MR. MUTHAFUCKIN' EXQUIRE - KISMET

Originally released as a download / streaming album on Bandcamp in 2013, “Kismet” got released on CD (in a limited edition of 100 copies) and on cassette (in a limited edition of 50 copies) earlier this year.
Private release on the You Don’t Deserve This Beautiful Art label.

'Orbz AKA Some Wise Quote Drake Never Said' sampled a Frank Zappa interview !!

VARIOUS ARTISTS - THE DUTCH JAZZ CONNECTION III

• Various Artists: The Dutch Jazz Connection III
      (1998, 2cd, The Netherlands, stichting nij) 

Volume III of “The Dutch Jazz Connection” presented 5 pieces by Corrie Van Binsbergen's Corrie En De Grote Brokken band, including part I and II of her ‘Zoot / Suit’ Frank Zappa tribute. 

Originally released on Corrie En De Grote Brokken’s eponymous 1997 album.

Here's a more recent live performance of Zoot Suit / Part 1

DARKO THE SUPER - HOLD ME CLOSER

A little while ago, I mentioned that Darko The Super mentioned Frank Zappa in the lyrics of ‘What Happened To Peace? (Peace!)’, a track that can be found on his recent "Hold Me Closer" album.

The lyrics consist of Darko sending peace to about 50 people, including Frank Zappa.

…
Peace to Beck, Daniel Johnston, and Sparks
Peace to Frank Zappa and Outcast
Peace to Beastie Boys plus the Fight Club Soundtrack
Peace to Dean Friedman and 10cc
…

Fun fact: 
The CD comes in a fold-out cardboard cover. The complete lyrics of ‘What Happened To Peace? (Peace!)' are printed on the inside of the album.

TOHPATI ETHNOMISSION - "MATA HATI"

• Tohpati Ethnomission: "Mata Hati"
      (2015, cd, USA, moonjune records)

Indonesian guitar player Tohpati has released over ten albums. At least. And most of these are on the Indonesian Demajors record label.

Fortunately, some of his albums have gotten a worldwide release by the Moonjune Records label.

These include his "Tribal Dance" collaboration with Jimmy Haslip and Chad Wackerman, as well as his two Ethnomission releases.
Tohpati's first Ethnomission album was called "Save The Planet". It got released in 2010.
"Mata Hati" was the second one, released almost ten years ago.

Both Ethnomissions albums are highly recommended listening..
Eastern rhythms and melodies, performed with electric instruments, resulting in excellent modern jazz / fusion.

MARK WINGFIELD - THE GATHERING

• Mark Wingfield: The Gathering
      (2024, cd, --, moonjune records mjr131)

I first heard "The Gathering" in March, in some sort of pre-listening session. I was quite impressed and commented :

"The Gathering" sounds like the musicians are meandering between composition and improvisation, with Mark Wingfield, in his typical style and sound, leading the way.

In the meantime, I received the CD and I play it on a regular basis.
Beautiful. Just beautiful.

Gary Husband - Asaf Sirkis - Tony Levin - Percy Jones - Mark Wingfield

GATAS PARLAMENT FEAT. SUPA SAYED - COUNTER STRIKE EP

• Gatas Parlament Og Supa Sayed: Counter Strike EP
      (2008, cd ep, Norway, mbn / tee productions)

Oslo, Norway-based band Gatas Parlament released ‘Tut Og Kjør’ on their “Counter Strike EP” mini album in 2008.
The track featured Supa Sayed on vocals and sampled Frank Zappa’s ‘Willie The Pimp’ all through the song.

Another fine addition to The Others Of Invention...

THE RESIDENTS - SHADOWLAND - LIVE IN FRIBOURG, SWITZERLAND

• The Residents: Shadowland- Live In Fribourg 1-30-2016
      (2024, 2cd, USA, secret records sr43) – ltd edition of 250 numbered copies

Secret Records released this excellent live album earlier this year.
The Residents, Live In Fribourg, Switzerland, in 2016.
It's made available as a 2 LP set (in different vinyl color variations), as a 2 CD set, and as a digital download.

I received the 2 CD set a little while ago. Hand-numbered.
It looks and sounds great.

TREACHEROUS CRETINS' LIVERPOOL GIG

I watched the final part of this excellent show yesterday evening.
Recorded in April earlier this year.
I must watch it again. The complete show, that is, and on my TV screen this time.

Lovely.
Amazing sound.

Treacherous Cretins featuring Robert Martin: Live At The Cavern Club, Liverpool

KING GIZZARD AND THE LIZARD WIZARD - LIVE IN SAN FRANCISCO '16

• King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard: Live In San Francisco ‘16
      (2020, 2lp, --, flightless) – 2020-11-20

"Live In San Francisco '16" was KG&TLW's 5th live album release in one year...
They sure know how to keep their fans occupied.

Again, a fine recording of an excellent show.
And perfect to kick off the day.

DWEEZIL ZAPPA - - - THE MAKING OF A MUSIC TOUR

 

YOUR OLD DROOG

Your Old Droog had already used a Frank Zappa sample (from “Civilization Phaze III”) on his 2017 “Packs” album.

On the 2019 “Transportation” album, on the track ‘The Cheese’? someone yells ‘Suzy? Suzy Creamcheese? Sue?’.
Another track sampled Wild Man Fischer’s ‘Merry-Go-Round’.

“Transporation” got released on Bandcamp, on CD and on vinyl (2LP).
I only recently acquired the vinyl copy.

And talking about Your Old Droog, I  only recently found out that YOD collaborated with MF Doom, toying with / sampling Captain Beefheart's 'Dropout Boogie'.
Also to be found on the "Time" album.
The 7" got released in 2021 and was made available in black, blue and yellow vinyl.
Quite happy with the black copy that I found.

SEAN NOONAN - DRUMAVOX

• Sean Noonan: Drumavox
      (2021, cd, USA, private release / noonanmusic)

More amazing music from Sean Noonan !!

Soprano Alice Madeddu, alto Eva Pagella, tenor Matteo Siddi, and bass singer Manuel Cossu took part in the performance of Sean Noonan’s “Zappanation” concert in Sardinia in September 2016, a rock opera performed by a 13-piece ensemble, and inspired by the music of Frank Zappa and Edgard Varèse.

For the “Drumavox” album, Sean culled pieces from throughout his diverse catalogue, to that could be adapted to the unusual format of drums and vocal quartet.
The release included ‘Pussy Cat’s Gone Wild’, from the “Zappanation” rock opera.

This is wild.
Love it.

Out on CD, but also available on Bandcamp.

ZAPPAROSSA, A FESTIVAL IN GERMANY SCHEDULED FOR NEXT SEPTEMBER

September 12 to 14, 2025.
Zapparossa festival in Gelnhausen, Germany
3 days of music and more.

https://zapparossa.de/

TREACHEROUS CRETINS FEAT. ROBERT MARTIN - - - VIRTUAL GIG

Recorded at The Cavern in Liverpool in April, this concert will be broadcast tonight, to celebrate FZ's birthday.

8 pm UK time, 21h00 CET.

That's right folks don't touch that dial... tune in to our YouTube channel next Saturday...

Here's a little video from the London concert.
I didn't record it, but I was happy to be there.
Great memories. 

SEAN NOONAN & LIGETI QUARTET - KNOTT TONES

• Sean Noonan & Ligeti Quartet: Knott Tones
      (2021, cd, USA, private release)

More exciting music from Sean Noonan.
Inspired by Conlon Nancarrow's music for player piano.

Knott Tones, features the U.K.-based Ligeti Quartet. An acclaimed string ensemble devoted to modern composers and innovative programming, the quartet features violinists Mandhira De Saram and Patrick Dawkins, violist Richard Jones, and cellist Valeria Welbanks (with guest violinist Alicja Pilarczyk stepping in for De Saram on Knott Tones).

Knott Tones, meanwhile, is an outgrowth of “Don Knotts,” a Noonan composition originally recorded on Drumavox. A self-described “member of the Three’s Company generation,” Noonan composed the piece based on a 12-tone row and dedicated to the late comedian – an unlikely inspiration for such intricate music, but perhaps Noonan recognized the stellar grace and timing essential to any successful physical comedian. The five pieces on the album employ polytemporal rhythmic ideas from composer Conlon Nancarrow’s “Studies for Player Piano,” a key source of inspiration for Noonan. “Nancarrow is one of one of my favorite American composers,” Noonan says. “I spent a lot of time studying his output of music for player piano.”
The unconventional instrumentation on Knott Tones – drumkit and string quartet – allowed Noonan to reimagine the narrative and melodic potential of his rhythmic ideas. “I treat the quartet like it's an extension of the drum kit,” he explains. “My two legs and two arms are almost like the cello, viola and two violins. So I tried to visualize ways that the quartet’s playing could come out of what I would be naturally playing on the drum set. Sometimes that means transcribing my rhythmic language, though often it’s more abstract than that.”

THE KNACK - SOFTLY, SOFTLY

Happy Birthday Frank Zappa !
Celebrating with one of his more obscure contributions / guest appearances:

Also to be found on the 2012 "Time Waits For No One" compilation CD.

OSSI DURI IN CONCERT TODAY (DEC 21, 2024)

Celebrating Frank Zappa's birthday, Ossi Duri will be doing a concert tonight at the Birra Ceca Pub82 (Via Alpignano 82) in Rivoli, located in the north-western part of Italy.

 

SEAN NOONAN - MAN NO LONGER ME

• Sean Noonan: Man No Longer Me
      (2017, cd, Germany, haldern pop recordings)

September 2016, Sean Noonan premiered “Zappanation” at the Ai Confini tra Sardegna e Jazz Festival in Sardinia. It was a rock opera performed by a 13-piece ensemble, and inspired by the music of Frank Zappa and Edgard Varèse.

Tracks 3,6,7 and 8 on “Man No Longer Me” are from the “Zappanation” rock opera and also feature a stylistically diverse lineup of musicians, including the London based Ligeti String Quartet.
The complete ”Zappanation” rock opera got a CD release in 2022.

o Pussy Cat’s Gone Wild
o Cupid’s Packing Heat
o I Am Your Pineapple
o Eat My Makeup

DAVE WECKL BAND - THE CHICKEN

DWEEZIL ZAPPA - PRE-TOUR PANIC

 

CLASSIC ROCK MAGAZINE - JULY 2015

I recently came across this copy of the July 2015 edition of Italian Classic Rock magazine.
It had Frank Zappa on the cover and a 16-page article inside.

THE SUN RA ARKESTRA - LIGHTS ON A SATELLITE

• The Sun Ra Arkestra Under The Direction Of Marshall Allen: Lights On A Satellite
      (2024, cd, Germany, in+out records)

Recently released on the In+Out record label, and not to be confused with the "Lights On A Satellite - Live At The Left Bank" as the latter one is a recording of Sun Ra and his Arkestra in concert in 1978 !!

The In+Out release is not by Sun Ra & his Arkestra, but by The Arkestra Under The Direction Of Marshall Allen, recorded in June earlier this year.
In short: a Sun Ra fan will need both.

Read more here:
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/dec/14/sun-ra-arkestra-lights-on-a-satellite-review-marshall-allen

And take a look at this amazing video.

Available as LP & CD https://inandout-records.com

ZAPPA

• Frank Zappa: Zappa
      (2024, blu-ray + dvd + 2cd, Germany, trouper / plaion 1064572)

This brand-new German release of the Zappa documentary is presented in two plastic cases, housed in one slipcase.

The blu-ray and the DVD present the documentary, and the 2 CD's present Frank Zappa's music that was used in the documentary.

Very nice.

CROSBY, STILLS, NASH & YOUNG - DÉJÀ VU

• Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young: Déjà Vu (50th Anniversary Edition)
      (2021, lp + 4cd box set, USA & Europe, atlantic / rhino)

A bit of nostalgia for the old folks.
Enjoying CSN&Y's "Déjà Vu" in the 50th Anniversary Edition.

THE THIRD MIND - THE THIRD MIND 2

• The Third Mind: The Third Mind/2
      (2023, download, --, bandcamp)

Bandcamp adds:

The Third Mind 2, this supergroup's second album, reflects the band members varied musical histories with a “no safety parachute” recording approach using free-form studio techniques, no rehearsals, no preconceived arrangements, and recording spontaneous group improvisations live in studio.

The six-song set, which runs the length of three LP sides, showcases songs written in the 1960s including, "Groovin' Is Easy," "Why Not Your Baby,” "Sally Go 'Round the Roses," among others, and an original composition, “Tall Grass,” written by Jesse Sykes and Dave Alvin for the album. The fourth LP side features The Third Mind Mandala etching by Tony Fitzpatrick. The album cover features artwork from Lou Beach.

Nice. Very nice.

GORORTENPLAT PLAYS THE MUSIC OF FRANK ZAPPA

GOZORTENPLAT ft. RAY WHITE

Live At Reggie's Dec 13, 2024

part 1

part 2

VARIOUS ARTISTS - TOP JAZZ 2004

• Various Artists: Top Jazz 2004
      (2005, cd, Italy, music jazz mjcd 1163)

My search for bands and artists that have recorded the music of Frank Zappa is an ever-ongoing quest. And that's also part of the fun.

The Music Jazz record label’s “Top Jazz 2004” sampler included Stefano Bollani’s rendition of FZ’s ‘Lets Move To Cleveland’, taken from his 2003 “Småt Småt” album.

An excellent sampler, by the way.

One of the other featured artists was the Enrico Rava Quintet with 'Sand'.

Here's a live version of that tune.

BRAIN POLICE - SAN DIEGO'S ONLY PSYCHEDELIC COPS

• Brain Police: San Diego’s Only Psychedelic Cops
      (2000, cd, Germany, shadoks music)

Founded in 1967/1968 in San Diego, The Brain Police took its name from FZ’s ‘Who Are The Brain Police?’.
The band played many concerts in the San Diego area around that time.
In 1968, they did some recordings at the Fanfare studio that turned into an eponymous album of which only a handful of test pressing copies survived.
Shortly thereafter, the band disbanded.

Eventually, in 1997, The 1968 recordings were released on LP.
Other re-issues followed.
Noteworthy is the 2000 CD re-release on the Shadoks Music label. The album got retitled to "San Diego’s Only Psychedelic Cops" and offered several bonus tracks, including a piece called 'Oh No', an original composition.

-- info: Jan van Kemenade

THE THIRD MIND - THE THIRD MIND

• The Third Mind: The Third Mind
      (2020, download, --, bandcamp)

The Third Man's eponymous 2020 album is out on 2 LP and on CD, but also available through Bandcamp.

Great stuff, and tremendously relaxing, somehow.

Dave Alvin, Victor Krummenacher, Michael Jerome and David Immerglück form the core of this group of seasoned musicians, who have joined forces to take a trip back to the psychedelic folk/rock sound of the late 1960s and early 1970s. They put their own spin on songs made famous by Alice Coltrane, 13th Floor Elevators, Tim Buckley and others, plus an original song, "Claudia Cardinale." Turn on, Tune in, rock out!

Love the guest vocalists as well.
A fine discovery.

CELEBRATING THE NEW YEAR WITH PHISH

https://webcast.livephish.com/

LivePhish is webcasting all four nights of Phish’s New Year’s Run live from Madison Square Garden and you can grab your passes now.
We’re offering streams in 4K or HD and you can add an official New Year’s Run event tee on to any order.

THE RESIDENTS - A SIGHT FOR SORE EYES VOL. 2

Released in 2023 by Melodic Virtue, this second volume of A Sight For Sore Eyes displays The Residents' history in beautiful artwork.
Volume 1 was astonishing,  and so is Volume 2.

I was quite happy when Melodic Virtue lowered the price on this colossal book.
Not being distributed in Europe, it would come with high shipping costs and ditto import taxes.

That being said, it still did come with high shipping costs and the import tax and the ridiculous customs handling fee, but the lowered price made it affordable. Sort of.
But what a great book it is.
Hardcover, almost 400 pages, and it includes a bonus 7" ('That'll Be The Day (Baby Baby)'.

https://www.melodicvirtue.com/products/the-residents-a-sight-for-sore-eyes-vol-2

FRANK ZAPPA - GREATEST HITS BROADCAST COLLECTION

• Frank Zappa: Greatest Hits Broadcast Collection (Live  1967 - 1984)
      (2024, 2cd, --, live icons lvic2cd4008)

Another radio show release.
This time it's the Live Icons record label that presents a selection of live tracks, taken from various broadcasts.

Despite the confusing title(s): "Greatest Hits Broadcast Collection" on the album cover, and "Live 1967 - 1984" on the spine, this actually is a fine collection of tracks.
Nothing new, as recordings of all of the shows can be found on lots of radio show and bootleg albums, but still, a fine collection of tracks.

Check out the discogs listing for tracks & dates !

https://www.discogs.com/release/32342667-Frank-Zappa-Greatest-Hits-Broadcast-Collection-Live-1967-1984

TWISTED PINE - LOVE YOUR MIND

About two months ago, Boston-based bluegrass band Twisted Pine released their version of ‘Peaches En Regalia’ as an additional track on the CD version of their “Love Your Mind” album.

‘Peaches En Regalia’ is not featured on the LP, but it can be found on the digital download / streaming release.

THE ABSTRACT ORCHESTRA - MADVILLAIN, VOL. 2

The Abstract Orchestra's "Madvillain, Vol.2" included 'Meat Grinder', a piece that featured a Frank Zappa sample in Madvillain's original track.
In the Abstract Orchestra's version the sample is part of the piece, performed by the band.

Check it out, 'Sleeping In A Jar' in 'Meat Grinder'.
Out on CD, LP and even on cassette, and available through digital music platforms

In the meantime, the LP arrived as well.
Enjoying both the music & the artwork.

Another fine addition to The Others Of Invention.

THE GATEKEEPERS' LATEST ALBUM FEATURES THE RESIDENTS AS SPECIAL GUEST(S)

The Gatekeepers - Nostalgia For The Great American Monoculture

But wait, there's more! This album is more star-studded than your average TikTok collab house. We've got The Residents bringing their eyeball-masked weirdness, Shawn Phillips adding some analog soul to our digital woes, R. Stevie Moore proving that DIY is now HD, and Dave Newhouse of The Muffins showing that prog rock and Wi-Fi issues go hand in hand. Plus, a whole gaggle of other musical mavericks who've returned for this digital detox party!

 

CUCAMONGA

Two recent additions :

• Brian Lord And The Midnighters: The Big Surfer / Not Another One
  
  - 'The Big Surfer', written by FZ

 

• Conrad And The Hurricanes: Hurricane / Sweet Love
  
  - produced by Curry & Irvin, a pseudo for FZ and Dave Aerni

RAILROAD EARTH

• Railroad Earth: 12/31/11 Denver, CO (Live)
      (2012, download / streaming, --, itunes)
      (2012, 2cd, USA, nugs.net)

Railroad Earth released their December 31, 2011 concert at the Ogden Theatre in Denver, Colorado, on iTunes. It included their version of FZ’s ‘Son Of Mr. Green Genes’.
The recording was also made available through nugs.net. As a download and on CD.

ZAPPA, THE MOVIE

Alex Winter's Zappa documentary / movie has just been made available as a blu-ray / dvd / 2 cd package.

B*A*R*F*

• B*A*R*F*: Live At Lady Janes
      (2017, download / streaming, --, itunes)

Santa Cruz-based B*A*R*F* release the “Live At Lady Janes” 6-track mini album through several digital music platforms in 2017. 

The album included several Frank Zappa compositions.

The band featured Greg Brown (keyboards), Stephen Bryant (bass), Tony Giraldo (drums), Bruce Kagan (guitar), Bruce Grossman (guitar and lap steel), Rick Bray (vocals), and Mike Dwyer (percussion).

01. Trouble Every Day / For Rodney King 

02. Son Of Mr. Green Genes 

03. Promiscuous / Dumb All Over 

04. If You Think Education Is Expensive... 

05. Camarillo Brillo / Muffin Man 

06. My Guitar Wants To Kill Your Mama Wants To Kill Your Mama

https://music.apple.com/be/album/b-a-r-f-live-at-lady-janes-ep/1103168950

B*A*R*F* also made recordings available through Soundcloud:

Greg Brown (Santa Cruz) · B*A*R*F* (Frank Zappa cover band)

DON KAPOT - REMEDY

Check it out: 
Belgian trio Don Kapot.

THOM TERESI - DA CAPO

• Thom Teresi: “Da Capo...” (From The Beginning)
      (2010, cd, USA, rhombus)

Thom Teresi started Rhombus Records in 1985 to release his own music. To celebrate 25 years of Rhombus Records, Thom released “Da Capo...” in 2010, an album that combined two new songs with previously released material.
As such, the album included FZ’s ‘Son Of Mr. Green Genes’, previously released in 1998 on the “Street Smart” album.

"Da Capo..." was a CDR release, with the label glued onto the CDR.
I'm glad that I found a copy, but the label is already showing some air bubbles beneath the surface, so I don't think I'll put it my CD player... 

DEWA BUDJANA & TOHPATI - JANAPATI

• Dewa Budjana & Tohpati: Janapati
      (2019, cd, Indonesia, pos entertainment indonesia)

Guitar maestros Dewa Budjana and Tohpati joined forces with The Czech Symphony Orchestra and with The Budapest Scoring Orchestra to record "Janapati".

The album is from a couple of years ago already, but I only found a copy recently.
Very nice.

Orchestrated pieces, combined with fine jazz guitar lines.
Recommended.

Here's 'Children Songs", taken from a 2020 live performance:

And not from "Janapati", but another fine collaboration:
Tohpati, Dewa Budjana, and Balawan

 

SUPERSISTER - LIVE IN SCHEVENINGEN 1972

• Supersister: Live In Scheveningen 1972
      (2021, cd, the netherlands, soss music)

Released in 2021 and presenting a concert from over 50 years ago.
Amazing.

JON ANDERSON AND THE BAND GEEKS

from Glass Onyon PR

Jon Anderson and The Band Geeks Announce Live CD/DVD Release

“And You And I” Video Premieres Today!

Following the worldwide acclaim for their debut album “TRUE”, Jon Anderson and The Band Geeks announce today the March 14th release of the CD/DVD package “Jon Anderson and The Band Geeks Live- Perpetual Change”. The band recorded and filmed the entire show at the Aracada Theater in St. Charles, Illinois on their August 2023 summer tour. The concert will be available as a two CD/DVD package as well as a triple vinyl package. Both are available for preorder today here: https://ffm.to/jonandersonperpetualchange

To celebrate today’s announcement, the band is premiering a video of the YES classic “And You And I” taken from the DVD.

DARKO THE SUPER & STEEL TIPPED DOVE - DARKO CHEATS DEATH

• Darko The Super & Steel Tipped Dove: Darko Cheats Death
      (2024, streaming / download, --, bandcamp) – 2024 12 13

Track number 10 on Darko The Super’s “Darko Cheats Death” album is entitled ‘Powerball (The Number 6)’. It mentions Frank Zappa in the lyrics.

Like Frank Zappa I could call any vegetable.

The vinyl release of “Darko Cheats Death” presents 10 of the 16 tracks of the digital album. It does not include ‘Powerball (The Number 6)’.

JACOPO COSTA

Interesting release on the Off Records label:

Jacopo Costa's "Teachers And Demons".

The liner notes mention Frank Zappa, Canterbury, Prince,...
Reason enough to check it out.

Italian poly-instrumentalist and songwriter living in Strasbourg for several years and active in different groups (such as Loomings and Oiapok) .

There was a kickstarter project to support the release of this album. It included a limited CD release.

VARIOUS ARTISTS - DAY OLD DONUTS

Wax Donut is stoked to announce the drop of "Day Old Donuts," our latest tribute compilation that revamps early rock and roll classics. This epic project pulls together a wild mix of new and old friends of the label, spanning rockabilly, post-punk, and alternative metal. With such fresh takes on timeless tracks, "Day Old Donuts" is anything but stale.

 
But that's not all—this release is also a charity benefit! All proceeds (after Bandcamp and payment fees) go straight to the CDP Global Recovery Fund, an amazing organization committed to maximizing the impact of efforts to help victims of catastrophes worldwide. Keep an eye on our Instaspam for donation updates.

The album includes Skeletonized performing Jackie & The Starlites' 'Valerie', a piece we know from Frank Zappa & The Mothers Of Invention.

Bandcamp download / streaming, but also out on CD.

KING GIZZARD & THE LIZARD WIZARD - LIVE IN SAN FRANCISCO '16

• King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard: Live In San Francisco ‘16
      (2020, 2lp, --, flightless) – 2020-11-20

November 2020 saw another live album release by King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard.

Lots of energy here.
A fine album in the typical KG&TLW style.
Perfect to get in a good mood.

GOV'T MULE NEW YEARS RUN 2024

https://mule.net/

MEZZ GACANO - WHAT THE CERNIA MAY CONCERN?

Davide Mezzatesta’s Mezz Gacano project performed FZ’s ’Eat That Question’ in concert at the Fabbrica 102 in Palermo, Italy, on December 2, 2024. It got released through Bandcamp.

 

STEVE VAI AND JOE SATRIANI ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM AND TOUR DATES

“We are both at the top of our game”: Steve Vai and Joe Satriani have formed a new band together – and will release new music ahead of upcoming tour dates

By Matt Owen( Total Guitar, Guitar Techniques, Guitarist )

The two virtuosos hit the road next summer for a string of European dates – and a new original track is set to land shortly before

https://www.guitarworld.com/artists/concerts-gigs-tours/satchvai-band-tour-2025

https://satchvaiband.com/

-- info: Harald Haering

SUN RA'S "WHEN ANGELS SPEAK OF LOVE" IS GETTING RE-ISSUED

The Cosmic Myth record label is re-releasing "When Angels Speak Of Love" on LP next month.

A NEW EPISODE OF THE ZAPPACAST IS OUT

A new episode of the Zappacast is out.

ZappaCast

Into the Zappaverse with Miss Abigail Devoe!

Greetings to you all in this festive holiday season! In this decidedly enticing episode, Bill and Scott chat with Miss ABIGAIL DEVOE, host of YouTube's wildly popular VINYL MONDAY where she dives super deep into rock's greatest albums, including lots of brilliant Frank Zappa content! Abby shares with us her journey into the Zappaverse, and gives us some valuable insight into what it is about Frank Zappa that attracts a new generation of fans. Oh, and there's a visit from the Vaultmeister as well! Check it on out, now!

https://www.buzzsprout.com/268746/episodes/16214432

MONIKA ROSCHER BIGBAND

a message from Monika Roscher:

We are absolutely thrilled to be coming to Portugal 2025
We will be playing at the Gouveia Art Rock Festival on May 1!🔥🎸
This will be our first time in Portugal and it is going to be so special - get ready for a wild ride!💕

J.M. SMIG

 A message from J.M. Smig

Happa Zappadan!

Unsmigitated Audacity: jmsmig.bandcamp.com/album/unsmigitated-audacity

Zappacrite: jmsmig.bandcamp.com/album/zappacrite-parts-i-iii

KING GIZZARD & THE LIZARD WIZARD - K.G.

• King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard: K.G.
      (2020, download, --, bandcamp)

Going back to some King Gizzard with the excellent "K.G." album from 2020.
The return of the son of microtonal guitars.

Love it.

SUN RA - BERKELEY LECTURE 1971

• Sun Ra: Berkeley Lecture 1971
      (2024, cd, USA, corbett vs dempsey)

Afrofuturism and some amazing experimental Moog music.
"Berkeley Lecture 1971".

The CD comes in a cardboard fold-out package.
Nice.

MIKE KENEALLY & CHANAN HANSPAL, IN FINLAND

Two amazing musicians !!

Mike Keneally and Chanan Hanspal, in Finland

DWEEZIL ZAPPA - - - BUILDING AN ATMOS STUDIO

BUSTER KINGSTON - ASIAN ORNETTE

Ska band Buster Kingston recorded a fine version of Frank Zappa's 'Take Your Clothes Off'. It got released on their "Asian Ornette" album.

Out on CD EP and on 12", and through Bandcamp.
From 2017 !!

-- info: Hans-Peter Schmidt

NEW ALBUM BY KING GIZZARD & THE LIZARD WIZARD

Wow...
Just look at this...

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard

Live at The Gorge Amphitheatre, Quincy, WA (9​/​14​/​24)

[5LP BOXSET]

 

ARISTOCRATS ANNOUNCE 2025 TOUR DATES

After a wildly successful first leg across North America in 2024, the world’s most raucous rock/fusion instrumental trio is set to return to the United States in Spring of 2025. The Aristocrats - Guthrie Govan (guitar), Bryan Beller (bass), Marco Minnemann (drums) – will visit some favorite places missed on the first leg as well as some brand new cities, kicking off with the band’s debut on the high seas as part of the “Cruise To The Edge” progressive rock music cruise.

*New show in Annapolis, MD also added on Monday April 21st*

"We had a blast on the DUCK tour across North America in 2024,” the band said in a unified voice, “but sometimes you just can’t get to everywhere you need to be in only eight weeks. So we’re going to make sure we bring the DUCK show to everywhere we can in the States with these additional shows. Plus, we’re incredibly excited to do “Cruise To The Edge” for the very first time! It’s fitting that the DUCK tour sees some water, don’t you think?”

NEW RESIDENTS ALBUM ANNOUNCED FOR FEBRUARY

The Residents
2 LP set and CD release,
"Doctor Dark"

THE RYELANDT TRIO PERFORMS THE MUSIC OF FRANK ZAPPA

The ACHTDUUST concert series in Brugge (BE) presents the Ryelandt Trio.

On 14/12/2024 • 20:00
the Ryelandt Trio will perform the music of Frank Zappa

https://ryelandttrio.com/ticketzappa

Bottelarij Brugse Zot • Lieven Bauwensstraat 21 • 8000 Brugge

ED PALERMO BIG BAND IN CONCERT

December 21,
at The Falcon,
2 shows

NEW RELEASE BY MEN & VOLTS

 Men & Volts have released several albums / recordings this year.
The latest one is called "Pardon Me".

TWO NEW ZAPPA RADIO SHOW ALBUMS OUT ON THE STYLUS GROOVE LABEL

The package arrived today.
Happy Zappadan.
Both albums present material from the 1981 NYC broadcast.

"Sinister Footwear"

"Zoot Aloors"

Too bad that the covers don't have an image of FZ or of the band.
Pretty lame album titles too...

A NEW PIECE BY EIDON

Eidon - Samaveda

MIKE KENEALLY & BRYAN BELLER JUST RELEASED "FREAKS IN A MELLOW MOOD, VOL. 2"

Mike Keneally & Bryan Beller just released Freaks in a Mellow Mood, Vol. 2 - Live Acoustic 2003, check it out here:

“Guess what? It's Freaks in a Mellow Mood, Vol. 2! In this episode, Mike and Bryan get further out there with their acoustic mayhem, including some surprise selections. A very fun listen!”

SNARKY PUPPY - - - WE LIKE IT HERE (REMIXED - REMASTERED - REIMAGINED)

Added to my want-list:

"Snarky Puppy – We Like It Here (Remixed + Remastered + Reimagined)"
Released today.

Celebrating 10 years since our album ‘We Like It Here’ was released in 2014, the Remixed + Remastered + Reimagined version includes 8 original tracks, 8 alternate take tracks, and 1 bonus track and will be out on December 6 digitally and as a limited-edition, four-disc box set, available for pre-order now, with shipment expected in January 2025.

Now, let us fill you in on a little Snarky Puppy lore. While many of you are familiar with “Gretel” from our album ‘Sylva,’ it was originally written and recorded for ‘We Like It Here.’ We’re happy to share the bonus version of “Gretel,” which is out now, along with the never-before-seen video from the recording session!

THE ABSTRACT ORCHESTRA - MADVILLAIN VOL. 2

• Abstract Orchestra: Madvillain Vol. 2
      (2019, cd, UK, ata records)
      (2019, lp, UK, ata records)
      (2019, download, --, bandcamp)

The Abstract Orchestra is a hip-hop big band from Leeds in the U.K, lead by Rob Mitchell. The band has released two albums performing the music of Madvillain (Madlib & MF Doom).

“Madvillain Vol. 2” included ‘Meat Grinder’, a track that originally included a Frank Zappa / ‘Sleeping In A Jar’ sample, here performed by the band.

Check out track number two !!

Out on CD and on LP, next to a Bandcamp digital download thing.
The CD arrived earlier this week. Great artwork. Can't wait for the LP to arrive.
It's a fine album, although it would have been awesome to actually have someone rap over it.

DWEEZIL ZAPPA

I Discovered a LOST FRANK ZAPPA SONG!

Dweezil: This is a crazy story! My dad taught my uncle a song in 1971 that he never ended up recording. In this video my uncle shows me what my dad taught him and I'm going to play this "Lost Zappa Song" on my upcoming tour!

 

JERRY HARRISON - ADRIAN BELEW - EUROPEAN TOUR DATES

SOFT MACHINE RE-ISSUE

 a message from MoonJune Records:

Dear Friends in Music

It’s the reissue time!

Guitar maestro Mark Wingfield did the remastering of this live album which came out for the first time 18 years ago, of the live performance of SOFT MACHINE in January of 1975 featuring the incomparable guitar genius Allan Holdsworth, a performance luckily captured and broadcast by Radio Bremen (Germany).

HD Download (24/48)
CD + 2LP

https://softmachine-moonjune.bandcamp.com/album/floating-world-live-re-mastered

JOE DENINZON'S 50th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

ProgStock Presents
Joe Deninzon 50th Birthday Celebration

with Friends—his band Stratospheerius, Randy McStine, The Tea Club, and Dave Bainbridge—Dec. 15 online and in person from Rutherford, NJ

Kansas violinist Joe Deninzon & his band Stratospheerius celebrate the release of their new album, "Impostor!" & Joe's 50th Birthday!

With very special guests:
The Tea Club (featuring Kansas bassist Dan McGowan)
Dave Bainbridge (The Strawbs, Lifesigns)
Randy McStine (Porcupine Tree, Steven Wilson)

The ProgStock-sponsored celebration and event takes place on Sunday, December 15th, at 6:30 PM, at the Black Box Theater at the Williams Center, 15 Sylvan Street, in Rutherford, NJ 07070.

For more information, please call 973-886-6077.

This very special concert-celebration will be streamed worldwide on StageIt at 6:30 PM ET /3:30 PM PT /and Monday morning at 12:30 AM Amsterdam time as its happening on Sunday December 15th. StageIt tickets are available for $10 at https://www.stageit.com/ProgStock/.

 
In-person tickets range from $32.08-$47.56 (service fees included in these prices) and are available at https://progstock.simpletix.com/.

 

Z.E.R.O.

A message from Kevin Crosby / Z.E.R.O.

HAPPY ZAPPADAN!!

As it turns out, Z.E.R.O. has a total of 99 "officially released" tracks contained within the 7 CD's on Cordelia Records. 

So we decided to finish up an idea that has been floating around and make it available for free to celebrate Zappadan and for arriving at 100 tracks. (The un-aimed arrow is right on target.)

It will be online for free though Dec 21st.

[If you have any problems downloading the file, write us an email (zero at zeroensemble dot com) and we will send it to you.]

=> Z.E.R.O.'s 100th recording - Toccata & Pygmy in D Minor... 

(It's a little J.S.Bach, Stevie Wonder, Deep Purple, Zappa sort of thing...)

Download and/or listen- file: ZERO_100_Toccata_Pygmy.mp3 https://app.box.com/s/neln5ay2rv04cqd3fg40uwjccri74gu6

DWEEZIL ZAPPA 2018 JAM WITH ERIC JOHNSON & OZ NOY

Dweezil Zappa encore jam “Cosmik Debris” with special guests Eric Johnson and Oz Noy ... Mohawk, Austin TEXAS USA 05/11/2018 

OZ NOY'S SPECIAL GUESTS

 Oz Noy has performed, recorded and toured with quite a lot of interesting artists.

Vinnie Colaiuta participated to "Fuzzy" in 2007, and to "Twisted Blues Volume " in 2011.

-

Warren Haynes guested on "Twisted Blues Volume 2" in 2014.

Dweezil Zappa played a solo on 'Damn, This Groove' on the 2017 "Who Gives A Funk" album.

Here's 'Damn, This Groove', featuring Dweezil Zappa: