Monday, June 27, 2022

BRIAN WOODBURY

from GlassOnyon PR

Brian Woodbury will be releasing "Rhapsody & Filigree", the 4th and Final Volume of the Anthems & Antithets series on July 25th.

Brian Woodbury is a songwriter who straddles the avant/pop/theater/comedy divide. His eclecticism ranges from writing Disney cartoon themes and children’s TV songs, to experimental jazz big band, to arranging 1960s Bollywood covers, to a country anthem about marriage equality and Tom Lehrer-esque comedy songs. He has released eleven albums, including the current 4-volume Anthems & Antithets. 

He creates music videos for his songs, most recently “Gimme Some of That Old Time Prog,” a spot-on sendup of prog rock. His songs have been sung by Nathan Lane, Lisa Loeb, Terre Roche & David Yazbek.

Van Dyke Parks has said of Brian’s music, “Not since... the wondrous works of young Brian Wilson... have I heard sound of this romantic design. Indispensable.” Brian Woodbury has been described as “... a multi-talented musician, bordering on genius. ...He should be up there with Zappa and Beefheart,” BBC Radio 3, Mixing It, and as “a consummate writer of instantly memorable pop tunes,” All Music Guide.

Here's 'Old Time Prog' .

Oh yes, there's also this :



WILLIAM SHATNER

From GlassOnyon PR

Celebrate WILLIAM SHATNER’s Historic Space Trip With A Commemorative 7” Vinyl!

Los Angeles, CA – Not many real life events can elicit chills from sci-fi fans but when William Shatner, who portrayed space captain James T. Kirk on the long-running sci-fi series Star Trek, was actually flown into space aboard the Jeff Bezos-owned Blue Origin rocket, well, even the most cynical among us couldn’t help but feel a certain amount of astonished delight!

Now, fans of Mr. Shatner can celebrate that historic, out-of-this-world trip with a fun commemorative single! Shatner’s brilliant rendition of Elton John’s classic “Rocket Man” was originally released as a part of his 2011 solo album Seeking Major Tom. The track featured guitar work from influential Gong axeman Steve Hillage and recently has been newly mixed by producer Jürgen Engler. This new version is being released on both digital platforms as well as a limited edition 7” vinyl backed with Shatner’s version of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity featuring Deep Purple’s Ritchie Blackmore & Candice Night! Get your copy now before the Klingons destroy them all!

Stream the single: https://orcd.co/william_shatner_rocket_man

Order the 7”: https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/william-shatner-rocket-man-limited-edition-silver-7-vinyl/


TWO NEW ZAPPA RADIO SHOW ALBUMS

There are two new Zappa radio show albums that can be added to the long list of already existing releases.
I wonder if they'll add anything new or whether they might just be regurgitating old material.

  • frank zappa: live... new york
        (2022, 4cd, ??, ??)
= a 4 CD box set.
early and late shows performed on 3rd November 1984, Stony Brook, New York
and broadcast by WLIR-FM.
  • frank zappa: live in vancouver 1975
        (2022, 2cd, ??, ??)

= a 2 CD set
Vancouver's War Memorial on 1st October 1975, broadcast on CBC-FM,


-- info: Danny Mathys


MARBIN'S SUMMER TOUR 2022

 Marbin kicks off their Summer Tour in a couple of days.


Sunday, June 26, 2022

VARIOUS ARTISTS - LEFTO PRESENTS JAZZ CATS VOLUME 2

A cancelled flight from Geneva to Brussels on Thursday evening, resulted in several train rides on Friday afternoon and evening.
Driving home from Brussels, the long awaited final part of the journey, I enjoyed Belgian Radio 1's "Time Out" radio show. Lots of fine music, including a track from "Lefto Presents Jazz Cats Volume 2", a compilation by DJ Lefto, showcasing Belgian jazz.

What an amazing release.
Out on SDBAN !



BLUAI

I saw BLUAI as an opener for Mauro Pawlowski earlier this year.
Fragile.
Delicate.



LUIS TRINKER'S HÖHENRAUSCH - WITZ UND WAHNSINN?!!

  • luis trinker's höhenrausch: witz und wahnsinn?!!
        (1996, cd, germany, balance music)
My quest for "The Others Of Invention", musicians who have recorded and released the music of Frank Zappa, has already led to adventurous paths.
I learned about (and came across) one of the most peculiar albums last week.

Luis Trinker's Höhenrausch is a party band. Or at least a band that knows how to party. The band released "Witz und Wahnsinn?!!" about 25 years ago.
16 tracks, most of which are cover versions of well-known rock and pop songs. In English or in German. Some feature a set of tubas. "Witz und Wahnsinn" (Fun or Madness) is an appropriate title.

Track 14 is FZ's 'Bobby Brown'.

Here's a YouTube live snippet:


M ROSS PERKINS - E PLURIBUS M ROSS

M Ross Perkins is a one-man psychedelic pop band.
Think The Beach Boys, The Beatles, or even the early Mothers.

Well, more relaxed and less hyperkinetic as The Beach Boys, The Beatles, or the early Mothers, but quite mesmerising.
Nice.
Very nice.

-- info: Philippe Lamoot


KLOOT PER W - LE TEMPS CACHÉ

Official video of Kloot Per W's single Le Temps Caché.

 

PIERRE VERVLOESEM - ZGOUING

Pierre Vervloesem has just released "Zgouing".
Pierre's view on 2022.
Let's say that it's different...


SUN RA AND HIS ARKESTRA - LIVE IN NEW YORK 1973

  • sun ra and his arkestra: live in new york 1973
        (2022, 2cd, europe, equinox)
The Equinox record label specialises in re-issuing radio broadcasts on CD.
Radio show albums...
Mostly by jazz artists: Weather Report, Miles Davis, Chick Corea,...

On of their latest titles is the WBGO-FM broadcast of Sun Ra's concert at Carnagie Hall in New York City.
This very same concert has already been released as "What Planet Is This?' in 2006 by the Golden Years Of New Jazz label.

Excellent recording of a fine concert. Nice packaging as well.

By 1973 Sun Ra was established as an important if very strange presence on the jazz scene. His Arkestra had been operating and recording in various forms since the 1950s but their adoption in the late 1960s by the emerging counter-culture had propelled them to new levels of popularity. Artists, poets, film-makers, rock musicians were all attracted to Ra's extra-terrestrial sounds and visuals.
Aged 60 in 1973, Ra took it in his stride. With stellar soloists John Gilmour and Marshall Allen out front with vocalists, dancers and a psychedelic light show which included a back projection of his recently released feature film Space Is The Place (1972) Sun Ra was ready to conquer this planet and any others near by.
Recorded by WBGO at the 1973 Newport Jazz Festival, NYC.



LISA POPEIL

The wondrous voice of Lisa Popeil can be heard on FZ's 'Teen-Age Prostitute', taken from the Dec 11, 1981 Santa Monica concert where she also sang 'Lisa's Life Story' and 'The Dangerous Kitchen'. 
'Lisa's Life Story' later found it's way to the final Stage album.

In 1983, Lisa released her only solo album, entitled "Lisa Popeil", that featured Steve Vai as special guest.
'Primo Man' was the single that was taken from this album: 7" and 12".

It only came to my attention recently that she released another single in 1984. A 7" that presented a new track, 'Poor Connection', on both sides.


In 1985, Lisa released another single.
This one was called 'Sittin' On A Rock'. I haven't been able to find an actual copy of this, or even any info about a release, although it can be found on several digital platforms.


Here's Al Yankovic's tribute to Lisa's father, with Lisa on backing vocals, 'Mr.Popeil' :

In 2016, Lisa joined The Banned From Utopia for a concert at the ZappaUnion Festival in Oslo, Norway. Additional clips can be found on YouTube.



Tuesday, June 21, 2022

ACCORDO DEI CONTRARI

This morning, I enjoyed two albums by Accordo Dei Contrari, the Italian ensemble that mixes prog rock and jazz in a unique way.

"AdC" from 2014, released on the AltRock label.

"Violato Intatto", from 2017, private release.


Monday, June 20, 2022

MAURO - LET ME KNOW / SHOT OF SHAME

Released by Waaghals Records (Nijmegen, NL) and by Sugar Pie Records (Antwerp, BE).
Mauro Pawlowski's 'Let Me Know / Shot Of Shame'.

The Waaghals Records edition is on green vinyl, limited to 300 (numbered) copies.
The Sugar Pie Records editions is on red vinyl. Also limited to 300 (numbered) copies.



Above pictures of the front and back cover are borrowed from Discogs.
Both tracks taken from the 2001 "Songs Of A Bad Hat" album. Still one of my favourite Belgian rock albums.



SNARKY PUPPY - TRINITY (EXTENDED VERSION)

From Snarky Puppy's new album, Empire Central (September 2022, GroundUP Music)

 

THE ARISTOCRATS - WITH PRIMUZ CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

  • the aristocrats: with primuz chamber orchestra
        (2022, cd, usa, boing! music)
“This project began when we randomly stumbled upon a YouTube video of Primuz Chamber Orchestra performing one of our songs, as reimagined by composer/arranger Wojtek Lemański. Their flawless execution of a highly challenging arrangement (which was startlingly inventive and yet remained entirely faithful to the spirit of the original composition!) inspired us to reach out and propose a collaboration.

The process ultimately led to this album, which comprises nine trio performances taken from our previous studio albums, remixed by Forrester Savell and transformed by the orchestra’s rendition of Wojtek’s string arrangements. This approach enabled Wojtek to create orchestrations which treated many of the spontaneous, improvised elements from our original “band in a room” takes as if they had been part of the actual compositions… yielding some unique results!

We’re truly proud of the way this project turned out… and we’re profoundly grateful that serendipity somehow brought us all together for this collaboration. Enjoy!”


Amazing !
The string section adds some great colours. Together with los tres caballeros, they remind me of the rich sound that the Metropole Orchestra creates.

You can check out a couple of tracks on Bandcamp:



THE WITCH ORCHESTRA REVISITED

The Brno's "Witch Orchestra" performing an original arrangement of Frank Zappa's "Chunga’s Revenge" at PonavaFest in the city park of Lužánky in Brno, Czech Republic on 24th July 2021.



Sunday, June 19, 2022

THE MOON UNITS

The Moon Units released a 6 track EP in 2013 entitled “The Moon Units Play Frank Zappa”.
The digital-only release included Bobby Brown, Peaches En Regalia, Dancin’ Fool, Crew Slut, Catholic Girls, and Joe’s Garage.


Available through Amazon, iTunes and Qobuz.
Note for note renditions. Nice, but not adding anything to the songs...


WEIRD AL YANKOVIC - THE ESSENTIAL WEIRD AL YANKOVIC

  • weird al yankovic: the essential weird al yankovic
        (2010, 3cd, usa, way moby)
Weird Al Yankovic’s 2003 “Poodle Hat” album included a tribute to Frank Zappa. The track featured Dweezil Zappa on guitar.

In 2009, the Way Moby record label released a 2 CD compilation album entitled “The Essential Weird Al Yankovic”. 
2010 saw the release of a limited edition 3 CD set of “The Essential Weird Al Yanckovic”. The bonus disc in the 3 CD set included Al’s tribute to FZ.


ZAPPA/ERIE SIX DISC BOX SET

The six CD box set is out.
And Qobuz is offering a high resolution 24-bit  96 kHz version for streaming and download.

https://www.qobuz.com/be-fr/album/zappa-erie-frank-zappa/yqjltneigh2oc

from Zappa.com

... The three complete shows included on Zappa/Erie are presented in chronological order and trace Zappa’s history with the Pennsylvanian lakeside suburb. The set kicks off with a concert at Edinboro State College, a local university outside of Erie, on May 8, 1974, and is followed by Zappa’s first proper concert in Erie at the Gannon Auditorium at the private, Catholic, Gannon University on November 12, 1974; and concludes with what would be his last Erie show, held at the Erie County Fieldhouse on November 12, 1976. In addition to the full shows, several performances from South Bend, Ind.; Toledo, Ohio; and Montreal, QC, taken from the same time period, are included as bonus tracks.

The Edinboro concert in ‘74 was part of a small, month-long run of shows celebrating the 10th anniversary of Zappa’s ever-evolving seminal band, The Mothers, as well as his just-released album, Apostrophe (‘). Zappa’s formidable band for the tour was made up of Bruce Fowler on trombone and vocals; Chester Thompson on drums and percussion; Don Preston on synthesizer; George Duke on keyboards, synthesizer, and vocals; Jeff Simmons on guitar and vocals; Napoleon Murphy Brock on tenor sax, flute and lead vocals; Ralph Humphrey on drums; Tom Fowler on bass; and Walt Fowler on trumpet. As Travers writes in the liners, “The addition of Walt Fowler on trumpet and Don Preston on keys really helped to expand the instrumentation of the band. Another major factor, by this time, Frank had purchased two Ludwig Octa-Plus drum sets. This large drum set configuration was becoming extremely popular and it provided Chester Thompson and Ralph Humphrey a new wide range of tom-tom sizes to play on. The new sounds were cleverly integrated into Zappa’s compositions.”

Part of the song repertoire for the tour was a medley of songs that Zappa constructed from the Mothers of Invention’s 1966 debut album, Freak Out, and 1968’s We’re Only In It For The Money, but with significantly altered arrangements. Zappa/Erie marks the first time these renditions, as well as a full concert from the 10th anniversary tour, will be released. Spread across disc 1 and 2 of the collection, some of the concert’s many highlights include “Cosmik Debris,” a great, funky arrangement of “Pygmy Twylyte,” “Montana,” “Cheepnis,” “Inca Roads,” with a strong cowbell motif throughout, and the radically reconfigured versions of early Mothers tracks like “Hungry Freaks, Daddy,” “Wowie Zowie,” “How Could I Be Such A Fool,” “Harry, You’re A Beast,” and “The Idiot Bastard Son.” Although never officially released, the show has grown in stature thanks to a board cassette that leaked from Zappa’s inner circle and has been available in the bootleg world for many years. It’s from this show that Zappa used segments from “Son Of Orange County” and “More Trouble Every Day,” for his beloved Roxy & Elsewhere album. Now, finally, nearly five decades later, the full concert mixed from the master tape is being made available.

When Zappa rolled into the Gannon Auditorium in Erie later that fall, he was backed by the slimmed down lineup of Thompson, Duke, Brock, and Fowler, with the venerable Ruth Underwood rejoining the group on percussion. Despite Zappa suffering from the flu, he soldiered through like the professional he was and delivered a strong performance with an equally strong band. The setlist varied greatly from the previous show a few months earlier and highlights, found on discs 3 and 4, include the 1974 live arrangement of “Dinah-Moe Humm,” with Zappa singing the extra line that normally didn’t get sung, the constantly in flux “Inca Roads,” “Penguin In Bondage,” “Uncle Meat,” and “Don’t Eat The Yellow Snow.” Zappa’s guitar improvisation during “Dupree’s Paradise” provides a glimpse of compositions to come, mainly “Zoot Allures,” and “Any Downers” Aside from battling illness, Zappa also grappled with an unruly audience who were clashing amongst themselves because the audience in the back were upset the people in the front wouldn’t sit down so they could see, which caused a lot of tension. Because of this, Zappa stopped the show several times to get the crowd under control and fans get to hear how he handled the situation. Zappa himself released incidents like this such as “Geneva Farewell” on You Can’t Do That On Stage Anymore, Vol. 5. so it continues the tradition. The bonus tracks on disc 3, “Montana” and “Get Down,” taken from South Bend, Ind. in ‘74 were hand-picked and mixed by Zappa but never released.

By November 12, 1976, when Zappa next came to Erie for what would ultimately be the last time, he was more popular than ever and had graduated to the Erie County Fieldhouse where the major touring acts played in town during the ‘70s. Armed with a completely different line-up, the band consisted of Eddie Jobson on keyboards and violin; Patrick O’Hearn on bass and vocals; Ray White on guitar and vocals; Terry Bozzio on drums and vocals; and Lady Bianca on keyboards and vocals, who would leave the band a week later after only touring for a month. Although Zappa and the band put on a great performance, the show wasn’t without drama as a sudden blizzard threw a wrench into things, resulting in the light and sound equipment not making the show in time. At the last minute, rented systems were acquired by the venue and it caused certain fans to complain to the box office that they “didn’t get their money’s worth.” Featured on discs 5 and 6, the setlist is mostly culled from tracks from the albums Apostrophe (‘), Over-Nite Sensation, and Zappa’s newest LP at the time, 1976’s Zoot Allures. Songs like “The Torture Never Stops” and “Black Napkins” showcase extraordinary, extended guitar workouts from Zappa on the then-brand new compositions. An extra bonus performance of "Black Napkins," from the Toledo, Ohio show the following night ends the set and exemplifies how Zappa would perform songs differently from show to show.

Assembling this new set, Zappa/Erie, was something of a passion project for Joe Travers who grew up in Erie. Although he had seen the tapes marked “Erie” in the Vault in his 27 years as the Vaultmeister, it wasn’t until the pandemic that he finally gave these shows a listen and realized they were too good to not release. “When the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020, I found myself, like so many others, with a lot of extra time on my hands,” Travers reveals in the liners. “Because of this, I threw myself even more deeply into archiving the fabulous vault of Mr. Frank Zappa. During this time, it dawned on me that in all my years being the Vaultmeister for Zappa, I had never prioritized documenting the concerts FZ played in my hometown of Erie, Pa.” The Erie booklet includes an autographed polaroid of Zappa that Travers’ mother excitedly picked up for him at a local Erie garage sale sometime in the ‘90s. For years it’s been tucked away for safe keeping, and only recently when working on this release, did Travers reexamine it only to realize it was most likely taken at the Erie County Fieldhouse in 1976. So now, more than 46 years after it was snapped and two decades after Travers mother gifted it to her son, it has made its way into the packaging chronicling Zappa’s Erie shows, bringing everything full circle.


Saturday, June 18, 2022

THE ARF-DOSSIER VOL.112

Volume 112 (!!) of the Arf Society's fanzine, "The Arf Dossier", arrived last week.
In liked the piece on the on-line concert by Frank Out! (especially as we attended it), but I really enjoyed Andrew's piece on Ruben Guevara (!!), and Ulli's info, of course.

More fine FZ-related stories by Andrew Greenaway can be found here:
https://idiotbastard.onlineweb.shop/Zappa_FUQs/p7497294_21491668.aspx

the arf-dossier no.112  -  2022/06
incl.

  • leserpost
  • the hot platters heaven from the arf office
  • frank out! - online-konzert in bonn
  • the greenaway essays - the real ruben
  • the rare pictures gallery
  • the vinyl bootleg releases
  • news from belgium - live from United Mutations
  • back in time - 1978
  • ullis ecke
  • info behind the photo(s)

VARIOUS ARTISTS - MUSIC POWER

  • various artists: music power
        (1988, 2lp, ger, sonocord)
This 1988 "Music Power" sampler album included Dweezil Zappa with 'My Guitar Wants To Kill Your Mama'.
I'm always curious to find out where my exploration of The Others Of Invention will bring me, but to be honest, this was a bit of a disappointment. A FZ classic, performed by Dweezil, between tracks by Celin Dion, Mill Vanilli, Kylie Mingue, Erasure and Depeche Mode... The other ones I haven't even heard of, and I'm not even sure that I want to try them out...


ZAPPA/ERIE

Three complete shows from the Vault based on appearances made in and around the Vaultmeister’s home town of Erie, PA: Edinboro College and Gannon University ’74 with Erie County Fieldhouse ’76.

Also includes bonus tracks from the same tours. Three separate band line-ups, newly mixed from the original 4-Track tapes by Craig Parker Adams and mastered by John Polito at Audio Mechanics. Historical essays by Dan Schell & Joe Travers.

Available to order now on 6CD Box Set with exclusive poster.

https://www.zappa.com/


First impression: Amazing ! My favourite line-up. Especially today.
Just listened to 'Cosmik Debris'.
'Pygmy Twylyte' is playing now...
Those horns...


SNAKEFINGER

Snakefinger's 1979 debut solo album will be made available on limited edition color vinyl by Secret Records.
All songs written and performed with The Residents.



Wednesday, June 15, 2022

DERYA YILDIRIM & GRUP ŞIMŞEK



THE THIRD COAST PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE

The Third Coast Percussion ensemble recently released "Elfman & Glass & Jlin & Flutronix".

Here's their performance of Danny Elfman's 'Percussion Quartet, Mvt 1'.

A fascinating piece (and what a performance!)


SUN RA - RA TO THE RESCUE

Sun Ra's "Ra To The Rescue" album got released in 1983 on Sun Ra's private label.
In 2015, the album was made available for streaming / download.
Modern Harmonic will now release the album on LP (green vinyl) and on CD.

YÔKAÏ

Brussels-based ensemble Yôkaï just released "Coup de Grâce" on the Humpty Dumpty record label.
This sounds really nice.



Tuesday, June 14, 2022

THE ZAPPA BAND

Article on Jambands.com

https://jambands.com/news/2022/06/04/the-zappa-band-preps-northeast-tour-with-whisky-warm-up/? 


Chaotic Riffs www.chaoticriffs.com interview with Mike Keneally.


PYRAMIDS BOX SET

Just announced!
THE PYRAMIDS : AOMAWA: THE 1970s RECORDINGS
a 4 LP box set.

A brand new 4LP box set bringing together the incredible 1970s recordings of Afrofuturism pioneers The Pyramids, led by saxophonist Idris Ackamoor. The set features the remastered LPs Lalibela, King Of Kings and Birth / Speed / Merging alongside the first ever vinyl issue of their live session for KQED TV in 1975. The accompanying 12-page 12"-sized booklet features extended interviews with The Pyramids by Francis Gooding and a host of unseen photos.

Their first album :



Sunday, June 12, 2022

PERCUSSION UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN CONCERT

June 24, 2022, the Percussion Under Construction ensemble will perform at the Saarländischer Staatstheater.
In Saarbrücken, Germany.

As you may recall, their recent album included FZ's 'The Black Page', in different mutations.


CLASSIC ALBUMS - THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION - FREAK OUT !

This morning, I watched the Classic Albums episode on "The Mothers Of Invention - Freak Out !".
Twice.

It got broadcast yesterday evening on the Dutch NPO3 channel which we can receive in Belgium.

Very nice. Contributions from Mike Keneally, Ruth Underwood, Ahmet Zappa, Joe Travers, Matt Groening, Eliot Ingber, Pamela Des Barres, Del Casher, Carl Franzoni, Cheech Marin and David Fricke, mixed with archive footage of Frank Zappa.

I'm wondering if they'll release this on DVD as they did with the "Zappa - Apostrophe (')/Over-Nite Sensation" special from 2007.


Saturday, June 11, 2022

NEW RELEASE FROM RUSS STEDMAN

 Always something to look forward to, Russ' latest release is called "This Is Normal".


BLACK MOON - DIGGIN' IN DAH VAULTS

  • black moon: diggin' in dah vaults
        (1996, cd, usa, wreck records)
I mentioned Brooklyn-based hip hop group Black Moon a little while ago, because they sampled FZ’s ‘Son Of Mr. Green Genes’ throughout the DJ Evil Dee Remix version of Black Moon’s ‘Act Like U Want It’.
The track can be found on "Diggin' In Dah Vaults", released on CD and 2LP.
Lots of samples and borrowed beats.
Not bad.

The Zappa sample is only used on the Remix by DJ Evil Dee.
Funny, if you compare it with original track.
DJ Evil Dee has good taste, and good ears. The sample adds a nice depth.

The original version : 



The DJ Evil Dee remix:



TERRY BOZZIO

The Magna Carta record label is re-releasing the Terry Bozzio / Billy Sheehan "Nine Short Films" album.
On vinyl.

The original release was CD only.
In 2002.


ZAPPA'S ERIE BOX ALSO TO BE RELEASED ON SHM-CD

SHM-CD, Super High Material CD, is a new type of compact disc, using different polycarbonate material.
As you can imagine, it is said to sound better.

Zappa's new "Erie" box will see a SHM-CD release in Japan.

And this is not the end of the search for better sound as SHM-SACD's (Super Audio) and Platinum SHM-CD's are also being developed.


CIARALLO & TRUSCIA - ZAPPA - IL FUMETTO


Deciding if I wanted to order the "Zappa - Il Fumetto" book, was a no-brainer. Zappa AND comics... How could I resist.

The 160-page book presents 12 'biographical testimonies'. These are short stories that were written by Giuseppe Ciarallo and illustrated by Manlio Truscia. Each of these discuss a Frank Zappa biographical topic, as told by (1) Edgard Varèse, (2) Steve Allen, (3) Ray Collins and Jimmy Carl Black, (4) Ruth Underwood, etcetara. Each of these is 6 or 7 pages long. You get the picture.
It  looks nice (and, yes, it's in Italian, so I don't understand too much of it, but I can imagine what it's about).
The best part of the book, however, is the remaining part where several illustrators and comic artists share their Frank Zappa inspired artwork, or pay tribute to the man and his music.
Andrea Malis, Danilo Maramotti, Enrico Occupati, Gianfranco Tartaglia,... and many more.
Love it. Great stuff that I have never seen before.


ALINOVSKY - GULM PARANOIA - FUM FARTOG BIZ MITTAG

 Alinovsky teamed up with Pierre Vervloesem for "Gulm Paranoia - Fum Fartog Biz Mittag", the first half of Alinovsky's "Gulm Paranoia" diptych.

Alinovsky: sounds and motions
Pierre Vervloesem : guitars, basses, spices, remix and mastering

From the Bandcamp page: "So I composed a few tracks which quickly became 16 and more than an hour long album. I decided to split it in a day life of the Golem: from morning till noon and from noon to night. I then gave the tracks to Pierre who added his touch of genius to give the album his definitive touch."

The result is quite fascinating, balancing between soundscape and meditative music.



BEAT LOVE ORACLE CONCERT ANNOUNCED

 Beat Love Oracle, the Belgian contemporary music quartet that features Frank Nuyts, Frank Debruyne, Stijn Deldaele and Ronald Dhane, has a concert scheduled in November.

If I'm not mistaken this is a rescheduled concert due to Covid.
Anyway, place to be is cultural center De Ververij in Ronse, Belgium, especially since Beat Love Oracle does not do that many concerts !!

Friday November 18, 2022
Double bill with the Lionel Beuvens Quartet.

https://www.ronse.be/nl/nieuws/double-bill-lionel-beuvens-quartet-beat-love-oracle


Wednesday, June 8, 2022

DWEEZIL ZAPPA FEATURED ON NEW RELEASE BY THE PROG COLLECTIVE

from GlassOnyon PR

World’s Largest Prog Rock Supergroup THE PROG COLLECTIVE Revisit Folk & Rock Masterpieces On New Album SONGS WE WERE TAUGHT, Release First Single!

Album features performances by David Clayton-Thomas (Blood Sweat & Tears), Rod Argent (The Zombies), Sonja Kristina (Curved Air), Candice Night (Blackmore's Night), Dweezil Zappa, Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal (Guns N' Roses/Asia), Steve Morse (Deep Purple/Dixie Dregs), Martin Barre (Jethro Tull), Steve Hillage (Gong) and more!

Los Angeles, CA – Producer Billy Sherwood has helmed the massive prog rock supergroup The Prog Collective through an astonishing 10 years and 3 studio albums with an ever-evolving cast of 50+ elite-level musicians, vocalists, and creative minds. Through it all, one thing has remained constant: the project has always brought some of the most innovative musical arrangements, unique performances and cutting-edge production techniques, all in service of creating the most engaging, enthralling listening experience to the listener. The same holds true for the band’s newest effort, the gorgeous and sublime Songs We Were Taught.

As the title suggests, Sherwood and his cohort travel back in time to revisit some of the most formative and influential songs of the ‘60s & ‘70s. From Bob Dylan’s massively important “The Times They Are A-Changin’” to Simon & Garfunkel’s unforgettable classic “Sound Of Silence” to the folk standard-turned-chart-topping-rock-dirge “House Of The Rising Sun,” the compositions included here are not ones that would immediately be associated with the kind of progressive /art-rock players featured on Prog Collective albums. But just one listen to the astonishing musicianship Wishbone Ash’s Martin Turner and electric violinist Jerry Goodman bring to Dylan’s song or the mix of soul and atmosphere that David Clayton-Thomas and Steve Hillage add to “House Of The Rising Sun” and you’ll know why this album exists. Thankfully, the band has released “House Of The Rising Sun” as the album’s first single!

Track List:

  1. The Sound Of Silence - Jon Davison (Yes) & Geoff Downes (Yes/Asia)
  2. Year Of The Cat - Billy Sherwood (Yes/Circa) & David Sancious (Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band)
  3. House Of The Rising Sun - David Clayton-Thomas (Blood Sweat & Tears) & Steve Hillage (Gong)
  4. In The Land Of Grey And Pink - Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal (Guns N' Roses)
  5. Summer Breeze - Roine Stolt (The Flower Kings) & Steve Morse (Dixie Dregs)
  6. Fire And Rain - Sonja Kristina (Curved Air) & Martin Barre (Jethro Tull)
  7. The Weight - Rod Argent (The Zombies) & Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (The Doobie Brothers)
  8. Wild World - Rosalie Cunningham (Ipso Facto) & Patrick Moraz (The Moody Blues)
  9. It's Too Late - Candice Night (Blackmore's Night) & Dweezil Zappa
  10. The Times They Are A-Changin' - Martin Turner (Wishbone Ash) & Jerry Goodman (The Flock)


ARTHUR BARROW

Former Zappa bass player (and clonemeister) Arthur Barrow keeps on releasing music on Bandcamp. 
The latest track is entitled 'Archie's Bathtub' and features Marcus Rezak on guitar.


CLASSIC ALBUMS - FRANK ZAPPA - FREAK OUT! - ON DUTCH NATIONAL TV

Saturday evening on the Dutch NPO 3 TV Channel:

Classic Albums: Frank Zappa - Freak Out!

https://www.gids.tv/tv-gids/uitzending/classic-albums-frank-zappa-freak-out/6946954?

-- info: Dirk Verschaeve


MAURO PAWLOWSKI

Two record stores / record companies revisit Mauro Pawlowski's 2001 "Songs From A Bad Hat" album by re-releasing two tracks on 7".

Out on Waaghals (NL) and Sugar Pie (BE) Records.

Limited editions on green and on red vinyl.

"Let Me Know / Shot Of Shame"



Monday, June 6, 2022

JIRO INAGAKI & SOUL MEDIA

 The year was 1975 and Jiro Inagaki & Soul Media released "Funky Stuff"...

-- info: Harald Häring

SHAUN HARRIS

  • shaun harris: shaun harris
        (1973, lp, usa, capitol)
Shaun Harris' 1973 eponymous album featured John Guerin and Jim Gordon, who both recorded with Frank Zappa.
And Carol Kaye, studio musician on "Freak Out".
Early seventies soft pop.


-- info: Jan van Kemenade

RAINER T. PAPPON - NINGUÉM

  • rainer t. pappon: ninguém
        (2022, download, brazil, private release)
March 2022, Rainer Tankred Pappon released "Ninguém" (Nobody).
Zappa-freaks might be familiar with some of Rainer's musical output as he visited Zappanale with The Central Scrutinizer Band (from São Paulo, Brazil) in 2010. His most recent Zappa-project was called Let's Zappalin' for which the band had invited Napoleon Murphy Brock to do a concert in São Paulo. It got released on DVD shortly thereafter.

Rainer also released several noteworthy solo albums, the latest of which is called "Ninguém".
9 tracks of original music. Instrumental, guitar-oriented rock music.
Inspired by and paying tribute to some of his musical heroes.
Be sure to check out "Deathless Melon", an amazing Zappa-inspired guitar solo.


You can listen to the entire album on YouTube, but if you want to support Rainer's music, you can order the album as a high quality download from him.
5 euros or 6 american dollars by paypal to rtpappon at gmail dot com will do the job.

U.S.U. JAZZ ORCHESTRA - EUROPA

4

  • u.s.u. jazz orchestra: europa
        (2014, cd, USA, bb records)
The Utah State University’s Jazz Orchestra (better known as the U.S.U. Jazz Orchestra) released “Europe” in 2014. The album presented three Frank Zappa pieces, in arrangements that were originally made for the Bohuslän Big Band by Niclas Rydh.
The U.S.U. Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Jon Gudmundson.
  • The Grand Wazoo
  • Son Of Orange County
  • More Trouble Every Day

Other featured composers were Stefan Schultze, Tom Waits, Rainer Temple, J.J.Johnson, Radiohead, Esbjörn Svonsson and Nguyên Le.
An impressive album and the performance / arrangements of the Zappa pieces are outstanding.

I stumbled upon the CD during an internet 'jazz orchestra' search. I hadn't heard of it before, but apparently YouTube had.

--


--

SOFT MACHINE - PARIS 1970

  • soft machine: paris 1970
        (2021, 2cd, uk, london calling)
Last year, the obscure London Calling record label released Soft Machine's 1970 Paris concert on LP and on CD.
An unofficial release, but documenting a fine historical event.

Recorded in Paris, France in 1970, at the Theatre De La Musique.
Elton Dean (saxello), Robert Wyatt (drums, vocals), Hugh Hopper (bass), Mike Ratledge (organ), Lyn Dobson (soprano sax, flute, harmonica, voice)

At the time, the concert got broadcast on ORTF, French national TV, on Maurice Dumay's "Pop 2" tv show. Both audio recordings from this broadcast as an audience recording of the show are circulating.
The 'Theatre De La Musique' is quite an interesting venue with quite a history. Nowadays, it's called La Gaîté Lyrique. It has morphed into a digital arts and modern music center.

But let's get back to the concert. I'm guessing his album used the audience recording. The music sounds great. Despite the occasional drop outs on the original tape, this is a very enjoyable concert to listen to.

In the meantime, Cuneiform released "Facelift (France & Holland)" presenting, among others, the same concert.


Sunday, June 5, 2022

REBRO - NO ONE GETS OUT OF THIS TRIP "ALIVE"

  • rebro: no one gets out of this trip "alive"
        (1997, cd, USA, fal records)
REbRO was Miami, Florida-based Feel-X’s project. Feel-X = Felix Lopez. The “No One Gets Out Of This Trip “Alive” “ album included a soundscape-piece entitled ‘Thanks To Zappa & Jello Biafra’. FZ was also thanked in the liner notes.
The CD was packed in a jewel case and had a semi-transparent chalk paper album cover with the album title printed on it, and showing the CD that was inside the case.
From 1997.


CHAIN MAIL - THE PSYCHEDELIC SUITE

  • chain mail: the psychedelic suite
        (2016, cd, canada, private release)
Chain Mail is Howie Kittelson and James Vincent Sloan, plus a lot of guest musicians.
The duo released “The Psychedelic Suite” as a limited edition private release in 2016. Five hundred numbered copies were issued.

Besides the fact that this is a brilliant album, there are also some fun facts and even a hidden gem :

‘Psych Level 1’ sampled FZ’s ‘A Few Moments With Brother A. West’.
‘Psych Level 5’ sampled Gene Simmons’ ‘Black Tongue’ (credited to Simmons / FZ) and included fragments from The Monkees’ “Head” movie.

And “The Psychedlic Suite” presented two hidden tracks, one of which is Howie’s version of FZ’s ‘Watermelon In Easter Hay’. The same piece sampled Dweezil Zappa’s recording of FZ’s ‘Peaches En Regalia’.

A fine addition to "The Others Of Invention" !

'Psych Level 5':


And here's an outtake that did not make it onto the album :



 

PHISH PERFORMED ZAPPA'S PEACHES EN REGALIA IN CONCERT AGAIN

February 24, 2022, Phish included FZ's 'Peaches En Regalia' in their setlist.

The show has been made available as a download but also on CD(R).

https://www.livephish.com/browse/music/0,1745/Phish-mp3-flac-download-2-24-2022-Moon-Palace-Resort-Riviera-Maya-MX

  • phish: 02.24.2022 Moon Palace Resort, Riviera Maya, MX
        (2022, 3cdr, USA, live phish downloads)


"MUSIC ACROSS" RADIO SHOW SPECIALS ON THE HALLUCINATION COMPANY

The "Music Across" radio show, hosted by Gernot Friedbacher, did two specials on Wickerl Adam's Hallucination Company.
The band recently celebrated its 45th birthday with a final concert.

Wickerl Adam was also the man behind Sex Without Nails, the Zappa tribute project.
 
Der Letzte Tanz der Hallucination Company – Teil 1

Der Letzte Tanz der Hallucination Company – Teil 2
https://o94.at/programm/sendung/id/2068272

Check out the below link if you want to listen to these specials:
https://o94.at/programm/sendereihen/music-across


FLAT EARTH SOCIETY - BOGGAMASTA III

The Flat Society Orchestra is a Belgian big band.
Think Tetzepi, or LeBocal, or the Ed Palermo Big Band, and add a Belgian flavour.

Last year, Flat Earth Society's "Boggamasta III" got released on vinyl on the Igloo Records label.
Fine album.

Last week, I came across a promotional CD copy of the same album.
So why Igloo didn't release the album on CD is a bit of a mystery to me. If they took the effort to print CD's as promotional items, why not make these available as a regular release?

Still, a very fine album.
Give it a listen.

https://www.igloorecords.be/album/boggamastaiii-flat-earth-society/?lang=en


THE ED PALERMO BIG BAND - I'VE GOT NEWS FOR YOU

  • the ed palermo big band: i've got news for you
        (2021, cd, usa, sky cat records)
I didn't want to order this CD through Bandcamp as Belgium has translated the new European custom regulations in the most ridiculous way. A customs handling fee of 15 euro plus 21% on value and postage is making ordering stuff from outside of Europe a ludicrous exercise.
A standard CD that one orders from outside of Europe just doubles in price.

On the other hand, I do like to be surrounded by objects that I love and like, and the latest Ed Palermo Big Band fits this definition...
A quick search did not show any shops or distributors on the European mainland that were about to import the album and that's when my pal Danny came to the rescue. He had convinced the fine people of Mandaï to import a handful of copies of the album.

So it took a little while, but I'm extremely glad to be able to give the latest Ed Palermo Big Band album an actual physical spin.
Great stuff. And although I miss Ed's famous mash-ups or subtle Zappa references, "I've Got News For You" is one superb album.
As the album's subtitle explains, "I've Got News For You" is dedicated to Edgar Winter. Most of the pieces that can be found on the CD were written by Edgar and/or Johnny Winter.
Add Robben Ford, Katie Jacoby and some fine vocalists to the amazing Ed Palermo Big Band and you know what to expect.
Recommended listening !!


Saturday, June 4, 2022

THE BKO QUINTET

Les Disques Bongo Joe have just released this beautiful album by the BKO Quintet.

BKO is a fresh and modern super-quintet from MALI which performs an electrified and danceable set of Malian music.


ED PALERMO CONCERT DATES

 June 27, 2022, at the Iridium.

The Ed Palermo Big Band

https://www.ticketweb.com/event/an-intimate-evening-with-ed-iridium-tickets/11620175



THE BREAKFAST CLUB IMPROV BAND

The Breakfast Club Improv Band updated their "Musical Saboteurs" album.

Expect the unexpected.



BRICKTOP

BrickTop was Jim Jewell’s band in the early ninetees. They were based in Orlando, Florida.
Jim has just released a set of live rehearsal recordings on Bandcamp.
It includes their versions of FZ’s ‘Zoot Allures’.

 

ZAPPA'S "ERIE" BOX TO BE RELEASED IN TWO WEEKS

The new Zappa box set will be available with and without a poster.
Food for collector's I suppose.
Too bad I couldn't find a nicer picture of the actual poster...
Anyway, release date is in about two weeks !!








DANS DANS - WOLK

Belgian trio Dans Dans has just released 'Wolk'.
Instrumental, melodic jazz.
Great song.



A MESSAGE FROM THE ARISTOCRATS - - - THE NEW ALBUM IS OUT !

Hello everyone!

It's The Aristocrats here! We're just leaving you a quick message because, as of today, our new album The Aristocrats With Primuz Chamber Orchestra is out now!

It's our first orchestral collaboration and acts as a lush and lavish musical re-imagination and sonic reinvention of compositions from throughout our catalog. All order links can be found at https://linktr.ee/AristocratsBand


Friday, June 3, 2022

GOV'T MULE - BLACK HORIZON (AUSTN SPACE MIX)

"When we decided to do a collection of remixes for Heavy Load Blues, the first person I thought of was my nephew Austn. We've been looking for projects to do together and this is right up his alley..really takes the song to another dimension!" - Warren.


MONTANA

 Another preview from the upcoming "Erie" box set !!


CHRIS OPPERMAN & KURT MORGAN RELEASE "ARE WE LIVING IN A COMPUTER SIMULATION ?"

 Chris Opperman says :

ARE WE LIVING IN A COMPUTER SIMULATION?

People of Earth! Kurt Morgan and I are proud to present to you two different editions of our new release featuring an incredible cover by Mark Buckingham, and stunning performances by Mike Keneally, Andre LaFosse, Scheila Gonzalez Santiago, Kurt Morgan, Ryan Brown, Bri Tagz, and YOU!

The first, the Standard Edition, is a standalone EP that will eventually appear on streaming services.

The second, the #ProveYourHumanity Infinitely Improbable Edition, has an indeterminate number of tracks because YOU, our dearest listeners and friends, can create and submit your own versions of the piece for inclusion on the album!* We have given you everything we think you could possibly need to do so!


Wonderful...

PRINCE - LIVE AT THE ALADDIN LAS VEGAS

  • prince: live at the aladdin las vegas
        (2003, dvd, europe, universal)
Putting a retrieved copy of Prince's "Purple Rain" movie on the shelves, I came across "Live At Aladdin Las Vegas". I couldn't resist and had to watch a couple of songs.
What a concert.
I never got to see Prince in concert live. Or Miles Davis, now that I think of it.
Anyway, "Live At The Aladdin Las Vegas" is a feast. It's a celebration.
Hard to imagine that it got released almost twenty years ago.



ALLAN HOLDSWORTH - JARASUM INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL 2014

  • allan holdsworth: jarasum international jazz festival 2014
        (2022, cd + dvd, usa, manifesto)

Recorded in South Korea during a short 2014 that took the trio (Allan Holdsworth, Gary Husband and Jimmy Haslip) from the USA to one concert  in Japan and the final date in South Korea, at the Jarasum Jazz Festival.

The album arrived earlier this week and I'm listening to it right now. (halfway through the audio CD).
Marvelous.

Also to be enjoyed on YouTube.


SNARKY PUPPY UDATE

Snarky Puppy have announced their new live-in-studio album, Empire Central, set for release this September. Consisting of 16 new songs from 12 different composers within the band, this record pays respect to Dallas, Texas, where the band formed its sound.


Wednesday, June 1, 2022

PUBLIC BOOK SIGNING BY THE RESIDENTS

 a message from Cherry Red Records

Melodic Virtue (https://www.melodicvirtue.com) and Haight Street Art Center (https://haightstreetart.org), along with partner Amoeba Music (https://www.amoeba.com), are delighted to announce an exclusive book signing for The Residents: A Sight for Sore Eyes, Vol. 1 (https://www.melodicvirtue.com/collections/the-residents) with notable San Francisco artist Homer Flynn, head of The Cryptic Corporation and creative director of Poor? NO! Graphics. Flynn will be joined by the book’s author, Aaron Tanner, creator of Butthole Surfers: What Does Regret Mean? and longtime designer for the oddball rock group Ween. This event will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Residents, San Francisco’s most provocative and innovative music group.

Fans can purchase copies of Tanner’s new book, have it signed by Flynn and Tanner, and tour an exhibition curated by Flynn of rare Residents posters from their half-century history. In keeping with the Center’s mission to honor the city’s rich history of poster art, the event will be commemorated by a new poster, designed by noted Bay Area artist Zoltron (http://zzz.zoltron.com), which will be available for sale.

“We are proud to host Homer Flynn and Aaron Tanner and celebrate the new book as well as The Residents’ half-century career of groundbreaking music, art, and mystery,” Kelly Harris, Executive Director of the Center, said. “Art, community, and music represent the best of the city and the heart of our mission, and this event honors those ideals with a celebration of these San Francisco institutions.”

June 25 at Haight Street Art Center,
215 Haight Street
(at Laguna). Signing at 6pm.