spoke of his admiration for Tartine de Clous' first LP, "Sans Folklore" in an article in English folk magazine, fRoots. After a first musical encounter in Glasgow in January 2017, alongside local fiddler Neil McDermott, the five of them reunited in December 2017. They explored a common set of songs, French, Scottish and Roberts originals, and recorded them live, with an audience, at the Cube Microplex, an amazing Arts venue and progressive social wellbeing enterprise in central Bristol.

"Au Cube" presents 11 folk songs. In French and in English, seeking their origin in France and in Scotland, plus some original material.
The result is an extremely varied and very interesting album.

Out on the Okraina label and available as a double 10" set and on CD.
https://okrainarecords.com/

In concert :
-- 29 NOV. - Amsterdam - Filmhuis Cavia
-- 30 NOV. - Brussel - Ateliers Claus



Thursday, November 22, 2018

THE ENSEMBLE MODERN TO PERFORM THE YELLOW SHARK IN HANNOVER NEXT MAY


The Ensemble Modern
Cond. Ingo Metzmacher

will perform

The Yellow Shark und Greggery Peccary And  Other Persuasions
Frank Zappa

Saturday, May 18, 2019 — 19:30
Eilenriedehalle (HCC), Hannover, Germany


-- info: Uli Mrosek


BENGT BERGER - BECHES BREW - GOTHENBURG

Drummer and composer Bengt Berger has just released new material by his Beches Brew quintet.
The album is called "Gothenburg" and it's a superfine modern jazz album.

The idea for this album emerged during a number of Saturday afternoon concerts that Beches Brew did at Studio HPKSM in Gothenburg. The result is a beautiful set of melodic tunes, interlaced with fine improvisations.

I love it.

As a bonus, the CD contains a download code for a digital download album, "Gothenburg Live", which was in fact recorded during one of the Saturday afternoon live sessions.

Highly recommended !!
Get your copy at : https://countryandeastern.se/

Here's a sample :


ZAPPA'S SONGS AT LE TRITON


Next Saturday, Thierry Eliez presents his latest release, "Zappa's Songs' at 'Le Triton' in Paris, France.

All Zappa compositions.

The album will be released on the Le Triton label.

Thierry Eliez : keyboards, vocals
Laurent Vernerey : bass
Francis Arnaud : drums
Franck Tortillier : percussion
Jimi Drouillard : guitar and vocals

http://www.letriton.com/programmation/jimi-d-zappa-song-s-2285


KRIS DANE - BOY, 26

In the meantime, Kris Dane's "Boy, 26" album arrived. Gave it another listen. Excellent pop.
Featuring Stéphane Galland and Fabrizio Galland on a couple of tracks.
From 1999 !!



A MOSAE UPDATE BY BEREND VONK


Don't forget : this weekend = Mosae Weekend.

De Schuldjongens are among the bands that will  be performing. The band features comic book artist and illustrator Berend Vonk !! You can find his reminder below.

http://mosaezappa.com/



THE TUBES - NOW

I mentioned the 2004 CD re-issue of this 1977 album by The Tubes a couple of days ago. It has a blue album cover and it has the pictures of the original back and front cover switched.
More recently, the Music On Cd record label did a re-release that looks more like the original album.

The Tubes' "Now" album features Don Van Vliet on saxophone on one track ('Cathy's Clone') and it includes The Tubes performing 'My Head Is My Only House'.


Wednesday, November 21, 2018

VALENTINA CIARDELLI

From Facebook, Valentina Ciardelli's "Parachute Concert" will take place in London on November 26, 2018.

Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance
King Charles Court Old Royal Naval College, SW1A2 Londen

26th November 2018, Peacock room , TL KCC

"An extraordinary occasion to be part of a musical journey into humor, deep meanings and sarcastic arguments between Gioachino Rossini and Frank Zappa...with three new string quintet world premieres ( Special composer guest Kurt Morgan, Bassist and arranger of Dweezil Zappa's Band).

Violin I: Ben Richardson
Violin II: Maria Januszewska
Viola: Peter Fenech Cacciottolo
Cello: Jennifer Alexandra Sturt
Double bass: Valentina Scheldhofen Ciardelli

- Peaches en Regalia* F. Zappa
- Sonata a Quattro – N°6 “La Tempesta” G. Rossini
- Cadas Byrig for string quintet (world Premiere) S. Pradalie
- Del Tacito infinito andar del tempo (world Premiere) M.Sarti
- Waveforms for string quintet (world Premiere) K. Morgan
- Echidna’s Arf of You* F.Zappa



FRANK ZAPPA'S BLACK FRIDAY RELEASE


Commemorating its 50th anniversary, the rare mono mix of Frank Zappa’s album We’re Only In It For The Money has been pressed on vinyl for the first time since 1968 as a collectable picture disc. Mastered by Bernie Grundman in 2018 and housed in packaging as originally intended, each LP will feature one of four versions of unseen art from Zappa’s Vault, which will be a surprise until opened. A fifth version will be available outside of the U.S.



YIN YIN




FOCUS


From Glass Onyon PR


Dutch Music Legends Focus Announce Release of New Studio Album “Focus 11”

Exclusively available on the band's November UK tour and via the band's official online store ONLY!

The current line-up of Focus, which features Thijs van Leer, Pierre van der Linden, Menno Gootjes and Udo Pannekeet – completed the new studio album titled “Focus 11” earlier this year and are debuting the CD edition on their November UK Tour.

The 11 track album will be released as a CD, gatefold coloured LP and Download on the band's own In And Out of Focus Records, via Cherry Red, in late January. The album features artwork by Roger Dean.

Official Focus Website: www.focustheband.com

Focus tour dates:

10th November - LONDON - London 100 Club SOLD OUT
11th November - WOLVERHAMPTON - Robin 2
12th November - MILTON KEYNES - The Stables
14th November - HULL - The Fruit
15th November - NEW BRIGHTON - Floral Pavilion Theatre
16th November - WOKINGHAM - Wokingham Football Club SOLD OUT
17th November - KINROSS - Green Hotel SOLD OUT
18th November - GLASGOW - The Ferry
19th November - EDINBURGH - The Caves
20th November - ABERDEEN - The Assembly
21st November - DUNDEE - The Church
22nd November - GATESHEAD - The Sage
23rd November - LOWDHAM - Lowdham Village Hall
24th November - DERBY - The Flower Pot
25th November - HOLMFIRTH - Picturedrome
27th November - MANCHESTER - Band on the Wall
28th November - ALDERSHOT - West End Centre SOLD OUT
29th November - SOUTHAMPTON - 1865 Club
30th November - FLETCHING - Trading Boundaries
1st December - FLETCHING - Trading Boundaries


Tuesday, November 20, 2018

ERYA YILDIRIM AND GRUP SIMSEK


New 7" by Derya Yıldırım and Grup Şimşek.




Monday, November 19, 2018

EUGENE CHADBOURNE TO TOUR CALIFORNIA


CALIFORNIA DATES:


  • DECEMBER 8 SANTA BARBARA PIANO KITCHEN: 430 Rose Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
  • DECEMBER 9 OJAI BARTS BOOKS 302 W Matilija St, Ojai, CA 93023
  • DECEMBER 12 VENTURA GRADY’S 2546 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93003
  • DECEMBER 12 SAN LUIS OPISBO A SATELLITE OF LOVE – A Satellite Of Love. 1335 Walker St. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
  • DECEMBER 15 OAKLAND OCTOPUS LITERARY SALOON 2101 Webster St #170, Oakland, CA 94612







Sunday, November 18, 2018

THE MOST EVER COMPANY - PLAYS LIVE VOLUME 2

The Most Ever Company (or TMEC) is an art collective from Oklahoma.
As their Bandcamp page states :TMEC is an anonymous fictional art collective in Oklahoma imagining fictional bands releasing fictional avant-garde music.
They have released quite a number of albums in various formats : computer disc, vinyl, CDR, CD, cassette,...

Their "The Most Ever Company Plays Live Volume 2" album compiles various live (mostly audience) recordings. It includes a rather straight-forward version of Frank Zappa's 'Peaches En Regalia' (right after ELP's 'Karn Evil 9').
Sounds pretty good. A bit chaotic, but that's just fine.

Available on CDR (sold at concerts), but also through Bandcamp !
https://themostevercompany.bandcamp.com/



KRIS DANE - BOY, 26

Kris Dane's "Boy - 26" album, from 1999, features two third of Aka Moon (Fabrizio Cassol, Stéphane Galland), and the piano / keyboard player from Flat Earth Society (Peter Vandenberghe).

Prince-influenced, contemporary pop.
Hard copy CD available from Guy Segers through his Bandcamp page.

Data has been entered into the United Mutations Archives.



THE TUBES - NOW

Telling you that Don Van Vliet played saxophone on 'Cathy's Clone' on The Tubes' "Now" album is pretty old news. The same goes for the fact that the band covers 'My Head Is My Only House" on the very same album.

But I only recently found out that this 1977 vinyl album got issued on CD.
There's a couple of different editions. The prettiest one is the 2004 release by Acadia / Evangeline Records. It has a blue album cover and it has the front and back pictures switched.



LA GRANDE FORMATION - ANYONE LIVED IN A PRETTY HOW TOWN

Checking out Fabrizio Cassol's discography brought me to La Grande Formation. I mentioned the ensemble's second album, "Galilée" (1993), a little while ago, but I'm happy that I found "Anyone Lived In A Pretty How Town" as well.

Beautiful.

Here's 'Lettre Ouverte Á Charles Mingus' (open letter to charles mingus) :



FABRIZIO CASSOL - REQUIEM POUR L.

We saw the live performance of Fabrizio Cassol's "Requiem Pour L." a little while ago at 'De Warande' in Turnhout, BE.
Mozart's "Requiem" reworked for African musicians and classical voices.

Impressive. Very impressive. Maybe it was a bit too confronting at times as the performance included a giant screen showing the last moments of a dying woman. Peacefully and surrounded by family, but still rather confronting.

The entire performance made a huge impression.

"Requiem Pour L.", the album, sounds great. I love the arrangements, the world music touch, and, especially, the superb classical voices.

Out on the Outhere record label.



Saturday, November 17, 2018

REVOLUTIONS EXPO IN BRUSSELS, BE


Expo in Brussels, BE.
"Revolutions - Records And Rebels - 1966 - 1970".

https://agenda.brussels/nl/event/448362/revolutions-records-rebels-1966-1970.html#


-- info: Philippe Lamoot

PIERREJEAN GAUCHER & JULIEN ALLEGRE - LES ÉTINCELLES HURLANTES

Pierrejean Gaucher's latest release captured him cooporating with Julien Allegre,
Sculptor and musician Julien Allègre supplied percussive sounds that he had made with / on / through his sculptures. Pierrejean Gaucher reworked these sounds and added guitar, shaping the whole into compositions.

The result is beautiful.
13 jazzy, experimental, but most of all fascinating pieces



Video clip !


THÉO CECCALDI FREAKS




20 Nov 2018 Vernouillet L'Atelier à Spectacle 28

01 Déc 2018 La Fraternelle Saint-Claude 39

02 Déc 2018 Zurich Moods CH

21 Déc 2018 La Gare Paris 75

23 Mai 2019 Théâtre de la Coupe d'Or Rochefort 17



DEUS TO TOUR EUROPE

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of "The Ideal Crash", dEUS will be touring Europe.

http://www.deus.be/


VINNIE COLAIUTA

David Sancious new album, "Eyes Wide Open" will feature former Zappa drummer Vinnie Colaituta.

www.pledgemusic.com/projects/davidsancious





LA TÈNE

La Tène has a new album out.

La Tène is back with a double invitation to its third full length LP. The hurdy-gurdy/harmonium/percussions trio welcomes two bagpipes (cabrettes and 23” to be exact), and a combo of string instruments (12-string guitar and electric bass).



Wednesday, November 14, 2018

FRANK ZAPPA E ALTRI BEI MALANNI

  • frank zappa e altri bei malanni
    by riccardo bertoncelli
        (2016, book, italy, giunti)
(Frank Zappa and other beautiful diseases (?))

This 270 page book collects extensive writings on Frank Zappa, Sun Ra, Jimmy Page, Robert Wyatt, Captain Beefheart, Johnny Cash and others.
The Zappa article is about 40 pages.
From 2016.

Not really a book about FZ, but it does have nice cover artwork by Sergio Ponchione (aka PONK).


ITALIAN EDITION OF GREG RUSSO'S COSMIK DEBRIS BOOK


  • cosmik debris
    by greg russo
        (2018, book, italyarcana)

Last April, Greg Russo's indispensable book, "Cosmik Debris", got an Italian edition.
500-plus pages with info on everything that you wanted to know, and more, about FZ.
A must-read. If you know Italian, that is. Otherwise you have to get the original copy.


INSOMNIA PLAYS ZAPPA


http://www.insomnio.nl/site/#schedule

"The Yellow Shark"

January 30, 201/8 - Amsterdam, NL
February 7, 2018 - Tilburg, NL
February 9, 2018 - Utrecht, NL


NEW RELEASE FROM SUN RA AND HIS ARKESTRA - - - SUN RA WITH PHAROAH SANDERS AND BLACK HAROLD


"Sun Ra with Pharoah Sanders & Black Harold"

...Almost a dozen years later (1976), Sun Ra issued the LP "Featuring Pharoah Sanders and Black Harold" [comprised of tracks 6–11 of this digital edition].




Tuesday, November 13, 2018

FIDO PLAYS ZAPPA - ATLANTIS AND ELSEWHERE

The latest release by Swiss band Fido Plays Zappa, "Atlantis And Elsewhere" has also been made available on vinyl.
As expected, a couple of tracks were omitted and the order got rearranged as well to fit them all on the 2LP set, but the result is still astonishing.
Fido Plays Zappa is one of the best bands to perform the music of Frank Zappa and this album will show you why.

Great musical skills plus a fine dose of humor !!

Here's a clip from four years ago, and they've only gotten better...



SOFT MACHINE TOURDATES


SOFT MACHINE
North American dates in January/February 2019:

January 23 - Sofia Tsakapolous Center for Arts - Sacramento, CA (Levin Brothers co-headlining)
January 24 - Freight & Salvage - Berkeley, CA (Levin Brothers co-headlining)
January 25 - Flynn's - Santa Cruz, CA (Levin Brothers co-headlining)
January 27 - Alberta Rose Theater - Portland, OR (opening act: Moraine)
January 28 - Triple Door - Seattle, WA (opening act: Moraine)
January 29 - Triple Door - Seattle, WA (opening act: Moraine)
January 31 - The Baked Potato (2 shows) - Los Angeles, CA
February 1 - The Baked Potato (2 shows) - Los Angeles, CA
February 2 - Scottsdale Performing Arts Center - Scottsdale, AZ (Levin Brothers co-headlining)
February 4-8 - The Cruise To The Edge - Key West, FL, USA + Cozumel Mexico


ZAPPA - CONTROVERSIEEL COMPONIST

  • zappa - controversieel componist
    by peter sijnke
        (2018, book, the netherlands, uitgeverij verbum)
"Zappa - Controversieel Componist"  (Zappa - Controversial Composer) is a brand-new book (in Dutch) by historian and Zappa freak Peter Sijnke.

"Rockklassiekers" (Rock Classics) is a series (of books in Dutch) with a focus on both Dutch and international rock bands. This Zappa book is number thirteen, following (Pink Floyd, Elvis, The Doors, Cream,...)
The nice thing about this book, next to the fact that it's the first book on Zappa in the Dutch language, is that it also discusses Zappa's relation to The Netherlands (and vice versa).
Well written. Nice reading. Even for someone from Belgium.

I attended the book presentation in Middelburg, NL, where Peter Sijnke (and Hitweek reporter Frits Boer!) got interviewed. It also included a musical intermezzo by Peter Bolderman.

Next weekend, at the Utrecht (NL) Record Fair, Peter Sijnke will do another presentation of the book. It should feature some guests, including Vincent Bijlo, Peter Bolderman and Reina Heidema.
Gruppo Sportivo should also be performing at the Record Fair (promoting their new album).

https://www.recordplanet.nl/platenbeurs.html

Saturday, Nov 17, 2018 :
  • 12.00 tot 13.00 uur: Frank Zappa boekpresentatie Peter Sijnke met Vincent Bijlo, Peter Bolderman & Reina Heidema
  • 14.00 tot 15.00 uur: Gruppo Sportivo optreden

THÉO CECCALDI FREAKS - AMANDA DAKOTA

Last week, I mentioned the Théo Ceccaldi Freaks and added a link to a live fragment on YouTube.
In the meantime, I have been able to find a copy of their brand-new album and I can only repeat what I said earlier. You have to hear this!

This is superb.

Composer, arranger and violin virtuoso Théo Ceccaldi gathered five fellow musicians to create his latest project: Freaks.
The sextet (violin, 2 saxes, electric guitar, cello and drums) combines polyrhythms with quirky melodies, jumping from one side of the musical universe to the other side and back all within the same composition.
I love it.
If you're into modern jazz, experimental music, Frank Zappa, math rock,... you really need to hear this !!

Highly recommended.

Out on the Tricollectif label:
http://www.tricollectif.fr/



SOFT MACHINE OCTOBER 12 IRIDIUM SHOW


Soft Machine's recent show in New York at The Iridium on October 12, 2018, can be watched on YouTube :



Monday, November 12, 2018

JEAN SOLÉ

French comic book artist Jean Solé has done quite a few illustrations and stories that feature Frank Zappa.
A couple of these can be found in the 1992 book: "Mélodimages", published by Livre D'images.


Here's the back-cover of Pilote magazine no.664 (from 1972) :


MOSAE ZAPPA #5


November 23 - Gabba Zappa Hey
at 20h00 at 'Café Bluff' in Heerlen, NL

November 24 - Fred Händl's "Let's Make The Water Turn Black - Carillon From Hell"
from 14h00 to 17h00 at 'Coasters' in Heerlen, NL

November 24 - Mosae Zappa #5
De Schuldjongens --- 2000 Motels --- Lilo's Zapmospheres --- The Wrong Object
at 18h00 at 'Oefenbunker' in Landgraaf, NL


THE SCHIZOPHRENIC SPACERS

The Schizophrenic Spacers recorded Frank Zappa's 'Uncle Remus' and released it on their "Second Round" album.
The same album also has a track called 'Wild Man Fisher' (of which I assume that they mean Wild Man Fischer).

Bandcamp download & CD.



STEVE WONDER TRIBUTE


Today's guilty pleasure, although I might have mentioned it before  :-)
What an intro...



PRINCE - PIANO & A MICROPHONE

Warner Bros released this impressive recording of Prince a little while ago.
Prince on the piano. Recorded in 1983.
Amazing.



FORGAS BAND PHENOMENA


Drummer/composer Patrick Forgas first came to prominence when in 1977, aged 26, he released his debut album Cocktail, recorded with various members of legendary French ensembles Zao and Magma. But it was not until 1997 that he returned to the world of jazz/rock with his band Forgas Band Phenomena, which has now released six albums in those 21 years.

The latest release by Forgas Band Phenomena, "The Electric Ear", has just been released by Cuneiform Records.

Here's a sample from one of their previous albums.



SUN RA ARKESTRA TO PLAY LIVE SCORE TO SPACE IS THE PLACE MOVIE

April 30, 2019, The Sun Ra Arkestra will perform the soundtrack to the Space Is The Place movie, live in concert.
At the 'BOZAR', in Brussels, BE.

https://www.bozar.be/nl/activities/144258-sun-ra-arkestra---space-is-the-place-live-score



Sunday, November 11, 2018

INEZ



Nov 16th: CH-Basel, Kaserne
Nov 17th: CH-Bern, Café Kairo
Nov 22nd: CH-Restaurant Liz & Chrege
Nov 23rd: DE-Mannheim, Kulturbrücken
Nov 24th: DE-Binzen, Alte Mühle
Nov 26th: DE-Freiburg, White Rabbit


DWEEZIL ZAPPA FEATURED ON CHRIS SQUIRE TRIBUTE ALBUM


Purple Pyramid Records is releasing A Life In YES: The Chris Squire Tribute; A heartfelt and masterful musical salute to the longtime bassist of prog rock legends YES.

Produced by Squire's friend and frequent collaborator, and current bassist in YES, Billy Sherwood with amazing contributions from Todd Rundgren, Steve Porcaro (Toto), Annie Haslam (Renaissance), John Wesley (Porcupine Tree), Sonja Kristina (Curved Air), Patrick Moraz (Yes/The Moody Blues), Steve Stevens, Dweezil Zappa, and more!




RUSS STEDMAN

Russ Stedman's latest release, "Well That Was Fun", is also being issued on cassette (or k7, as the French say).

Check it out here:
https://russstedman.bandcamp.com/album/well-that-was-fun



CAROLINA EYCK

During the Brussels Philharmonic concert last Friday, the orchestra performed a piece by Régis Campo, "Dancefloor With Pulsing" with Carolina Eyck on the theremin.

You know, theremin, Star Trek theme...

Here's Carolina during TEDxDornbirn.


-- YouTube link : Frank Laforce


SCHEDULED CONCERTS BY THE WRONG OBJECT

Next Friday, Nov 16, 2018, The Wrong Object will be playing at 'l'An Vert' in Liège, BE.

Nov 24, 2018, they will be headlining the Mosae Zappa festival.

April 5 or 6, 2019, Belgian Jazz Meeting at 'De Handelsbeurs' in Ghent, BE.

May 16, 2019, TWO will perform at the Mithra Jazz festival (playing the music of Frank Zappa) in Liège, BE.



NEW ALBUM BY JOHN TABACCO


John Tabacco just released "Pithy Percussion And Other Sequenced Allusions" through Bandcamp.



PIERREJEAN GAUCHER UPDATE

Pierrejean Gaucher's latest album, "Les Étincelles Hurlantes", is available through Pierrejean's Bandcamp page.
Download, but also on CD and on vinyl !



BRUSSELS PHILHARMONIC PLAYS ZAPPA AND ZORN

Brussels Philharmonic plays Zappa and Zorn

Well, they did so last Friday at Bozar in Brussels, BE.

Brussels Philharmonic
Brad Lubman - conductor
Carolina Eyck - theremin
Pierre Charial - barrel organ

  • 'Orchestra Variations' - John Zorn
  • 'Concerto pour orgue de barbarie et orchestre' - Marius Constant
  • 'Dancefloor With Pulsing (pour orchestre et thérémine)' (2018) (world première - commissioned by Ars Musica) - Régis Campo
  • 'Envelopes' - Frank Zappa
  • 'Pedro’s Dowry' - Frank Zappa
Nice. Very nice.
The concert got broadcast on Belgian national radio Klara.


Saturday, November 10, 2018

DWIKI DHARMAWAN


To celebrate the 3rd placement at the 83rd Annual Reader’s Poll in the prestigious DownBeat Magazine, as the record label of the year (2018), the MoonJune Records label is offering a digital download the latest Dwiki Dharmawan album for 1 US $.


MoonJune Records would like to offer this quintessential jazz album on the label for a special price of $1 (HD Download) and $10 + shipping (double CD). (Limited availability, offer valid until November 25)

dwikidharmawan-moonjune.bandcamp.com/album/pasar-klewer-hd

No other album on the label represents better the Jazz and Beyond spirit of MoonJune Records - progressive music exploring and expounding boundaries of jazz, rock, avant, ethno, the unknown and anything in between and beyond - than Dwiki Dharmawan's seminal "Pasar Klewer".

Featuring Yaron Stavi, Asaf Sirkis, with special guests Gilad Atzmon, Mark Wingfield, Nicolas Meier, Boris Savoldelli, Peni Candrarini.


DAVID CROSS AND ANDREW BOOKER


from Glass Onion PR

King Crimson's David Cross and No-Man's Andrew Booker's Unreleased 2006 Album “Ends Meeting” - Now Available!

London - David Cross was a member of King Crimson during the 1970s and Andrew Booker was a member of No-Man, Sanguine Hum and Peter Banks’s Harmony in Diversity.

This PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED STUDIO ALBUM was recorded in 2006 but had not seen a release until now.

David Cross said of the release “I met Andrew some years ago when the David Cross Band were touring with Pete Banks's Harmony and Diversity. Andrew was the drummer with that band and we got together after the tour to record some tracks. This eventually turned into the album we're releasing. Andrew brought a great deal of creativity and high level production skills to the project and is one of those people who make it easy to play - a wonderful talent!”

Andrew Booker said of the release, “David and I recorded only once together. I had come prepared with several sounds and tonal themes set up on the electronic drums, hoping to catch a little of the magic I had seen watching him with his band a few months earlier. I got that in spades. As I listened to David’s endlessly inventive phrasing, track after track, I knew we were capturing something special. Soaring and searing, or serenely soothing, even 12 years later I still find bits of it breathtaking, music for electric violin and electronic percussion in an arid North African heat-haze.”

The seven new tracks on this album showcase the talents of Cross and Booker and will appeal to the fan-bases of both artists and the bands they have been in. It's an innovative meeting of minds.


Thursday, November 8, 2018

PATRICK MCDONNELL'S MUTTS


Comic book artist Patrick McDonnell is the creator of Mutts, a daily comic strip about a cat, a dog and their friends.

There's lots of references to be found in Mutts. Great fun.

Here's a couple that Beefheart and Zappa fans should recognize.








All of the above have been published in Mutts comic book collections.
Take a look at http://www.united-mutations.com/m/patrick_mcdonnell.htm
for info on the titles.

Check out more (non-music) links to Frank Zappa in the United Mutations Archives :
http://www.united-mutations.com/z/frank_zappa/frank_zappa_ref2.htm



Wednesday, November 7, 2018

PIERRE VERVLOESEM - THE ART OF GOING NOWHERE, EXTENDED

Earlier this year, Pierre Vervloesem released 4 pieces of music entitled "The Art Of Going Nowhere", part 1 to 4.
Four compositions. Four times 40 minutes.

More recently, Pierre has reworked those four pieces. Material has been added and everything has been remixed resulting in four pieces of 60 minutes.
This new package has been renamed "The Art Of Going Nowhere - Extended" and is available on Bandcamp as digital download.

This is pretty amazing stuff. I never heard this side of Pierre before.

Essential listening !!

In the meantime, all of Pierre Vervloesem's albums have been added to his Bandcamp site.
https://pierrevervloesem.bandcamp.com/
Check them out. You're in for quite a few surprises.






SUPERCHARGE - BETWEEN MUSIC AND MADNESS

In 1974, Supercharge recorded and released their version of Frank Zappa's 'Blessed Relief' on their "Between Music And Madness" album.
The album got re-released on CD in 2004 with a different album cover.
The above picture got added to the United Mutations Archives earlier today.



GREETINGS FROM MERCURY - HEIWA

The third (and latest album) by Jeroen Van Herzeele's Greetings From Mercury project got released in 2002. Initially, the album got released on the Tracks record label. The above picture is from the re-issue on the De Werf record label (celebrating Brugge as cultural capital of Europe in 2002).

Experimental as it combines jazz and fusion with world music elements. It also features rapper Steven Segers on vocals & rap.
Stéphane Galland on the drums !



Tuesday, November 6, 2018

ERIK NAGELS


Painter Erik Nagels' "Soundtrack Van Een Schilder" (A Painter's Soundtrack) expo includeS a painting of Frank Zappa.

Expo at 'De Bijl' in Zoersel, Belgium
November 3 - November 25, 2018

Open on Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

-- info : André Oomen

Sunday, November 4, 2018

THE BLIMP - I NEED TO GO TO A HOSPITAL

Lord, have mercy on the people from Eugene...

Good grief. This is one fabulous album.
Yesterday, I had listened to the band's 12" release (from 2010), so I thought I was prepared for "I Need To Go To A Hospital". Boy, was I wrong.
The one-sided "Not Beer" 12" made a fine impression (see yesterday's post), but this album is a gem.

I've said it before, and I'm happy to repeat it. Checking out bands that perform a composition by Don Van Vliet or by Frank Zappa, or that are influenced by these artists has pointed me in the direction of great discoveries. Lucas Gunn's The Blimp is such a discovery.
Yes, the band performs Don Van Vliet's 'The Blimp' and Frank Zappa's 'Lord Have Mercy' (the intro to Strictly Genteel), but the entire album is fantastic.
It starts with something played backwards with Mother-esque scream and shrieks on top of it and it just doesn't stop. Suberb !

I can only quote the first track on side three: 'It's The Blimp, Frank. It's The Blimp' !!

Essential listening.

https://theblimp1.bandcamp.com/album/i-need-to-go-to-a-hospital