Saturday, February 29, 2020

R.I.P. BOB FOSKO


Bob Fosko, here on vocals, with Corrie En De Grote Brokken.



ED ROTH - MAD BEATNIK



Keyboard player Ed Roth released his second solo album in 2016.
It's a nice easy listening / jazz album and includes a track called 'Lumpy Gravy' but it's not the FZ composition. It's an Ed Roth original !!


UNDERKARL - MARATON

Underkarl is / was Sebastian Gramms's project.
Featuring Sebastian Gramms on double bass, Lömsch Lehman on reeds, Nils Wogram on trombone, Frank Windgold on guitar and Dirk-Peter Kölsch on drums, Underkarl released their first album in 1996.
Their third release, "Maraton", got recorded at the Jazzmarathon festival in Groningen, NL, in October 2000. It included a mash-up of 'Dancing Queen (Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, Stig Anderson) / Caravan (Duke Ellington, Irving Mills, Juan Tizol) / Eat That Question' (Frank Zappa)'.

Superb !!
The entire album is amazing. The mash-up with the Zappa track is just the icing on the cake.

This album was on my want list for quite a while...
Thanks again for this fine gift, J. !!


NIACIN - ORGANIK

Fusion band Niacin got founded in 1996 by Billy Sheenan, John Novello and Dennis Chambers. The band released numerous albums. Their 2005 "Organik" album included FZ's 'King Kong'.

I was happy to find the promo for this album recently.
It was just the booklet with the CD, with a black and white version of the label that had“For Promotion Only / Not for sale” printed on it.



UK BAND TREACHEROUS CRETINS DOES SHORT TOUR WITH NAPOLEON MURPHY BROCK



PIERRE VERVLOESEM - JOHN KOENIG 2020


Released originally in 2010, Pierre thought that it would be fun and exciting to re release a new version of the Album John Koenig for its tenth anniversary! There you are with John Koenig 2020 completely remixed and remastered. It's more fun, more powerful, more modern...it's John Koenig 2020!!!




NONA HENDRYX' TRIBUTE TO SUN RA


Tonight in New York City :

https://www.nonahendryx.com/news-1/2019/12/15/sun-ras-disciples-in-the-temple-of-dendur-with-nona-hendryx-metroplitan-museum-of-art-feb-2020

Nona Hendryx' tribute to Sun Ra

Sun Ra’s Disciples in The Temple of Dendur with Nona Hendryx (Metropolitan Museum of Art)

JUECHENG CHEN AND GENE PRITSKER - OPERATIC ELECTRIC

American contemporary composer Gene Pritsker keeps on exploring new paths. On "Operatic Electric", Gene teams up with countertenor Juechen 'Ju-eh' Cheng, a countertenor, to perform a series of classic arias.
Next to the re-worked and re-arranged classical pieces by  John Dowland, Henry Purcell, Sergei
Rachmaninoff, and Claudio Monteverdi, the duo also performs original compositions by Gene Pritsker.

Combining the classical male voice with electronics makes "Operatic Electric" an eclectic adventure.
I like it.

http://www.composersconcordance.com/

Here's a live performance of one of the pieces:


Friday, February 28, 2020

PRAED - DOOMSDAY SURVIVAL KIT

  • praed: doomsday survival kit
        (2018, cd, france, akuphone)
A bit over a year ago, the French Akuphone label released the fourth album by Libanese duo Praed.
Four hypnotic, psychedelic tracks.

Raed Yassin: Synthesizers, Vocals, Electronics, Samples
Paed Conca: Clarinet, Electric bass, Electronics, Samples
guests:
- Fadi Tabbal: Guitar
- Hans Koch: Bass Clarinet, Tenor and Soprano Saxophone
- Walid Kamel: Keyboards
- Khalid il Soghayyar: Percussion

Artwork by Raphaelle Macaron  !!


-- info : Philippe Lamoot

MISSING PERSONS ANNOUNCE NEW STUDIO ALBUM


from GlassOnyon PR

'80s New Wave Icons MISSING PERSONS Featuring Vocalist DALE BOZZIO Announce New Studio Album And First Single!

Los Angeles, CA - New wave icons, and one of the most influential electronic musical acts of all-time, Missing Persons featuring original vocalist Dale Bozzio, are readying a new studio album. Bozzio's inimitable vocal style, as heard on such classics as “Words,” “Destination Unknown,” and “Walking In L.A.,” is the heart and soul of Dreaming, the astonishing new studio album of cover songs and original tunes. Produced by the multi-talented Adam Hamilton (David Hasselhoff / William Shatner), Dreaming offers lush keyboards and atmospheric interpretations of some classic rock/pop songs by fellow '80s legends The Cars, Joy Division, and The The as well as The Rolling Stones, The Mama's & The Papas, and more - all brought to life by Bozzio's unmistakable voice. The album also offers 3 original compositions - the dark and moody “Lipstick,” the haunting title track “Dreaming” and the compelling “This Time” - that demonstrate Missing Persons' relevance to the modern electronic scene.

Listen to the first single, a wildly imaginative and infectious cover of Strawberry Alarm Clock's '60s classic “Incense And Peppermints”:

https://www.goldminemag.com/news/audio-premiere-of-missing-persons-cover-of-incense-and-peppermints



Bozzio offers these thoughts on the making of the album saying “This was such an easy, breezy album to make, even though it’s been a long time coming. I think fans will really appreciate the sultriness of this direction of the music and the honesty of the vocals.”

Dreaming will be available on both CD and in a limited-edition PINK vinyl as well as on all digital platforms beginning March 20.

And watch for Bozzio’s exciting, tell-all autobiography “Life Is So Strange” coming later this year!

Track List:
1. California Dreamin'
2. Lipstick
3. Dreaming
4. We Gotta Get Out Of This Place
5. Playing With Fire
6. Just What I Needed
7. This Is The Day
8. Love Will Tear Us Apart
9. Images Of Heaven
10. Incense And Peppermints
11. This Time
12. In The Rain


TFC / TREE FUNK CONCEPT - OUT THERE

The last months, I've seen two amazing concert by Twan van Gerven. Reason enough the check out some of his older work.
TFC, or Tree Funk Concept, released one album.
Jerome on bass, Marzz on drums and Twan van Gerven on guitar.

A nice discovery.



2XZ DUO - PLANET OF PRUNES

Alba Dal Collo (vocals) and Giovanni Mancuso (piano) recorded their Frank Zappa tribute between May and December 2018.
Presenting songs from the classic Frank Zappa songbook as well a some pieces from Läther.
Impressive !

  1. How Could I Be Such A Fool?
  2. Absolutely Free
  3. Time Is Money
  4. Spider Of Destiny
  5. Planet Of My Dreams
  6. Brown Shoes Don’t Make It
  7. Duke Of Prunes
  8. Dancin’ Fool
  9. Piano Introduction To Little House I Used To Live In
  10. Flambay
  11. Oh No
  12. Uncle Remus


KING BUZZO FEATURING TREVOR DUNN


The second solo album from the Melvins' frontman, King Buzzo, featuring special guest Trevor Dunn (Mr. Bungle, Fantomas) on bass.




THE NICE - BBC SESSIONS

The Nice’s “BBC Sessions” album got an unofficial release in Japan. It was an exact copy of the UK edition, including Keith Emerson’s rendition of FZ’s ‘Lumpy Gravy’.
It came with an OBI and with an extra Japanese insert.



ORTH - FEED THE FLAMES

German death-metal band Orth released a rather peculiar version of FZ's 'Bobby Brown' on their "Feed The Flames" album in 2000 but you probably already knew that.
But did you also know that, contrary to the regular jewel-case edition, the promo-CD came in a cardboard cover ?!?
A nice find. Even if I say so myself.


Thursday, February 27, 2020

NEW ZAPPA EARLY RENAISSANCE ORCHESTRA AVAILABLE FROM CORDELIA


The fourth album by The Zappa Early Renaissance Orchestra - Bläther - is now available from the record shop page at Cordelia Records: http://www.cordeliarecords.co.uk/

It is a CD in a gate-fold cardboard sleeve with about 60 minutes of music and 16 tracks. Featuring: Juliana Brandon, Cathy Sorbo, Christiane Seebach, Prairie Prince, Sandro Oliva, Craig Twister Steward, Niklas Lychou, Magnus Liljeqvist, Rob Mitchell, Jeff Weideman, Matt Fox, Ric Penttila, Kevin Crosby, Rick Dybvad, Shawn Brockman, Mark Watson, Rupert Kettle, Andreas Steinhardt, Steffen Schindler, Marga Schindler, Andrew Greenaway, Jimmy Thomas, John Parkinson, Fred Händl, John Webb, Pierpaolo Romani, Andrea Pennati, Ted Clifford, Joe Trump, Geoff Pointer.



NEW ALBUM BY SHHT


Belgian band Shht will be releasing their new album in a couple of weeks.
Produced by Pascal Deweze.
Download, CD and vinyl.




FLAT EARTH SOCIETY TOURDATES


Flat Earth Society will be presenting material from their latest project, "Boggamasta III" :

22/05: Domicil, Dortmund (DE)
23/05: Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg (DE)
24/05: Hellerau, Dresden (DE)
29/05: CC De Kern, Wilrijk (B)
31/05: Côté Jardin, De Bijloke, Gent (B)



OSTBAHN-KURTI UPDATE


Ostbahn-Kurti & Die Chefpartie's 'Bertl Braun' (a German/Swiss version of FZ's Bobby Brown') was a local hit in the early nineties, resulting it to be present on various sampler albums.

Here's two more that were added to The Others Of Invention :






SNARKY PUPPY - LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL

Recorded in November 2019 at The Royal Albert Hall in London, UK, this 2 CD set caught Snarky Puppy at an excellent concert.
A 'fan' 2 CD edition of 1500 copies was available for pre-order last year. It got released this week.
A 'regular' 2 CD edition should be out in March.
There's also a triple vinyl album available.

I received the download a little while ago as I  had pre-ordered the 2 CD set.
Getting the physical copy, however, is still a very enjoyable moment. Not only to hold, to cherish and to investigate, but also to play it again (and again).

Beautiful.

https://store.snarkypuppy.com/products/live-at-the-royal-albert-hall-3-lp


Tuesday, February 25, 2020

NEW SUN RA RELEASE SPOTTED


Announced  / To be released in February.
"Heliocentric worlds 1 & 2 Revisited"
On the ezz-thetics (??) label.


  1. Heliocentric
  2. Outer Nothingness
  3. Other Worlds
  4. The Cosmos
  5. Heavenly Things
  6. Nebulae
  7. Dancing In The Sun
  8. The Sun Myth
  9. A House Of Beauty
  10. Cosmic Chaos


THE NEW Z.E.R.O. ALBUM IS OUT


"Bläther", the new album by Z.E.R.O., the Zappa Early Renaissance Orchestra, got released today.
Performing the music of Frank Zappa.

Check it out here :



  1. San Ber'dino 06:52
  2. Big Leg Emma 03:02
  3. Plastic People 03:45
  4. Grunion Run 04:13
  5. Who Are The Brain Police? 05:05
  6. Lemme Take You To Der Strand 02:48
  7. Arf Audio Theatre 00:55
  8. Dupree's Paradise 04:33
  9. Lemme Take You To The Beach 03:11
  10. Pygmy Twylyte 02:40
  11. Montana 05:23
  12. Magic Fingers 02:49
  13. Regyptian Strut 04:44
  14. Beach Canon 01:10
  15. World's Greatest Sinner 02:43
  16. Duke Of Prunes 05:09
  17. America Drinks Karaoke 03:13
  18. Outside Now Live 08:45



Saturday, February 22, 2020

SNARKY PUPPY


To promote their new release, Snarky Puppy just released "Bad Kids To The Back", from "Live At The Royal Albert Hall".

https://open.spotify.com/album/7ceSQD4cCiwChKpggnKjm6


BELEDO UPDATE


Beledo will be making his new album later this year, and in meanwhile he has released in collaboration with MoonJune, the remastered reissue of his album from 1985, "ESCAPE".



ROBBIE KRIEGER ANNOUNCES ZAPPA-INSPIRED SOLO ALBUM


The Doors’ Robby Krieger announces Zappa-inspired solo album, his first in 10 years;

https://happymag.tv/the-doors-robby-krieger-announces-zappa-inspired-solo-album-his-first-in-10-years

Feat. Arthur Barrow, Sal Marquez, Chad Wackerman and Tommy Mars !!
Incl. FZ's 'Chunga's Revenge' !!
To be released on April 24



Wednesday, February 19, 2020

THE MUFFIN MEN TO PERFORM AT THE ZAPPANALE FESTIVAL


From the Zappanale newsletter :


Dear Zappa and Zappanale fans,

Now all acts are fixed for the 31st Zappanale.

Pareto was right again, the last 20% of a task takes 80% of the time of this task.

Therefore, the program was not fixed until Christmas, which consequently means that we will start booking the bands for the 32nd Zappanale even earlier this year. Applications are already plentiful.

The Muffin Men will play in their original line-up for their 30th anniversary. Denny Walley and Mike Keneally will be their special guests. Mike also plans to play as guest musician with the Hilo Jazz Orchestra.



'A HIT BY VARÉSE' BY CHICAGO


Saw this on Facebook. Had never seen or heard it before.

A Hit by Varèse (2002 Remaster) · Chicago




KAVKA ZAPPA


Concert hall "Kavka Zappa", or "Zappa", celebrated its tenth anniversary last year.
Nothing to do with Uncle Frank.
Just a nice name for a concert hall.
In Antwerp, BE.


POSTHUMANBIGBANG - JUNGLE EYES


On March 20th 2020 Czar Of Crickets Productions will release the new album, "Jungle Eyes" by progressive post-metal experimentalists Posthumanbigbang.

The Swiss collective Posthumanbigbang surrounding mastermind Remo Häberli enters the new decade with its signature mix of experimental and post metal, progressive rock and film scoring with dips of atmospheric synths and native world music. It’s a melting pot of fragile melodies, hard-hitting tunes, sophisticated and honest lyrics, versatile vocals and full steam drumming.

Supported by all original members plus seven great guest musicians on this unfathomable record - especially to highlight Mike Liechti’s incredible drum work - and covered by an astonishing Artwork by Philipp Thöni (BlackYard), “Jungle Eyes” will show its audience a gripping journey of life.

After this long process of intense work in writing, recording and producing the music, the result is a magnum opus with an astounding level of depth, density and range, focusing on strong emotions and elaborate sonority.

Here's 'Cycles' :




MICK FARREN - TO THE MASTERLOCK

Recorded in concert in Japan in 2004 and released on the Japanese Captain Trip Records label, “To The Masterlock” presents Mick Farren performing FZ’s ‘Trouble Every Day’, a song that he had previously recorded on his 1978 solo album “Vampires Stole My Lunch Money”.


Tuesday, February 18, 2020

DOCTOR NERVE - LOUD

Nick Didkovsky's Doctor Nerve has just released an EP. It had been a while. My notes tell me that the previous album was from 2012.
"Loud", the CD EP presents 6 tracks. Love them.
The download version, however, has 11 bonus tracks !!

Here's the info from Bandcamp / Punos Music :
Mixed by Nik Chinboukas whose recording credits include Testament and Metal Allegiance, and mastered for maximum impact by Thomas Dimuzio, "LOUD" brings you four new Doctor Nerve tunes (and a bunch of bonus tracks) that are as aggressive as they are intricate.

Bonus tracks include alternative versions of the tunes with guitar solos by Henry Kaiser, Mike Keneally, Robert Musso, Kevin Hufnagel, René Lussier, Andrew Hawkins, Matt Hollenberg, and Shawn Persinger!

And that's what makes this album so exceptional.
Next to the pulsating, recurring melody lines, you now get recurring tracks as well. But each time with a different guest musician. Wowie Zowie !! This is absolutely great.
Energetic. Raw.
Enchanting. Hypnotic. Mesmerizing.

I ordered my package last week. Comes with a poster. Artwork by Okano Masato.
This one will get framed.
It fits the album perfectly.
http://okanomasato.com/category/gallery/






BERTL BRAUN


In 1992, Ostbahn-Kurti & Die Chefpartie released a German version of FZ's 'Bobby Brown', entitled 'Bertl Braun'.
It became a hit in Austria and as a result the track can be found on various 'hit' compilation albums.
Here's two recent additions to the United Mutations Archives :


NILS DACKE - PA BEGARAN

About ten years ago, the Scranta Grammafon record label released this Super Audio CD compilation album by Nils Dacke.
Nils, also known as "Disco' Dacke, released a series of albums on which he plays pop hits on his organ. Think elevator music. Or think birthday party at the resting home.

Anyway, Nils Dacke recorded FZ's 'Bobby Brown' and released it on Volume 7 of his "Nils Dacke Spele PartyOrgel" series. In 1979 !!
Due to great demand, or another reason, Nils' version of 'Bobby Brown' also found its way to this Super Audio CD compilation.

Fun !!

Here's Volume 1. You can thank me later.



ETT FETT SORBAND - ZAPPANANZA

It's not easy to keep track of all the download-only digital releases.
Here's an interesting one: the Swedish Ett Fett Storband, performing the music of Frank Zappa.
On iTunes.

Here's a cell phone recording that will give you an impression of what these guys are up to.



DAUERFISCH - POP FAKES VOL.1

German duo Dauerfisch (Achim Treu and Andre Abshagen) released"Pop Fakes Vol.1" in 1994. This cassette-release included parodies of famous rock songs, opening with FZ's 'Lumpy Gravy' !!

Talking to Achim Treu, who you might know as Künstler Treu (the man behind UFO Hawaii), he told me that they also made a CDR-version at the time but 'only for friends and family'.


ADRIAN BELEW, TONY LEVIN AND MARKUS REUTER MUSIC CAMP


Message from Markus Reuter :

Check about THREE OF A PERFECT PAIR MUSIC CAMP in Big Indian, NY in the beautiful Catskills Mountain in mid-state New York. www.threeofaperfectpair.com

Adrian Belew, Tony Levin and Pat Mastelotto return to Full Moon Resort for Three Of A Perfect Pair Music Camp. The four night getaway – starting Monday, August 10 to Friday, August 14, 2020 - features performances, workshops, open mics, exquisite dining and fully-equipped jam rooms all set against the idyllic backdrop of the Catskill Mountains.

At Three Of A Perfect Pair Music Camp, Adrian, Tony and Pat share meals, tales from the road, and even the stage during after-hours jam sessions with campers. Whether you play guitar, drums, bass -- or no instrument at all -- Three Of A Perfect Pair offers a rare opportunity to learn, play, make friends, and to get up close and personal with this trio of renowned musicians!

Join The TOAPP Community!
Sign up to be the first to know about pre-sales, exclusive offers and TOAPP updates
www.threeofaperfectpair.com


Monday, February 17, 2020

CHRIS OPPERMAN AND GENE PRITSKER UPDATE


From Chris Opperman :

The world premiere of my new piece "And If You Know" will take place on Sunday, March 15th at Opera America in NYC with Ereni Sevasti singing and Gene Pritsker on guitar. It's a pop ballad I wrote for my little girl because I want her to always know that I love her. There are a lot of other awesome pieces and composers who will also be featured! Come hang!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tin-pan-allegiances-tickets-91453280223

Composers featured on the concert include, Tyrone Birkett, Charles Coleman, Dan Cooper, Loire Cotler, Chris Opperman, Gene Pritsker, Richard Sussman, David Taylor, and Ann Warren.

Performers featured will be vocalist Scot Albertson, saxophonist Tyrone Birkett, vocalist Charles Coleman, vocalist Loire Cotler, violist Beth Holub, pianist Chris Opperman, guitarist Gene Pritsker, pianist Richard Sussman, bass trombonist David Taylor, Ereni Sevasti - voice, Loire Cotler - Rhythm Vocalist, and Glen Velez - Frame Drum, Percussion


UFO HAWAII - RESIDENTS RESIFTED

Künstler Treu, also known as UFO Hawaii, has his version of The Residents' 'Simolina' up on Bandcamp. It's little teaser for an EP that he made available on iTunes.

Pop versions of Residents tunes. Check it out :


Work on this album started a good while ago when I received an invitation to join Der Plan for a Residents tribute festival in the Netherlands. After we met up with Hardy Fox, who was touring Berlin at the time, Moritz® picked two hands full of what he considered essential Residents songs, and I began working on some of them in preparation for the live show.

Unfortunately the festival was canceled due to financial problems soon thereafter, and half a dozen songs in progress ended up vanishing into the drawer.

But only until just recently, when I then rediscovered them, and - after having a fresh listen - found them quite worthy of being given some finishing touches.
Also, Mr. JJ Jones was kind - and interested - enough to join in, contributing his versatile singing abilities to the songs.

So here you go… These are the five cover versions that came out of our combined efforts.

Have fun listening, and keep watching the skies.

Yours,

Künstler Treu


Sunday, February 16, 2020

LAUGHING BASTARDS TOUR DATES


LAUGHING BASTARDS
UNANIMAL Tour Dates

13 March : Herberg Macharius, Gent, BE 20:00

22 March : Comedi, Heusden, BE 11:00

25 March : De Koer, Gent, BE 20:00

28 March : JazzCats, Kortrijk, BE 20:30

18 April : Record Store Day, Vynilla Ghent, BE 13:00

31 May: Ham Sessions, Ghent, BE 19:00

20 June : BMC Budapest, HU 20:00


THE RESIDENTS


From the Psychofon newsletter:


The Residents - DIE! DIE! DIE!

Oh yes, that's right folks. You may have already heard that The Residents' new album Metal, Meat and Bone is coming this year. To punctuate that milestone, we will be releasing a special 2 track 7" single titled "DIE! DIE! DIE!". Side A is the Alvin Snow boxed set version of the song of the same title. Side B is a new and unheard version of DIE! DIE! DIE! featuring Black Francis from the Pixies! There will be a special colored version as well as a standard black edition. We hope to have this available for purchase some time in May 2020.

As always, stay tuned to Psychofon Records for more information and future releases!
https://www.psychofonrecords.com/


Saturday, February 15, 2020

STICKMEN UPDATE


Stickmen have released another album on Bandcamp.
Number 25 in a series of concert recordings




NEW ZAPPA 'RADIO SHOW' ALBUM ANNOUNCED


Not that I'm trying to keep up, but there has been another 'new' Zappa album announced.
Another of those 'radio show' releases...
On the Laser Media label.




Friday, February 14, 2020

NEW ALBUM BY DOCTOR NERVE


"Loud", the latest album by Doctor Nerve !!




Wednesday, February 12, 2020

BRUNO VANSINA ON TOUR


Bruno Vansina finished recording his "12 12" project.
To be released on album, in 12 different editions. Each with a different album cover  :-)

Bruno Vansina (sax), Benjamin Sauzereau (guitar), Cyrille Obermüller (bass), Falk Schrauwen (percussion) and Teun Verbruggen (drums)


20.02 deSingel (Antwerpen), BE
05.03 CC Het Perron (Ieper), BE
06.03 Cinema Plaza (Duffel), BE
11.03 CC De Werft (Geel), BE
12.03 CC Casino (Koksijde), BE
13.03 CC Ter Vesten (Beveren), BE
18.03 Handelsbeurs (Gent), BE
19.03 De Casino (Sint-Niklaas), BE
26.03 De Werf/Utopia Bibliotheek (Aalst), BE
27.03 C-mine (Genk), BE
01.04 CC Strombeek, BE
02.04 CC de Meent (Alsemberg), BE

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

DWEEZIL ZAPPA TOURDATES


02.05.2020 Wed Egyptian Theatre Boise, ID United States
02.06.2020 Thu Neptune Seattle, WA United States
02.07.2020 Fri Tower Theatre Bend, OR United States
02.08.2020 Sat Roseland Theater Portland, OR United States
02.09.2020 Sun Van Duzer Theatre Arcata, CA United States
02.12.2020 Wed Rogue Theatre Grants Pass, OR United States
02.13.2020 Thu The Regency Ballroom San Francisco, CA United States
02.14.2020 Fri The Rose Pasadena, CA United States
02.15.2020 Sat The Canyon Agoura Hills, CA United States
02.16.2020 Sun The Canyon Montclair, CA United States
02.19.2020 Wed Rialto Theatre Tucson, AZ United States
02.20.2020 Thu Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas, NV United States
02.21.2020 Fri Commonwealth Room Salt Lake City, UT United States
02.22.2020 Sat Washington's Ft. Collins, CO United States
02.23.2020 Sun Gothic Theatre Denver, CO United States
02.24.2020 Mon KiMo Theatre Albuquerque, NM United States
02.26.2020 Wed The Paramount Theatre Austin, TX United States
02.27.2020 Thu House Of Blues Dallas, TX United States
02.28.2020 Fri Tower Theatre Oklahoma City, OK United States
02.29.2020 Sat The Truman Kansas City, MO United States
03.01.2020 Sun Waiting Room Omaha, NE United States
03.02.2020 Mon George's Majestic Fayetteville, AR United States
03.04.2020 Wed Lincoln Theater Columbus, OH United States
03.05.2020 Thu Bomhard Theater Louisville, KY United States
03.06.2020 Fri Jergel's Rhythm Grille Warrendale, PA United States
03.07.2020 Sat The Paramount Huntington, NY United States
03.08.2020 Sun Keswick Theatre Glenside, PA United States
03.10.2020 Tue Tupelo Music Hall Derry, NH United States
03.11.2020 Wed The Egg Albany, NY United States
03.12.2020 Thu Tarrytown Music Hall Tarrytown, NY United States
03.13.2020 Fri Hamilton Live Washington, DC United States
03.14.2020 Sat Sherman Theater Stroudsburg, PA United States
03.15.2020 Sun State Theatre State College, PA United States
03.17.2020 Tue Columbus Theatre Providence, RI United States
03.18.2020 Wed Corona Theatre Montreal QC Canada
03.20.2020 Fri Palais Montcalm Quebec City QC Canada
03.21.2020 Sat Phoenix Concert Theatre Toronto, ON Canada
03.22.2020 Sun Royal Oak Music Theatre Detroit, MI United States
03.24.2020 Tue Music Box Supper Club Cleveland, OH United States
03.25.2020 Wed The Vogue Indianapolis, IN United States
03.26.2020 Thu Pabst Theater Milwaukee, WI United States
03.27.2020 Fri The Englert Theatre Iowa City, IA United States
03.28.2020 Sat The Ready Room St. Louis, MO United States
04.09.2020 Thu Fortitude Music Hall Brisbane Australia
04.10.2020 Fri Byron Bay Bluesfest Byron Bay Australia
04.12.2020 Sun Enmore Theatre Sydney Australia
04.13.2020 Mon Croxton Bandroom Melbourne Australia
04.15.2020 Wed The Gov Adelaide Australia
04.17.2020 Fri Astor Theatre Perth Australia
07.05.2020 Fri Chiari Blues Festival Lombardy Italy




Monday, February 10, 2020

JAZZMUSEO - ELAVANA PYYNIKINLINNASSA + LIVE

Finnish jazz ensemble Jazzmuseo recorded FZ's '20 Small Cigars' for their "Elävänä Pyynikinlinnass + Live at Pyynikinlinna" album.
guitar - sax - piano - double bass
Nice.

From the same album:


SPANISH BRASS - BRASS, BRASS, BRASS

The Spanish Brass quintet released "Brass, Brass, Brass" a couple of years ago.
The album kicks off with 'Also Sprach Zarathustra' and ends with FZ's 'Brown Shoes Don't Make It'.
Somewhere in-between, the ensemble also plays a joyful version of the 'Lumpy Gravy' theme.

trombone - trumpet - trumpet - french horn - tuba

Amazing.

As a bonus, the album comes with a DVD video recording of the same tracks.
In concert. Choreography and all. Great stuff.

Turn the volume up and give this sampler (sampled from the DVD) a try :



CHEER-ACCIDENT UPDATE


Cheer-Accident will release their new album, "Chicago XX", on the Cuneiform record label.



KING CRIMSON AND THE ZAPPA BAND


https://www.dgmlive.com/news/king-crimson-and-the-zappa-band

King Crimson will be touring for six weeks this summer in June and early July together with the Zappa band in the USA and Canada. The full list of dates is yet to be confirmed, but today does see the announcement of a concert at The Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts in Vienna, Virginia on June 30th.

Tickets will on sale to the general public on Saturday, but as usual, we will be emailing 1000 Club members and DGM subscribers with details of our own Royal Package seats.

The Zappa Band

  • Mike Keneally
  • Scott Thunes
  • Joe Travers
  • Ray White
  • Robert Martin

King Crimson

Sunday, February 9, 2020

JOE SATRIANI'S NEW ALBUM


Joe Satriani's upcoming tour will promote Joe's new album, "Shapeshifting".

Hadn't seen the artwork. Looks a bit sci-fi.



STACK WADDY


Stack Waddy's 1972 "Bugger Off" album is getting a vinyl re-release.
It includes Stack Waddy's version of Frank Zappa's 'Willie The Pimp'.

The album did see quite a number of CD-re-issues but to my knowledge, this is the first time it's re-released on vinyl.
Out on the Trading Places record label.


TOON TELLEGEN EN HET WISSELEND TOONWINTET - IK WOU

In recent years, Corrie van Binsbergen has teamed up with various writers and poets to produce musical accompaniment to spoken word performances.
Her collaboration with Toon Tellegen probably is the most successful one as the duo already did a number of tours and released a handful of albums.
The most recent album, "Ik Wou" (I Wish), got recorded last year an offers twenty-one short stories. The music is performed by Corrie van Binsbergen, Joost Buis, Albert van Veenendaal, Hein Offermans and Alan 'Gunga' Purves.
Beautiful. The perfect match.



IMPROVISED MUSIC BY THE WEST STREET TRIO

John D Venter and Steve Chillemi just released "West Street Trio at Gate City Arts - Bonnie Cain's - Thursday Experiment" by West Street Trio.
Next to John and Steve, Federico 'FAM' Balducci completed the trio.

Improvised music.
Check it out on Bandcamp :



DIGITAL RE-RELEASE OF SUN RA'S SOLAR-MYTH APPROACH, VOL.2


One week after the release of Volume 1, Volume 2 has also been made available.



CACA 2020 - SKETCHES OF PAIN

Released originally in 2010, Pierre thought that it would be fun and exciting to re release a new version of the Album Sketches of Pain for its tenth anniversary! There you are with Caca 2020 completely remixed and remastered and with 3 bonus tracks never released on the first version. It's more fun, more powerful, more modern...it's Caca 2020!!!
  • Guitar – Pierre Vervloesem
  • Keyboards – Peter Vandenberghe
  • Bass – Gil Mortio
  • Drums – Teun Verbruggen
  • Alto Saxophone – Benjamin Boutreur
  • Baritone Saxophone – Bruno Vansina
  • Bass Saxophone – Nic Roseeuw
  • Tenor Saxophone – Roeland Van Hoorne
"Sketches Of Pain" is an exciting release by Caca 2020, a name that probably doesn't ring any bells.
As it was a project by Pierre Vervloesem, it might have been more appropriate to have called the band The Pierre Vervloesem Octet.
Anyway, as the Bandcamp liner notes say: originally released in 2010 and now re-released in a remastered and remixed version with a couple of bonus tracks.
If you're familiar with the original album, I'm sure you'll buy this one as well.
If this is all new to you, don't hesitate and give it a listen.

Instrumental guitar-oriented rock music. With saxophones !

Essential listening !!
Highly recommended.



VARIOUS ARTISTS - AUDIOPHILE SOUNDS OF OPUS 3



Adding data to The Others Of Invention, artists that have recorded the music of Frank Zappa, here's the CD that came with the November 2018 issue of Stereoplay magazine.
It featured two tracks by The Omnibus Wind Ensemble, one of which was their performance of FZ's 'Inca Roads'.


LAZULI - LE FANTASTIQUE ENVOL DE DIETER BÖHM

I received the latest Lazuli album earlier last week, so I already had some fine moments enjoying this album by the French prog-rock band.

I've seen them live (at Zappanale) a couple of times. They never disappointed.
Been buying their albums ever since.
Narrative and bombastic.
French horn and marimba, léode and guitar.
In a beautiful CD/Book package. I love it.

Recommended !!




Saturday, February 8, 2020

THE FRANK ZAPPA LEAP - DAY


info copied from the Zappateers website :

THE FRANK ZAPPA LEAP - DAY


in Rome, Italy
on February 29, 2020
at the auditorium Parco Della Musica




REMASTERED RE-RELEASE WITH BONUS TRACKS BY PIERRE VERVLOESEM


"Sketches Of Pain" by Caca 2020 (= a Pierre Vervloesem project)



NEW ALBUM BY THE HELIOCENTRICS


"Infinity Of Now", the new album by The Heliocentrics




UNIVERS ZERO'S PHOSPHORESCENT DREAMS RELEASED ON SUB ROSA


From the Sub Rosa record label:

Available for the first time outside Japan, and on LP and CD, Phosphorescent Dreams is another epic album of symphonic schizophrenic avant-rock from Univers Zéro, originally released - only on CD - on the Japanese label Arcàngelo.

Phosphorescent Dreams presents at the same time, in the same track, even on a single moment, the complex musical schemes and ways of Univers Zéro, ranging from maximalism to minimalism, classical avant-garde with a 2020 vibe in a constant flux. In a blend of tension constantly emerging from a subtle dialogue between avant-rock and contemporary influences, harmonies and dissonance, Phosphorescent Dreams is a balanced formula of old-school know-how reshaped almost 40 years after the released of the seminal LP Univers Zéro.

Univers Zero represents one of the longest-living bands in Belgium. It was established in 1974. Drummer Daniel Denis had the brilliant idea to gather together a team of professionals sharing the same taste for music. The band has adopted an instrumental progressive style. Over the last couple of decades, the band has also implemented a series of influences from chamber music - most commonly, chamber music from the 20th century. Even if the line-up changes a lot over the years, the overall sound of UZ remained fairly consistent.

Give it a listen here:
https://www.subrosa.net/en/catalogue/captagon-years/univers-zero-phospho.html


NEW RELEASE BY MARKUS REUTER


"Digitalis"


Sunday, February 2, 2020

DIGITAL RE-RELEASE OF SUN RA'S SOLAR-MYTH APPROACH, VOL.1


"New release from Sun Ra and His Solar-Myth Arkestra"

The Solar-Myth Approach Vol. 1
Sun Ra and His Solar-Myth Arkestra

The Solar-Myth Approach was first issued in 1971 as a double LP set on the French BYG/Actuel label, then repackaged as two stand-alone volumes in 1972. Founded in 1967, BYG was associated with the maverick arts journal Actuel. The label issued dozens of fascinating and groundbreaking free jazz, experimental, and psychedelic releases before a seemingly abrupt—and controversial—late-1972 bankruptcy. The pot-head pixies in the band Gong recalled that "during the making of [our album] Flying Teapot in January 1973, the band learned that the record company had gone bust, its Paris office stripped bare, no phones working. The band was abandoned at the Manor Studios midway through the album." The label died without a lawful successor—but not without litigation and lawsuits.

Sun Ra had licensed or sold the Solar-Myth recordings to BYG. (The terms of the agreement are unknown because no copy could be located for review, but the distinction between license and sale has been rendered moot by subsequent events. It's even possible there was never a written agreement. See below.) In the absence of any valid successor label claim, rights to both Solar-Myth albums reverted to the artist (and later, to his heirs). However, through a series of subterfuges, a label that rose from the ashes of BYG, Charly Records, founded by one of the BYG partners, assumed ownership of countless BYG releases without any provable chain-of-title. BYG and Charly are separate and unrelated companies with one overlapping principal on their letterheads. It's possible (we're agnostic) that some artists who appeared on BYG were later signed to Charly. Gong wasn't. Neither was Sun Ra. Search online and you'll find allegations of impropriety against Charly for non-payment of royalties, false ownership claims, infringement, and illicit releases. Besides Gong, plaintiffs and accusers included Nina Simone, George Clinton, Ian McLagan, and MCA Records. A number of these complaints went to court. According to a well-known indie rocker, "At the 2005 Ponderosa Stomp in Memphis, Syl Johnson went on a tirade from the stage about Charly putting out his music without proper authorization. His rant was so hilarious that I felt compelled to purchase the Charly CD from the merch stand after his set."

Since the demise of BYG, the Solar-Myth Approach albums have been reissued without legitimacy in a series of ever worsening-quality packages in various formats. The Charly reissues were inferior to the BYG originals (and displayed different cover art), and a dreadful off-pitch, out-of phase 2-CD bootleg appeared on the Fuel label in 2001.

On a qualitative level, this 2020 Cosmic Myth remastering from best-available sources (tapes and discs) constitutes an upgrade. Are they perfect? Of course not—these are Sun Ra recordings. But countless audio flaws—some dating from the original sessions, others from careless mastering—have been repaired.




CAPPA MEETS ZAPPA


A couple of weeks ago I attended "Cappa Meets Zappa", a fascinating evening where an inspired Mark Janse talked about his passion for the Cappadocian language: how he had been studying this dead language for a number of years and had become the authority only to find out that there were a handful of people left who actually spoke the language.
For the musical intermezzo, Mark had invited Beat Love Oracle to perform some music which they did. Even including some pieces by Frank Zappa as BLO knew that Mark would appreciate it.


Due to popular demand, the evening will be repeated on June 6.
Same location, the Quatre Mains piano center in Ghent, BE.


SUN RA ARKESTRA TOURDATES


2020 01 31 Philadelphia, PA, Museum of Art
2020 03 04 New York City, NY, Town Hall
2020 04 10 Champaign, IL, University
2020 04 11 Lakeside, MI, Storehouse 013, Lakeside Inn
2020 04 12 Chicago, IL, Constellation

2020 04 29 - 2020 05 15 EUROPEAN TOUR
Dates and venues TBA


2020 05 03 Tilburg, NL, Paradox


ED PALERMO BIG BAND CONCERT DATES


The Ed Palermo Big Band in concert

Monday February 10
THE IRIDIUM
1650 Broadway (corner of W. 51 St.)
New York City
8:00PM - One set only

Saturday February 15
With Special Guest Napoleon Murphy Brock
The Falcon
1348 Rt. 9W
Marlboro, NY
Showtime: 7:30pm


CHROMB!


The Dur Et Doux website says that this is Chromb!'s 4th album !
Nice.




ANNIE BARBAZZA


From Glass Onyon PR

Italian Music Artist Annie Barbazza To Release Debut Solo Album “Vive”

Featuring Greg Lake, Fred Frith, Daniel Lanois, John Greaves, Paul Roland and others!

Italian music artist Annie Barbazza is releasing her first solo album “Vive” on February 29, 2020 on Dark Companion Records. She was a young drummer in love with progressive rock when Greg Lake discovered her talent as a singer and wanted her on stage with him for the concert which would later become the posthumous “Live in Piacenza”. Again Lake produced “Moonchild”, the duo with pianist Max Repetti for Manticore Records where she sang many songs formerly sang by Lake with ELP and King Crimson. If these were the beginnings of Annie’s career, now she is a rising star of the international Avant/Prog scene. Her friendship with John Greaves (Henry Cow, National Health) leads her to collaborate permanently live with the Welsh musician and to collaborate on his latest albums (“Piacenza” for Dark Companion and “Life Size” for Manticore).

Another one of her stable collaborations is the one with legendary writer-singer-songwriter Paul Roland with whom Annie regularly performs live as a bassist and singer and in the studio also as a drummer. Of extraordinary success both with critics and audiences is the recent collaboration with the North Sea Radio Orchestra as main vocalist in “Folly Bololey” (Dark Companion), the tribute to Robert Wyatt which triumphed at Rock In Opposition festival and at Cafe Oto in London, the cradle of new music. In studio she collaborates, among others, with Giorgio Fico Piazza and with Warm Morning Brothers, while live she performs together with artists such as Eugenio Finardi, Osanna, Robyn Hitchcock and many more, in addition to the ones afore-mentioned.

This album has a long history: Greg Lake originally wanted Annie to play all the instruments, but the record slowly turned into an all-star friends collaboration for most of them asked Annie to be part of it, from Fred Frith to John Greaves, from Lino Capra Vaccina to Daniel Lanois and Paul Roland. All tracks are original with the exception of two tracks written for her by John Greaves and Paul Roland and a cover of the splendid Blegvad / Greaves classic, “How Beautiful You Are”.

Who know Annie is aware of her elusive, shy nature. By these songs she gave voice to her inner ghosts and dreams, desires and fierce creativity.

An intimate, courageous, innovative album in which the many influences and musical styles of Annie melts together. Producer Max Marchini wanted to keep as immediate as they were conceived and played, avoiding overengineerings and over arrangements. The result is a collections of songs that span over the years working on which the many sides of the sparking, incredible voice of Annie Barbazza are the main character.


Here's Annie at the Rock In Opposition festival, taking part in a performance of Robert Wyatt's "Rock Bottom".



FREDERIQUE SPIGT AND CORRIE VAN BINSBERGEN


Frédérique  Spigt is touring with "Stukjes", poetry and music.
Music performed by Corrie van Binsbergen, Mark Nieuwenhuis and Tijmen Veelenturf.

01 feb 20:30 Frédérique Spigt and Corrie van Binsbergen - Kantine Walhalla Rotterdam, NL
06 feb 20:15 Frédérique Spigt and Corrie van Binsbergen - Theater Hof 88 Almelo, NL
12 feb 20:30 Frédérique Spigt and Corrie van Binsbergen - Toneelschuur Haarlem, NL
13 feb 20:15 Frédérique Spigt and Corrie van Binsbergen - Cultura Ede, NL
20 feb 20:30 Frédérique Spigt and Corrie van Binsbergen - Stadsschouwburg Utrecht, NL
21 feb 20:30 Frédérique Spigt and Corrie van Binsbergen - Schouwburg Amstelveen, NL
28 feb 20:30 Frédérique Spigt and Corrie van Binsbergen  - Goudse Schouwburg Gouda, NL



DWEEZIL ZAPPA AT NORTH SEA JAZZ FESTIVAL 2020


https://www.northseajazz.com/nl/programma/

Donderdag 9 juli
Grand Opening Night with John Legend

Vrijdag 10 juli
Archie Shepp – Tribute to John Coltrane • Branford Marsalis • Brittany Howard • Burna Boy • George Benson • Jazzmeia Horn • Jill Scott • Joe Bonamassa and Metropole Orkest • Jordan Rakei • Kurt Elling and Danilo Pérez • Kokoroko • Lionel Richie • Louis Cole Big Band • Mark Guiliana BEAT MUSIC • Mark Lettieri Group • Nérija • This Edition ft. Jeff Ballard • Jasper Høiby • Pablo Held • Verneri Pohjola • Julian Argüelles

Zaterdag 11 juli
Archie Shepp – Tribute to John Coltrane • Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram • Diana Ross • Dweezil Zappa • Eric Gales • Gustavo Santaolalla • Greg Ward’s Rogue Parade • Hiromi • Ibrahim Maalouf • James Carter Organ Trio • Little Simz • Marc Cohn and The Blind Boys of Alabama • Michael Kiwanuka • Mood Swing Quartet ft. Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau, Christian McBride and Brian Blade • Nubya Garcia • Nona • Typhoon • Yola

Zondag 12 juli
Alicia Keys • Ari Lennox • Avishai Cohen Big Vicious • Baby Rose • Black Pumas • Gregory Porter • Gonzalo Rubalcaba & Aymée Nuviola’s Band "Viento y Tiempo" • Herbie Hancock • Joey Alexander Trio • John McLaughlin and The 4th Dimension • Kenny Barron and Dave Holland Trio ft. Johnathan Blake • Mudita • New Cool Collective • SFJAZZ Collective • Shabaka And The Ancestors • Stacey Kent • TaxiWars


-- info: Aad Hoogesteger

Saturday, February 1, 2020

NEW MILLIONAIRE ALBUM


The new Millionaire album will be made available in (at least) four different versions :
  • Limited gold coloured vinyl + Limited double A side clear yellow 7”, including a 20 page comic! (300 numbered copies)
  • Limited gold coloured vinyl
  • Black vinyl
  • CD


NEW Z.E.R.O. ALBUM AVAILABLE ON BANDCAMP


The new Z.E.R.O. album is available on Bandcamp !!
Another fine tribute to the music of Frank Zappa.


Digital download and CD !
Give it a listen and order your copy today.


JOHN TABACCO - SANS LYRICS VOL.3

Last week, I already mentioned John Tabacco's "Unfulfilled Shopping Carts Syndrome".
The same package also included "Sans Lyrics, Vol.3", an instrumental album that clearly displays John's love for unusual melodies and rhythms.
Performed on a sequencer (or synth) gives it a modern contemporary sound.
I like it a lot !!
Digital download and also released on CDR.

Check it out here :



STEVE VAI, PAUL GILBERT AND JOE SATRIANI PERFORMING MY GUITAR WANTS TO KILL YOUR MAMA


DATE: January 18, 2020
EVENT: Ibanez Showcase Concert - Steve Vai PIA Signature Guitar Release Party
LOCATION: House of Blues - Anaheim California
BAND: Drums - Jeremy Colson, Bass - Philip Bynoe, Guitar - Dave Weiner
GUEST GUITAR: Joe Satriani, Paul Gilbert, Nita Strauss, Polyphia



DAVID LINX AND MICHEL HATZIGEORGIOU - THE WORDSMITH

Vocal artist David Linx teamed up with Fender jazz bass player Michel Hatzigeorgiou (Aka Moon!) to produce "The Wordsmith".
In duo. Vocals and electric jazz bass.
All original material except for the sublime rendition of Jimi Hendrix' 'The Wind Cries Mary'.
Out on CD !