Thursday, August 31, 2023

VARIOUS ARTISTS - JAZZ FROM CATALONIA '10

  • various artists: jazz from catalonia '10
        (2010, cd, Spain, emarcy / universal)
"Jazz From Catalonia '10", where the '10 stands for 2010.
This (fine) promotional sampler included The Filthy Habits Ensemble's recording of 'Little Umbrellas', taken from the album they released on the Hall Of Fame record label at the time.

A nice find.
& a beautiful arrangement of the Zappa tune.



ARISTOCRATS TOURDATES

The second leg of The Aristocrats' DEFROST tour kicks off in October.


DEWA BUDJANA - MAHANDINI

  • dewa budjana: mahandini
        (2018, cd, usa, moonjune)
Yesterday, Indonesian guitarist and composer Dewa Budjana turned sixty.
A good enough reason to order "Mahandini", a fascinating album that features John Fruscianti as a special guest on two tracks !!.

And look at this amazing line-up
  • DEWA BUDJANA - guitars, soundscapes
  • JORDAN RUDESS - keyboards
  • MARCO MINNEMANN - drums
  • MOHINI DEY - bass guitar, konnakol
Mesmerizing, melodic, and with an Indonesian prog flavor. Beautiful.


THE PSYCHEDELIC SPACE ROCK OF SULA BASSANA

  • Sula Bassana: Nostalgia
        (2022, cd, Germany, sulatron)

German multi-instrumentalist (and Sulatron record label owner) Dave Schmidt uses the moniker Sula Bassana to record and to release his music.

His latest album, "Nostalgia", got released in 2022 and leaves quite an impression.

5 lengthy tracks that go from rock to soundscapes to psychedelic exercises and back.
No mind-altering substances are needed to take this trip, and that's how I like it.

Out on CD and on LP, but both in limited editions.

Check it out here:


BILLY COBHAM'S ZAPPANALE CONCERT

Billy Cobham's Zappanale concert was amazing.
It can be enjoyed / revisited on YouTube.


Wednesday, August 30, 2023

NEW STEVEN WILSON ALBUM

‘Economies Of Scale’ from ‘The Harmony Codex’ the new album by Steven Wilson

-- info: Harald Häring

MORE ONE SHOT DEALS

I guess I might have mentioned this before, but if you're in the neighborhood, you should not miss out on this one.

With special guest Mike Kenally.

https://www.thebakedpotato.com/events/one-shot-deal-plays-zappa-october-25-2023/


ONE SHOT DEAL IN CONCERT

One Shot Deal
Plays Zappa
at The Grape, Ventura, CA

https://thegrapeventura.com/event/one-shot-deal-plays-zappa/

With the Zappa albums turning up at nugs.net, I dow wonder if we will be getting live shows like this on nugs.net as well ?



OVER-NITE SENSATION IN THE ZAPPA NEWSLETTER

The album that has long been a favorite gateway into Zappa’s vast musical universe has been newly expanded into the collection Over-Nite Sensation: 50th Anniversary Edition. The 88-track, five-disc expanded super deluxe edition contains four CDs and blu-ray audio discs with outtakes, alternate edits, and unedited bonus vault masters, plus two previously unreleased live concert recordings from 1973 showcasing the same band that recorded the classic album: the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles and Cobo Hall in Detroit.

The Blu-ray contains the core album newly remixed in Dolby Atmos and 5.1 surround sound, plus it offers Zappa’s original 4-channel quadraphonic mix (available again for the first time since 1973), as well as the hi-res stereo 2012 remaster. The set is rounded out with a 48-page booklet and unseen photos from the album cover shoot by Sam Emerson, along with liner notes and new essays by noted audiophile journalist Mark Smotroff and Joe Travers.

In addition to the super deluxe edition box set, there are two 280-gram vinyl offerings, including a 2LP 180-gram black audiophile vinyl reissue with the album cut at 45 rpm for the first time ever from the original analog tape, plus a bonus 24” x 12” poster of the complete cover art. Also, there’s a limited-edition 3LP deluxe color vinyl version with the album cut at 45 rpm on LPs one and two, and a third LP with 35 minutes of bonus tracks culled from the box set.

Will be available digitally everywhere on November 3rd!


Monday, August 28, 2023

VARIOUS ARTISTS - THE POST PUNK SIDE OF HEAVEN HOTEL

  • various artists: the post punk side of heaven hotel
        (2023, cd, belgium, heaven hotel)
Revisiting this fascinating collection of songs.
Heaven Hotel is an independent music label that provides a home for artists like Rudy Trouvé, Mauro Pawlowski, Elko Blijweert, Kiss My Jazz, and many more.

Album artwork by Rudy Trouvé.



JEAN-SÉBASTIEN MARSAN - LE PETIT WAZOO

  • jean-sébastien marsan: le petit wazoo
        (2010, book, france, triptyque)
When I came across this book, my initial thoughts where: "Hey nice, a book about Zappa's Petite Wazoo band". And that was wrong.
I should have read the subtitle that said : a fast, effective and painless introduction to the works of Frank Zappa

But it is nice reading, and I really like the second part where Jean-Sébastien takes the chronological approach.

In French.
170 pages.
From 2010.


FRANK ZAPPA - LIVE BROADCAST COLLECTION

  • frank zappa: live broadcast collection
        (2023, 6cd, --, radio broadcast music)
Another Frank Zappa radio show album got released earlier this year. A 6 CD set.
It does come in a nice package, but the CD's are the incorrect order and, besides the year, there is no info on the concerts. And even the years that are mentioned might be wrong...


Saturday, August 26, 2023

OVER-NITE SENSATION 50th ANNIVERSARY BOX SET

Update:

There will be three different editions of the "Over-Nite Sensation 50th Anniversary" release

  • Over-Nite Sensation (50th Anniversary Super Deluxe 4CD+Blu-Ray Boxset)
  • Over-Nite Sensation (50th Anniversary Clear Splatter Coloured Deluxe 3LP)
  • Over-Nite Sensation (50th Anniversary 45 RPM 2LP)
The vinyl editions come with a poster the feature the entire album cover art.


SANDRO OLIVA UPDATE

 A message from Sandro Oliva on Facebook:

Out on September the first : a Sandro Oliva Compilation with extracts from past albums and previews from next releases (first re-release from my back catalog in October, second in November and a new Album in December).

All on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon and all the major download channels

  • September: “48 ROTOLI DI BUGIE” new compilation
  • October: “ARIA MALSANA” (1987) partially re-recorded
  • November: “LIVING WITH A MOUSTACHE” (1989) remixed with bonus tracks
  • December: “ESTATI” new Symphonic/Electronic Album (first of a trilogy of tunes conceived during the years of touring with The Grandmothers, and mostly influenced by Don rather than by Frank) 

More re-releases next year, one a month, and probably a new "Rock" album in spring (to celebrate my 70th)


THE DIRTY DOZEN BRASS BAND - TWENTY DOZEN

  • the dirty dozen brass band: twenty dozen
        (2012, cd, usa, savoy jazz)
Over ten years old, but such a fun record by The Dirty Dozen Brass Band: "Twenty Dozen".
You can check it out on YouTube :


EBBY FROM JAGATARA2020

In the early nineties, Japanese afro-funk-rock band Jagatara dissolved after the accidental death of one of their members. 

The band reformed thirty years later as Jagatara2020. Founding member and guitarist Ebby recently released his first solo album. It included ‘Yellow Napkin’, a guitar instrumental based on Frank Zappa’s ‘Black Napkins’.
The album got released on CD and through digital music platforms.
Shortly, it will get a vinyl release as well.

Here's the album teaser :

 

EIDON - EVERYWHEN

Eidon has just released a new album, collecting 15 of his recent pieces.

"Everywhen"
Bandcamp release.

Experimental contemporary music.


SOFT MACHINE UPDATE

from GlassOnyonPR

Music Legends Soft Machine Release New Album “Other Doors” and Announce Forthcoming Tour Dates



Five years after the release of their last studio album, legendary UK musical institution, Soft Machine, return with a brand new album, “Other Doors.” Boasting new material and two numbers drawn from their extensive historical repertoire, “Other Doors” finds the band in their usual fiery form.

Featuring John Etheridge (guitars), Theo Travis (saxes, flutes, Fender Rhodes piano, electronics), Fred Thelonious Baker (Fretless bass), John Marshall (drums), Other Doors also features two guest appearances from long-serving bassist Roy Babbington, who retired from the band in 2021.

“Other Doors” was recorded at Temple Music Studios, a facility owned by the late Jon Hiseman during July and August 2022. It’s a location of which the band is particularly fond, explains John Etheridge. “Working at Jon Hiseman’s studio was special, especially with Ru Lemer who is a brilliant engineer. He’s fantastically quick and that’s very good as we record mainly live in the studio. It’s come out really well and I think it sounds great.”

That ability to work quickly on takes as an ensemble has resulted in a fresh-sounding series of top-flight performances whose typically knotty and sometimes complex themes frequently give way to explosively discursive improvisations. As Theo Travis observes, “The interesting thing about recording free improvisations is you're not playing to a plan or a grid or a blueprint, so you don’t know what's coming, and you don't know what's coming until it's gone. At which moment you're thinking about the next thing.”

The album is brimming with that fast-moving creativity. It’s been a kind of tradition with the group to include new arrangements of older Soft Machine numbers from the band’s illustrious back catalogue. These have included numbers as varied as “Chloe and the Pirates,” “Kings and Queens,” “Out-Bloody-Rageous,” etc.

Along with exciting new compositions, on “Other Doors” they’ve revisited the very first album, originally released in 1968, to include Kevin Ayers’ “Joy Of A Toy.” Fred Baker, makes his studio debut with Soft Machine. A well-known figure on the Canterbury Scene not only is he the perfect choice for the group but he’s also a long-term fan of the repertoire.

The album also contains “Penny Hitch,” a track originally heard on 1973’s Soft Machine “Seven.” This features the first of two appearances of Roy Babbington who provides the bass lines underpinning Karl Jenkins’ composition while Fred plays the sinuous lead melody on his fretless bass. The pair also worked together as a duo on “Now! Is The Time,” a number originally based on a theme Babbington brought into the sessions, with Fred and Roy both adding and expanding the scope of the piece.

If the album ushers in a new member in the shape of Fred Baker, it also acts as a fond farewell to drummer John Marshall, who joined Soft Machine midway through the recording of 1972’s “Fifth.” At the age of 81 Marshall has decided to retire making “Other Doors” his final studio album with the group, and the final album of his glorious career. Indeed, Marshall is in whip-cracking form throughout the album bringing his trademark musicality and decisive presence. With “Other Doors,” he brings his distinguished career to a rousing conclusion.

Intense, celebratory, and consistently impressive. “Other Doors” is the sound of a group determined to press forwards with an integrity and sense of purpose that’s quintessentially and definitively Soft Machine.

Photo by Wolfgang Gonaus

JOHN ETHERIDGE - guitars
THEO TRAVIS - tenor & soprano sax, flutes, Fender Rhodes, electronics
FREDDY BAKER - fretless bass guitar
JOHN MARSHALL - drums
special guest
ROY BABBINGTON - bass guitar (tunes 2 and 9)

The updated tour dates are (with Asaf Sirkis permanently substituting John Marshall who has retired):

After the first world tour date in Toledo at the MoonJune Festival

Sep 29 - Toledo, Spain (Circulo de Arte)

North American Tour
Oct 04 - Sellersville, PA, USA (Sellersville Theater)
Oct 05 - Baltimore, MD, USA (Keystone Korner)
Oct 06 - New York, NY, USA (Iridium)
Oct 07 - New York, NY, USA (Iridium)
Oct 08 - Woodstock, NY, USA (Colony)
Oct 10 - Rochester, NY, USA (Lovin’ Cup)
Oct 11 - Syracuse, NY, USA (Average Joe)
Oct 12 - Albany, NY, USA (Linda WAMC)
Oct 13 - Quebec City, QC, Canada (Salle d’Youville)
Oct 14 - Quebec City, QC, Canada (Salle d’Youville)
Oct 16 - Ottawa, ON, Canada (Rainbow)
Oct 17 - Toronto, ON, Canada (Garrison)
Oct 18 - Waterloo, ON, Canada (Jazz Room)
Oct 19 - Detroit, MI, USA (Joy's Manor)
Oct 22 - Milwaukee, WI, USA (Shank Hall)
Oct 24 - Chicago, IL, USA (Reggie’s)
Oct 25 - Cincinnati, OH, USA (Ludlow Garage)
Oct 26 - Indianapolis, IN, USA (Irving Theater)

Europe:
Nov 05 - Hull, UK (Wrecking Ball)
Nov 06 - Kinross, UK (Green Hotel)
Nov 10 - Royal Tunbridge Wells, UK (Forum)
Nov 11 - Lewes, UK (Conservative Club)
Nov 14 - Milton Keynes, UK (The Stables)
Nov 17 - Luton, UK (The Bear)
Nov 19 - Exeter, UK (Phoenix Art)
Nov 23 - Katowice, Poland (Rialto Theater)
Nov 24 - Warsaw, Poland (Hybrydy Klub)
Nov 25 - Bydgoszcz, Poland (Kuźnia Klub)
Nov 26 - Poznań, Poland (Culture Ctr)
Nov 30 - Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg (Rockhal)
Dec 02 - Tilburg, Netherlands (Paradox)
Dec 03 - Zoetermeer, Netherlands (Boerderij)
Feb 07 - Guildford, UK (Boileroom)
Feb 08 - London, UK (Signature Brew)
Feb 09 - Canterbury, UK (Gulbenkian Theatre)
Feb 11 - Market Harbough, UK (Jazz Club)
Feb 18 - Farsley, UK (Old Woollen)
Feb 19 - Manchester, UK (Band On The Wall)
Feb 20 - Wolverhampton, UK (Robin 2)
Feb 21 - Brighton, UK (The Chalk)
Feb 22 - Cardiff, UK(Stepping Stones)
Feb 24 - Cheltenham, UK (DEYA Brewery)


Z (AZ/DZ) IN CONCERT AT DYNAMO 1993

Z - Dweezil and Ahmet Zappa at Dynamo 1993
With Mike Keneally, Scott Thunes and Joe Travers.


HERMAN SZOBEL - SZOBEL

Recommended on Facebook.

Hermann Szobel - Szobel (1976)

And as the YouTube comments say: "The Zappa is strong with this one".

 

Friday, August 25, 2023

THE SUN RA ARKESTRA WILL PERFORM AT JAZZ CLUB DE SINGER IN RIJKEVORSEL BELGIUM IN OCTOBER

The Sun Ra Arkestra under the direction of Marshall Allen
Thursday, October 26, 2023

in concert at De Singer, Rijkevorsel, Belgium


THE FIDO PLAYS ZAPPA UPDATE

Fido Plays Zappa featuring Robert Martin

Upcoming shows

29.09.2023 CH Basel Atlantis
30.09.2023 DE Stuttgart Theaterhaus - T3
01.10.2023 DE Übach-Palenberg Rockfabrik
02.10.2023 DE Braunschweig Roter Saal
03.10.2023 DE Berlin Maschinenhaus

https://www.onstage-group.de/blogs/bands/fidoplayszappa-feat-bobby-martin

FiDO with Robert Martin - Echidna's Arf, Live Dortmund 2023


PRINCE - DIAMONDS AND PEARLS SUPER DELUXE EDITION

And while I'm still catching my breath after getting the news that Frank Zappa's "Over-Nite Sensation" will get a 50th anniversary box set release, the news came in that Prince's "Diamonds And Pearls" will get a super deluxe edition. Well, several Super Deluxe Editions, that is.
To be released on October 25, 2023.

There's:

  • the 7 CD / Blu-Ray box set,
  • the 12 LP / blu-Ray box set,
  • the 4 LP box
  • the 2 CD set
  • the 2 LP set
  • the CD
  • the blu-ray with atmos mix

https://store.prince.com/dept/diamonds-and-pearls


Thursday, August 24, 2023

OVER-NITE SENSATION 50th ANNIVERSARY BOX SET

Read all about it here:

https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/frank-zappa-over-nite-sensation-super-deluxe/

The tracklist

CD 1 - Over-Nite Sensation - The Album

1. Camarillo Brillo
2. I’m The Slime
3. Dirty Love
4. Fifty-Fifty
5. Zomby Woof
6. Dinah-Moe Humm
7. Montana
(Bonus Session Masters)
8. Wonderful Wino (Complete Edit)*
9. Inca Roads (1973 Version, 2023 Mix)*
10. RDNZL (1973 Mix)*
11. For The Young Sophisticate (Dolby EQ Copy)
12. I’m The Slime (Single Version)
13. Montana (Single Edit with Intro)
(Bonus Vault Sensations)
14. Inca Roads (Bolic Take-Home Mix)*
15. RDNZL (Take 2)*
16. X-Forts (Echidna’s Arf (of You))*

CD 2 - Bonus Vault Sensations - Continued

1. Camarillo Brillo (Alternate Mix)*
2. Face Down (I’m The Slime - Demo)*
3. I’m The Slime (Basic Track Outtake)*
4. Dirty Love (Session Rehearsal)*
5. Dirty Love (with Quad Guitar)*
6. Fifty-Fifty – Pipe Organ Intro Improvisations*
7. Fifty-Fifty (Basic Tracks, Take 7)*
8. Dinah-Moe Humm (Session Rehearsal)*
9. Dinah-Moe Humm (Bolic Take-Home Mix)*
10. Montana (Bolic Take-Home Mix)*
(Live in Hollywood, California, Hollywood Palladium – March 23, 1973)
11. Montana*
12. Dupree’s Paradise (Intro)*
13. Dupree’s Paradise*

CD 3 - Live in Hollywood, California, Hollywood Palladium – March 23, 1973 - Continued

1. Cosmik Debris*
2. “The Dynamic Sal Marquez!”*
3. Big Swifty*
4. “…The Successor to Willie The Pimp”*
5. The Curse Of The Zomboids (I’m The Slime)*
6. Don’t You Ever Wash That Thing?*
7. FZ & The Percussion Section*
8. Palladium Jam - Part 1*
9. Palladium Jam - Part 2*

CD 4 - Live in Detroit, Michigan, Cobo Hall – May 12, 1973

1. Cobo Hall ’73 Band Intros and Sound Check*
2. Exercise #4*
3. Dog Breath*
4. The Dog Breath Variations*
5. Uncle Meat*
6. Fifty-Fifty*
7. Inca Roads*
8. FZ Introduces the Don’t Eat The Yellow Snow Medley*
9. Don’t Eat The Yellow Snow*
10. Nanook Rubs It*
11. St. Alfonzo’s Pancake Breakfast*
12. Father O’Blivion*
13. St. Alfonzo’s Pancake Breakfast (Reprise)*
14. Join The March*
15. Cosmik Debris*
16. Medley: King Kong/Chunga’s Revenge/Son Of Mr. Green Genes*

BLU-RAY AUDIO - Over-Nite Sensation - The Album
(Dolby Atmos* / Dolby TrueHD 5.1* / Dolby TrueHD 1973 Quadraphonic / 192K24B Stereo / 96K24B
Stereo)

1. Camarillo Brillo
2. I’m The Slime
3. Dirty Love
4. Fifty-Fifty
5. Zomby Woof
6. Dinah-Moe Humm
7. Montana

* Previously unreleased

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

THE Z3 - FILIBUSTER FOR FRANK

  • the z3: filibuster for frank
        (2023, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)
Wowie Zowie.
"Filibuster For Frank".
A funky soul / jazz tribute to the music of Frank Zappa.

Recommended listening !!

 

Monday, August 21, 2023

MATS ÖBERG - VISA FRÅN INNERÖRA

Earlier this year, Mats Öberg released "Visa fr​å​n Inner​ö​ra" as a digital download / streaming album on Bandcamp.
More recently, it was also made available on CD !!

Rather painful for those who bought the download and now also want to order the CD...

Anyway, a new album by Mats, so that's excellent news !!


Saturday, August 19, 2023

THE RUDY SCHWARTZ PROJECT - IS THAT A QUADRIJAWED SEA URCHIN...

  • rudy schwartz project: is that a quadrijawed sea urchin...
        (2023, cd, dc-jam records / kunaki)
There are few things that are so unpredictable as a new record by the Rudy Schwartz Project.
Except for the fact that the music will be great.

"Is That A Quadrijawid Sea Urchin Or Are You Just Glad To See Me?" arrived in my mail box a bit over a week ago.
I received it after sliding some money to Belgium customs which always feels a bit like a mafiosi thing: they kidnapped something that you want and you have to pay them to release it. They don't even know or care what it is. They'll charge you 20% for tax and a ridiculous additional amount of 17 euros as handling costs. Mafiosi, that's what they are.

Anyway, enough about Belgian customs as the new Rudy Schwartz release propelled my mood back to the positive side as soon as I started listening to it.
The album opens with '90 Gallon Drum Of Testicle Meat' (yes, no typos here), jumping right into 'The Wally And Charlie Variations', an amazing zappa-esque instrumental piece. Wow !!
Next up is 'Vladimir', a doo-wop song about the current state of our world, and the album continuous with 'Orville The Sweet Potato', a horrifying story about... a sweet potato.
And it goes on like this. 15 tracks. 15 adventurous and beautiful surprises.

I love it.


Here's 'Mr.Squirrel'



AMM ALL-STARS - LUMPY GRAVY

  • AMM All-Stars: Lumpy Gravy
        (2023, cd, United Kingdom, private release)
In 2019, Ben Watson’s AMM All-Stars performed “Lumpy Gravy” at Zappanale.
Graham Davis (Gabba Zappa Hey!) was the arranger and band leader, and further edited the recording into this release.

Astonishing. Love it.
And not only including 'Duodenum', 'Oh No', 'King Kong' and 'Take Your Clothes Off When You Dance' but also all of the other pieces / dialogues that appear on "Lumpy Gravy".

Yet another marvelous item I brought home from Zappanale.
(Thanks again, Andrew  -  https://www.zappanews.co.uk/ !!)


DJ ZAPPLER'S ZAPPANALE RETROSPECTIVE

DJ Zappler adds:
Here are some impressions of the 32nd Zappanale in July 2023 in Bad Doberan, a music festival that takes place annually in honor of Frank Zappa. The video is primarily dedicated to the visitors, the organizers and the many helpers of this unique festival.


UNDERKARL - MELTING POT

  • underkarl: melting pot
        (2011, cd, Germany, private release)
I thought I was familiar with German contemporary jazz band Underkarl's discography, and then I came across "Melting Pot".
Digipack / CDR with 6 impressive pieces.
And the label says "Preview" but I'm guessing it was more of a promo.

Anyway, fun stuff.
featuring Sebastian Gramss, Rudi Mahall, Lömsch Lehmann, Frank Wingold & Dirk Peter Kölsch. 

Check out the band's Bandcamp page and be aware that "Maraton" includes a Zappa piece !


DWEEZIL ZAPPA UPDATE



PAUL VAN DER STEEN - VAN AMY TOT ZAPPA VIA HAITINK EN SATIE

I brought home the Paul Van Der Steen picture book that I mentioned recently, "Van Amy Tot Zappa Via Haitink En Satie".


Published by Xtra (Amsterdam, NL);
I bought my copy in a comic book shop.
Including drawings / portraits of some of my favorite artists !

Here's FZ with Edgard Varèse !

Friday, August 18, 2023

HA ASURIM BEMAGA

  • HaAsurim Bemaga: האסורים במגע - העידן האפל של הצליל
        (1996, cdr, Israel, jewboy records)

Ha’Asurim Bemaga (later changing their name to Refuse To Die) was an Israeli eclectic industrial music project.

Their “The Darkest Age Of Sound” album got released on cassette and on CDR in 1996. It included their version of Frank Zappa’s ‘Who Are The Brain Police?’.
The track would later be re-released on a Refuse To Die compilation album: “Collection Of Agnostic Flies” (2008).


MICHAEL ORT - FOUR TRACK SCHOOL DAYS

  • michael ort: four track school days
        (2023, streaming / download, --, itunes)
March 2023, Michael Ort released a five track EP that included the three singles that he had released earlier this year, plus two additional tracks.

The EP is a download / streaming-only release through different digital music platforms and includes :
  • Sofa
  • San Ber’dino
  • Zoot Allures


THE RUDY SCHWARTZ PROJECT & L'EDARPS A MOTH

I couldn't resist when I saw these two old cassette tapes for sale earlier this month.
Happy that I found them.

The blue one on the left is The Rudy Schwartz Project's (zappa inspired) "Bowling For Appliances", and the yellow one on the right is Volume 12 of "Lord Litter's Tapedepartment Radioshow" with L'Edarps A Moth's version of FZ's 'Ms. Pinky'.



ERIC CLAPTON - NOTHING BUT THE BLUES

  • eric clapton: nothing but the blues
        (2022, cd, --, reprise)
Saturday morning blues with Eric Clapton.
Where Eric pays tribute to the classic blues men.
Very nice.



JOEY FABIAN - SAN BER'DINO

Also out on iTunes.


CHANAN HANSPAL & ANDY PARTRIDGE

Legendary songwriter Andy Partridge discusses his songwriting process for a number of classic XTC songs.


 

WARREN CUCCURULLO

While touring South Africa back in April 1993, Duran Duran agreed to let a radio station record their set at Momentum Arena in Pretoria. This album serves up the audio from that broadcast - a riotous, typically grandiose rush through some of their greatest hits and best-loved moments.

'Radio show' album.


Thursday, August 17, 2023

FZ SIGHTING IN MISSION IMPOSSIBLE

I know, I know, you've seen this before, but it's so much fun when you had forgotten all about this and it just pops up on the tv screen.



 

THE ED PALERMO BIG BAND

Dazed and Confused, Ed Palermo Big Band (2023 Audio Presentation)

With a King Kong flavouring.



 

Z3 ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM

A message from Z3

Hi-Ho Silver!
The Z3 is back with a NEW full-length album!

70 minutes of 🎸 & Hammond fueled jams, prescient social commentary 🎤, comedy, and plenty of the funky takes on Frank Zappa you’ve come to know and love! 

Special Bandcamp-only release next Tuesday, Aug. 22!
Keep your 👁️ peeled for singles trickling onto the other streamers and the full album arriving September 8th.

🎶Music is the best!🎶


FRANK ZAPPA SOLOS ON CELLO & BASS CLARINET

This campaign is to fund the recording of two Frank Zappa guitar solos – Pink Napkins, performed by Heather Roche on bass clarinet; and Republicans, performed by Christian Elliott on cello.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/frank-zappas-solos-on-cello-bass-clarinet

 

NEW RELEASE BY JOHN TABACCO

John Tabacco
"Consume The Position"
(FZ is mentioned in the liner notes)


NEW BANDCAMP RELEASE BY MEN & VOLTS

Men & Volts are back.
Well, not really making music, but they're releasing some of their old recordings on Bandcamp.

 

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

RHUN - TOZÏH

  • rhùn: tozïh
        (2023, cd, france, baboon fish)

French experimental Zeuhl band Rhùn has just released "Tozïh", an album that presents 3 (!!) pieces, respectively over 20, 10 and 5 minutes long.

I like it a lot when a band explores all the possibilities of a composition, both melodically and rhythm-wise.

Zeuhl? Well yes.
Rock but also jazz.
Repetitive structures that create an hypnotic atmosphere.

With parts in the Kobaïan language (in which 'Zeuhl' means 'Celestial').

"Tozïh" is Rhùn's second release. Their first album, "Ïh" is from 2013, on the Altrock label. 

The liner notes display a very serious message:
Emëht Um Rhët Sam (the devil emits and shines)
This long sequence of crescendoing themes, together with the poem sung in French, are the very illustration of the subjects addressed by this piece. For Rhùn, the devil hides in the actions of man himself, guided by financial and selfish impulses that irradiate and contaminate the weakest (by which we mean the proletariat), and banish those who have no means of defending themselves: whether human (children, the disabled, the poor, outcasts), animals or nature.

The song offers two default options.
The first, as evoked in the poem, invites those most powerless in the face of this system to live somewhere else, imaginary or not, but which will de facto lead them to indifference or even worse... "Homeless and crippled, continue to fly above the corn. To the clouds my dear children for a time, for a time, may cling." It's a fleeting happiness, but a happiness all the same...
The second option is to let the world continue on the highway it has taken, i.e. this crescendo, towards a finale where the apocalypse vies with the grand gesture, where the virulence of the rhythm is dressed up in shimmering themes. A brutal, absurd end that the man himself calls "Sam!

Thus the devil emits and shines.
This track is a statement of fact; it offers no solutions.

Wow!
Amazing.

Check it out.


Tuesday, August 15, 2023

CLAUDIO DELGIFT

You may know Claudio Delgift from his coverversion of FZ's 'Son Of Mr. Green Genes' that he released on his "Partners In Crime" album last year.

On his recent "Daybreak" album, Claudio takes on Steve Vai's 'Burnin' Down The Mountain' and Joe Satriani's 'Rubina Blue Sky Happiness', to name just two of my favorite musicians.

"Daybreak" includes a nice set of cover version and some fine original tunes as well.
Food for guitar freaks.


THE ZAPPANALE EXPO

 For a number of years, Robert, Dieter and Burkhard have been delivering interesting expos for the Zappanale festival.
Yes, there's also the musical events that they organize, but the main intent is the expo.
This year's visual highlights were Helmut King's Cigarette Box People (as shown on the below cover of the exhibition guide), and Peter Görs' paintings (a number of which depict FZ).


And below is one of Peter Görs' paintings.
If you happen to be in London (UK) at the end of October, make sure to visit the Parallax Art Fair (October 28 & 29 at Kensington Town Hall), as Peter will be presenting some of his work !

THE FURIOUS BONGOS ARE JOINED BY CHAD WACKERMAN FOR THEIR HALLOWEEN TOUR

(artwork by Skinny Gaviar)

Furous Bongos says:
Dates for our 2023 Halloween Tour are finalized and on sale as of this week! And in case you missed the news, we are very honored to have Chad Wackerman joining us on drums for this run.

  • Oct 18 West Shore Theatre, New Cumberland, PA
  • Oct 19 Roy's Hall, Blairstown, NJ
  • Oct 20 Race Street Live @Gateway City Arts, Holyoke, MA
  • Oct 21 The Linda, Albany, NY
  • Oct 22 The Westcott Theater, Syracuse, NY
  • Oct 24 Buffalo Iron Works, Buffalo, NY
  • Oct 25 Crafthouse Stage & Grill, Pittsburgh, PA
  • Oct 26 The Ludlow Garage, Cincinnati, OH
  • Oct 27 The Strand Theater, Fremont, OH
  • Oct 29 The Wildey Theatre, Edwardsville, IL
  • Oct 30 Revival Music Hall, Peoria, IL
  • Oct 31 Reggies, Chicago, IL
ticket links : https://thefuriousbongos.com/shows


HEINO & THE SEXMACHINE - LIVE

  • heino & the sexmachine: live
        (19914, cd, Switzerland, private release)
Heino & The Sexmachine's "Live" album got recorded at "Festival Rock 700" in Freibourg, on the 23rd of May, 1991.
The final track on the album is called 'Down To The Ground'. The music was written by Heino & The Sexmachine, but the lyrics are taken from FZ's 'Dumb All Over'.


SOFT MACHINE TOUR DATES

Soft Machine

TOUR DATES


Sep 29 - Toledo, Spain (Circulo de Arte)
Oct 04 - Sellersville, PA, USA (Sellersville Theater)
Oct 05 - Baltimore, MD, USA (Keystone Korner)
Oct 06 - New York, NY, USA (Iridium)
Oct 07 - New York, NY, USA (Iridium)
Oct 08 - Woodstock, NY, USA (Colony)
Oct 10 - Rochester, NY, USA (Lovin’ Cup)
Oct 11 - Syracuse, NY, USA (Average Joe)
Oct 12 - Albany, NY, USA (Linda WAMC)
Oct 13 - Quebec City, QC, Canada (Salle d’Youville)
Oct 14 - Quebec City, QC, Canada (Salle d’Youville)
Oct 16 - Ottawa, ON, Canada (Rainbow)
Oct 17 - Toronto, ON, Canada (Garrison)
Oct 18 - Waterloo, ON, Canada (Jazz Room)
Oct 19 - Detroit, MI, USA (Joy's Manor)
Oct 22 - Milwaukee, WI, USA (Shank Hall)
Oct 24 - Chicago, IL, USA (Reggie’s)
Oct 25 - Cincinnati, OH, USA (Ludlow Garage)
Oct 26 - Indianapolis, IN, USA (Irving Theater)
Nov 05 - Hull, UK (Wrecking Ball)
Nov 06 - Kinross, UK (Green Hotel)
Nov 10 - Royal Tunbridge Wells, UK (Forum)
Nov 11 - Lewes, UK (Conservative Club)
Nov 14 - Milton Keynes, UK (The Stables)
Nov 17 - Luton, UK (The Bear)
Nov 19 - Exeter, UK (Phoenix Art)
Nov 23 - Katowice, Poland (Rialto Theater)
Nov 24 - Warsaw, Poland (Hybrydy Klub)
Nov 25 - Bydgoszcz, Poland (Kuźnia Klub)
Nov 26 - Poznań, Poland (Culture Ctr)
Nov 30 - Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg (Rockhal)
Dec 02 - Tilburg, Netherlands (Paradox)
Dec 03 - Zoetermeer, Netherlands (Boerderij)
Feb 07 - Guildford, UK (Boileroom)
Feb 08 - London, UK (Signature Brew)
Feb 09 - Canterbury, UK (Gulbenkian Theatre)
Feb 11 - Market Harbough, UK (Jazz Club)
Feb 18 - Farsley, UK (Old Woollen)
Feb 19 - Manchester, UK (Band On The Wall)
Feb 20 - Wolverhampton, UK (Robin 2)
Feb 21 - Brighton, UK (The Chalk)
Feb 22 - Cardiff, UK(Stepping Stones)
Feb 24 - Cheltenham, UK (DEYA Brewery)


ELLY DE WAARD - HET JASJE VAN DAVID BOWIE


  • elly de waard: het jasje van david bowie
        (2015, book, the netherlands, de harmonie)
400+ pages,
coffee table book,
interviews and articles plus some fine pictures.
In Dutch.
The book includes a couple of interviews with Frank Zappa plus over 20 references to FZ and The Mothers Of Invention throughout the book.

from the publisher's website:
How did David Bowie's special jacket, which he wore during his performance in Amsterdam in 1974, come into the possession of Elly de Waard?

Elly de Waard worked for twenty years as a pop journalist for Vrij Nederland and de Volkskrant. Without hesitation and restraint, she interviewed an inexhaustible number of international pop musicians, including David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Roxy Music, Frank Zappa and The Velvet Underground.
"Het Jasje Van David Bowie" gives a broad overview of what pop music had to offer in the seventies and eighties and how these musicians developed into the superstars we know them today. All their concerts, new albums and their ideas about music and politics are reviewed, everything around it, such as Woodstock, groupies, films, rock operas and therefore also the story about David Bowie's jacket.


ZAPPA BOOTLEGS...

The world of illegal, unauthorized and money-making releases (= bootlegs) has changed quite a bit the last couple of years.

We've seen radio show albums, which are not really bootlegs as they aren't illegal. They're 'just' unauthorized and released to make money.

There are the extremely limited vinyl albums as companies are offering to press vinyl albums in the range of 10, 25 or 50 copies of any recording you send them.

And the CD side is even worse.
There are the factory pressed CDR's that also come with factory pressed artwork.
But I've also seen homemade CDR's, with a printed label on the CDR (paper, plastic, or directly printed on the CDR) that are being offered for a ridiculous amount of money.
Often, it is very difficult to make the distinction, especially when one sees it for sale on the internet.

I bought bootlegs in the early days, when it was the only way to get to listen to some special stuff.
And then, of course, you start to collect them a bit as well.
But I'm very glad that Zappateers came along, sharing the recordings for free.
It liberated me from the urge to buy bootlegs (though exceptionally I still sin).

New, to me, is the Mexican "Eye Of The Storm" CDR record label. The recently released some Zappa titles. Mini LP sleeves with obi.
I guess it's a never-ending story.


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ZNOUZECTNOST - FOLCORE


  • Znouzectnost: Folcore
        (1994, cd, Czech Republic, globus international)
From 1994 !!
Zappa-inspired Czech punk (although not musically).

Czech punk band Znouzectnost (also known as “ZNC” – short for “Z Nouze Ctnost” (“the virtue of necessity”)) included a couple of Frank Zappa quotes in the liner notes of their “Folcore” album.
CD re-issues on the Sisyfos Records label (in 2005 and 2011) would still carry the quotes.

The band is still around (and has cultivated a more pop sound).


TASVALLAN PRESIDENTTI - LAMBERTLAND

  • tasvallan presidentti: lambertland
        (1972, lp, finland, love records)
Short-lived Finnish prog rock band Tasvallan Presidentti released 5 albums between 1969 and 1974.
Tasvallan Presidentti featured Jukka Tolonen on guitar (who later became a drug addict, was sent to jail for stabbing his girlfriend, and quit playing the guitar) and Pekka Pohjola on bass.
The band did reunited in 2005/2006 and even recorded & released FZ's 'King Kong' on DVD.

From "The Nordic Stories" book:
«In the middle of the 70´s, Zappa played in the House of Culture in Helsinki and afterwards he listened to the concert recording in a studio situated under the hall. Jukka Tolonen was there together with his friend and bass player Pekka Pohjola, who already was in contact with Zappa for a future collaboration that never came about. Later that night there was a jam session at a club. Jukka got to play with Roy Estrada and Terry Bozzio. Estrada followed us to our home, Tolonen remembers.»

"Lambertland" got released in 1972.
& Re-issued on CD a couple of years ago on the Svart label.

I was familiar with the DVD (from the 2005/2006 reunion), but this 'older stuff' sounds really good.
REALLY good.
Recommended listening !


THE FRANK ZAPPA CD-BOOTLEG COMPENDIUM

Burkhard Schempp and Robert Gsteu list every known Frank Zappa bootleg in their "The Frank Zappa CD-Bootleg Compendium".
For practical reasons, the content had to be divided into three books.
All the bootlegs, all the tracks, covers, back-covers, labels,...  You name it, it's all in there.
Book 3 even prints the liner notes to some of the albums and boxes, plus a bootleg label index, and even a show index.

I've been browsing through these a lot the last couple of days. Impressive and very nicely designed.
The books even had me dig up some these boots...

This luxurious edition was limited to 50 copies.
A more standard version is in preparation and it should fit in one book. It should be available later this year.

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For additional info, check out:
http://www.vivavincent.de/  (Burkhard's website which is being redesigned)
or
https://www.afka.net/Books/The_Frank_Zappa_CD-Bootleg_Compendium.htm (on Avo's amazing site)


Monday, August 14, 2023

GLAUCO VENIER'S QUARTETTO NUOVO WILL BE DOING A FRANK ZAPPA TRIBUTE CONCERT

Glauco Vernier released a Zappa tribute album in 2010, called "Suona Frank Zappa".
In about two weeks, on the 1st of September, Glauco will be doing a Zappa tribute concert with his Quartetto Nuovo.

Glauco Venier's Quartetto Nuovo
"Tributo a Frank Zappa"
Teatro Comunale, Polcenigo (PN)
ITALY

September 1, 2023
21h00

https://www.vivaticket.com/it/ticket/glauco-venier-quartetto-nuovo-tributo-a-frank-zappa/214459

-- info from facebook


SHARP ELEVEN MUSIC & PAUL DESMOND

The Sharp Eleven Electric Band goes bossa.


Sunday, August 13, 2023

ADRIAN ZARATE - OUTSIDE NOW

  • Adrian Zarate - drums, vocals, keyboards
  • Lari Ruiz - guitar
  • Hugo Vera - bass

'Outside Now'

Adrian Zarate released "De la A a la Z", his first (and only?) solo album, in 2009.

More recent music can be found on Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/adrianzarate


Saturday, August 12, 2023

THE ARF DOSSIER VOL.116

  • the arf-dossier no.116  -  2023/06
        (2023, fanzine, Germany, arf society)
incl the following recurring topics :
  • leserpost
  • the hot platters heaven from the arf office
  • the greenaway essays: drafted
  • the fine but unauthorized cd kaleidoscope
  • the rare pictures gallery
  • the vinyl bootleg releases
  • news from belgium - live from United Mutations
  • back in time
  • ullis ecke
  • info behind the photo(s)


EPISCH PORZIONI - DELIZIE FREAK

  • episch porzioni: delizie freak
        (2013, book, Italy, arcana)
It's my guess that Episch Porzioni likes a challenge.
About ten years ago, Episch took upon him the impossible task to pick and discuss 26 Frank Zappa compositions: 'Who Are The Brain Police?', 'Brown Shoes Don't Make It', 'Mr. Green Genes', 'Willie The Pimp', but also the less predictable 'Canard Du Jour' and 'A Different Octave' !

180 pages.
In Italian.


Friday, August 11, 2023

STEVE VAI - FLEX-ABLE PICTURE DISC

  • steve vai: flex-able
        (2022, lp picture disc, usa, light without heat)
"Flex-Able" got released in 1984.
It got re-released quite a number of times but the 2022 re-release got remastered by Bernie Grundman.
To be correct, the album got remastered in 2020 and released in 2022.
On CD, on colored vinyl and as a picture disc LP.

Hardly visible on the above picture and even on the actual picture disc, but at the bottom, it also reads "36th anniversary edition".

One of my favorite albums so I did not need to convince myself that I needed this picture disc to cherish and to have nearby...

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DOMENICO SOLAZZO'S PANOPTICON - LIVE AT NEGOCITO

Made available on CDR as a private release quite a number of years ago, this excellent recording of Domenico Solazzo's Panopticon project has now been made available on the Off Records label.

"Live At Negocito"
Live improvisations, recorded at EL NEGOCITO, in Gent, Belgium, on April 12, 2011

Featuring some of my favorite Belgian musicians !

  • Olivier Catala (bass)
  • Pieter Claus (vibraphone)
  • Michel Delville (electric guitar, effects)
  • Bart Maris (trumpet, effects)
  • Domenico Solazzo (drums, percussions, direction)


SOFT MACHINE - THE DUTCH LESSON

  • soft machine: the dutch lesson
        (2023, 2cd, usa, cuneiform)
In 1966, Soft Machine started with Mike Ratledge (keys), Roberg Wyatt (drums & vocals), Kevin Ayers (guitar/bass) and Daevid Allen (guitar/bass).
Earlier this year, Soft Machine did a short tour with members John Etheridge (guitar), Theo Travis (sax), Fred Thelonious Baker (bass) and Asaf Sirkis (drums)

All this to say that the band has seen many incarnations (and even name changes).

"The Dutch Lesson" takes us back to 1973, to a concert in The Netherlands with Roy Babbington (bass), Karl Jenkins (sax), John Marshall (drums), and Mike Ratledge (organ).

An excellent album.

From the liner notes:
By 1973 Soft Machine already had a long history of playing in Rotterdam, appearing at major festivals such as Hippy Hippy Fair (1967), Kralingen (1970) and AHOY (1971, Phil Howard’s debut), and no less than four times at the city’s most prestigious venue, De Doelen, most recently (in September 1972) on a double bill with Robert Wyatt’s Matching Mole. This time, however, they were booked in a smaller venue, which they filled to capacity at around 400. Part of an arts complex originally known as Ons Huis, De Lantaren had recently been renovated into a theatre and music venue.

In attendance that October night was Bert Boogaard, a record store owner at the time, sitting in the front row with a Uher portable tape machine, and we have him to thank for this excellent ambient recording of the performance, only marred by occasional saturation in the drums. But Boogaard can be excused for not anticipating how powerful and loud John Marshall’s playing would be. This recording contains some of his most unashamedly “rock” drumming, likely egged on by Roy Babbington’s frequent use of a fuzz pedal on his bass, a long-time Soft Machine signature.

The band as a whole is a real powerhouse, nowhere better exemplified than on the encore, an infectiously funky fuzz organ-led jam based on the “Gesolreut” riff. Generally the tempos are much faster than usual, making the originals feel leisurely in comparison (“37½” is a case in point), and even when they aren’t, as with “The Soft Weed Factor,” an unexpected switch to double time makes up for it.

Released on the Cuneiform record label.


Thursday, August 10, 2023

TU-NER ON TOUR

Tu-Ner on Tour!
 
TREY GUNN - Warr guitar
PAT MASTELOTTO - drums, electronics
MARKUS REUTER - touch guitar

August 14 - Piermont, NY (The Turning Point)
August 15 - Allentown, PA (Rodale Room, Allentown Symphony Hall)
August 17 - Hudson Falls, NY (Strand Theater)
August 19 - Rochester, NY (Loving Cup)
August 20 - Buffalo, NY (Mohawk Place)
August 22 - Cleveland, OH (Beachland Ballroom)
August 23 - Detroit, MI (Joy Manor Westland)
August 24 - Milwaukee, WI (Shank Hall)
August 25 - Indianapolis, IN (Irving Theater)
August 26 - Chicago, IL (Reggies Rock Club)
August 27 - Benton Harbor, MI (The Livery)
August 29 - Columbus, OH (Woodlands Tavern)
August 30 - Cincinnati, OH (The Ludlow Garage)
August 31 - Asheville, NC (The Grey Eagle)
September 1 - Charlotte, NC (The Milestone)
September 2 - Chapel Hill, NC (Storybook Farm)

November 29 - Brno, Czech Republic (The Crimson Marathon at SONO Music Club)
November 30 - Prague, Czech Republic (The Crimson Marathon at Archa Theatre)


A MESSAGE FROM MORGAN ÅGREN

A message from MORGAN ÅGREN

Hey all, just want to mention that Mike Johnson (of Thinking Plague) is working on a solo album. Many people are involved, I play on a bunch of tracks, my buddy Simon Steensland is involved a lot too. It will be a great album! Mike Johnson is a great and pure composer/musician! He have a crowdfunding thing up right now, so if you want to support him - click on the link! (28 days left) 

crowdfundr.com/52DLS2?

 

ENSEMBLE AMBROSIUS - THE ZAPPA ALBUM

  • Ensemble Ambrosius: The Zappa Album
        (2023, lp, Germany, cinquante fleurs / vinyle audiophile)
Originally released in 2000 on CD, the Ensemble Ambrosius’ “The Zappa Album” is an essential album for any Zappa fan.
A couple of months ago, the album got an exclusive re-release on vinyl for record shop JPC’s Cinquantes Fleurs / Vinyle Audiophile series.
The ensemble featured Olli Virtaperko (cello), Ere Lievonen (harpsichord), Jani Sunnarborg (bassoon), Tuukka Terho (lute), Jasu Moisio (oboe, glockenspiel), Jonte Knif (organ), Matti Vanhamþki (violin), Topi Lehtipuu (vocals), Tuomo Suni (violin).
All the pieces were arranged by Ere Lievonen or Olli Virtaperko.
This re-release has liner notes by Ali N. Askin.

Essential !!
  • Night School
  • Sofa
  • Black Page #2
  • Uncle Meat
  • Igor’s Boogie
  • Zoot Allures
  • Big Swifty
  • T’Mershi Duween
  • Alien Orifice
  • The Idiot Bastard Son
  • RDNZL
  • The Orange County Lumber Truck
  • Echidna’s Arf (Of You)
  • Inca Roads
  • G-Spot Tornado
I remember meeting the ensemble in Bad Doberan when my grumpy old buddy Luuk and I went to this Chinese restaurant in the center of Bad Doberan.
I thought I recognized the band (I had seen them in concert in Brugge) and the Finnish language gave it away, so Luuk and I joined them in conversation. In English.
I don't remember what we had for dinner or what we talked about. I only remember that it was fun.
Nice memories.



FRANK ZAPPA - THE NORDIC STORIES

  • erland bekkelund: frank zappa - the nordic stories
        (2023, book, sweden, absolutt forlag)
The beautiful picture book, "Frank Zappa - The Nordic Stories" has been updated and re-released.
In fact, the book has itself become a story as this already is the fifth edition.
Initially published in 2020, regular updated and redesigned versions have been released on a regular basis.
This 5th edition is limited to 100 numbered copies.

That being said, the book looks amazing. Great pictures and fascinating stories to go along with it.






 

UNDERKARL - MARATON


  • Underkarl: Maraton
        (2001, cd, Germany, private release)
Sebastian Gramss’ Underkarl project released its first album in 1996.
In 2001, they released “Maraton’, a limited private release that had been recorded for NPS radio at the Jazzmarathon in Groningen, NL, in 2000, in collaboration with Co de Kloet.

I received a copy from a friend a number of years ago. A copy that he had bought during an Underkarl concert. The album had seen better times. The CD played fine, but the cover looked like it had been fighting with a cup of coffee. And lost.

Anyway, several copies of this fine album recently turned up, so I was happy to buy an upgrade !!

"Maraton" presented different medleys.
One of these included FZ’s ‘Eat That Question’.

The band featured Sebastian Gramss (double bass), Dirk-Peter Kölsch (drums), Frank Wingold (guitar), Lömsch Lehmann (reeds) and Nils Wogram (trombone).

The medley : 'Dancing Queen / Caravan / Eat That Question'

Here's a taste of Underkarl :



ALESSANDRA IZZO - FRANK & IL RESTO DEL MUNDO

  • alessandra izzo: frank & il resto del mondo
        (2013, book, Italy, armando curcio editore)
I recently came across this book by Alessandra Izzo, "Frank & Il Resto Del Mondo", "Frank & The Rest Of The World".
I liked the title, and as it usually goes, I brought it home.
Released about ten years ago. About 100 pages.

Music journalist Alessandra Izzo did interviews with various people that knew, have encountered or worked with Frank Zappa.
A very nice list of people. Too bad I'm only grasping parts of this...

Candy Zappa, Bunk Gardner, Essra Mohawk, Fabio Treves, Ferdinando Boero, Claudio Trotta, Massimo Bassoli, Ed Mann, Pamela Des Barres, Rutger Hauer, and Ike Willis.