PIERRE VERVLOESEM - NON-ESSENTIAL

Pierre Vervloesem has just released "Non-Essential".

When it comes to Pierre's musical output, there's only one rule: expect the unexpected.

"Non-Essential" presents 8 tracks.
Eight electronic compositions. Some even with some sort of vocal input.

I like it a lot.
Give it a listen and be sure to check out 'Pavane Pour Une Infante Défunte'.

DAVID FRICK - WATERMELON IN EASTER HAY

Montana-based musician and composer David Frick released his version of FZ’s ‘Watermelon In Easter Hay’ through Bandcamp earlier this year.

DEEP PURPLE - MACHINE GEAR (SUPER DELUXE)

• Deep Purple: Machine Head
      (2024, lp + 3cd + blu-ray, Europe, universal)

In 1972, Deep Purple released “Machine Head”, the album that included ‘Smoke On The Water’, their song about FZ’s Montreux concert and the fire that burnt it down.

For its 50th birthday, Deep Purple’s “Machine Head” album got re-released as a box set. It included a remixed version (by Dweezil Zappa) on LP and on CD, a remastered version of the original album plus two concerts, and a blu-ray with a 2024 Atmos mix and the original Quad mix.

CD1 presents the Dweezil Zappa remix (tracks 1 to 8) plus the remastered version (tracks 9 to 15).
CD 2 & 3 are the two concerts.

Beautiful package. Comes with a 12" booklet that (obviously) mentions Frank Zappa.

DWEEZIL ZAPPA GEAR UP FOR AUCTION

Dweezil Zappa says:
If you would like to support the upcoming RoxPostrophy tour, this is the way to do it.

Inflation has wreaked havoc in every sector of our lives the last 4 years, including the touring industry. 

I wanted to create a win-win situation by offering some of my favorite guitars for sale as a way to support the tour. 

There's a lot of variety in the items on auction, Guitars, Amps, Pedals, Speakers, Studio Outboard Gear, Cases and more. 

 All of the start up costs for my upcoming tour are out of pocket expenses so I'm working every angle to make sure I can cover the amounts needed for (rehearsals) (band and crew salaries) (bus down payment) (building of guitar rig) (equipment rentals) etc. 

 Have a look at the auction : Dweezil Zappa Gear For Sale.
https://analogr.com/l/dweezil-zappa-artistfirst-collection/65f0a297-125a-4fc5-8e45-5c0d6fb38e86

I'm looking forward to seeing you all out on tour starting August 1st!

BAD DEAL - WATERMELON IN EASTER HAY

Ohio-based band Bad Deal released a live version of FZ’s ‘Watermelon In Easter Hay’ through Bandcamp. In memory of Grant Gibeault.

DOUG MITCHELL - WATERMELON IN EASTER HAY

It's not the easiest song to cover.
How do you start? Do you want to keep close to the original? Re-arrange it? Add some unexpected instruments?

Here's Doug Mitchell's version.
Released in February 2022.

WIDESPREAD PANIC - LIVE IN THE CLASSIC CITY II

• widespread panic: live in the classic city II
      (2010, 2cd, usa, widespread panic / ato records)

I recently got the opportunity to give Widespread Panic's "Live In The Classic City II" album a listen.
Southern rock, blues rock, with some great guitar work.
How could I refuse.

Widespread Panic released their first album in the late eighties. They've released quite a number of albums, including quite a lot of live material.
"Live In The Classic City II" got recorded in 2001, and released in 2010 !

This is feel-good-music.

TRUE VOICES SAX QUARTET - TRUE VOICES SAX QUARTET

• True Voices Sax Quartet: True Voices Sax Quartet
      (2012, cd, Italy, private release / lo strumento)

The True Voices Saxophone Quartet was created by Claudio Zolla of the Italian handmade sax company Rampone & Cazzini. The purpose was to put together four musicians that played R&C horns but with different backgrounds and musical experiences. 

The quartet featured Giancarlo Maurino, Carlo Micheli, Davide Grottelli and David Brutti. 
The music that's featured on this eponymous and only album, is a mix of original compositions and of rock and jazz standards.

This album was on my radar for quite a while and I'm extremely glad that I recently obtained a copy.
Exquisite !!

The performance, the tunes, the Frank Zappa compositions,...
Wow...

Includes superb versions of  FZ's 'Uncle Meat' and 'Let’s Make The Water Turn Black'.

The album is also up on YouTube and other digital music platforms. Check it out !!

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VARIOUS ARTISTS - ZUCKERFABRIK - IT NEVER ENDS

• various artists: zuckerfabrik - it never ends
      (1993, cd, Germany, candy records)

The “Zuckerfabrik – It Never Ends“ compilation album was the second volume that presented music by various artists, recorded at the Zuckerfabrik music studio, in Stuttgart, Germany.
It presented two tracks by The Muffin Men, featuring Mike Kidson (sax, toys, vocals), Paul ‘Rhino’ Ryan (drums, vocals), Naraish ‘Nasher’ Nathaniel (bass), Ian ‘Jumpy’ Jump (stunt guitar), Andy ‘Wayko Jayko’ Jacobson (keyboards), Ian ‘Bammo’ Bamford (guitar, vocals), Roddie Gilliard (guitar, vocals), Roy Stringer, (percussion), Andy Frizell (bass), and Steve Belger (drums).
Released in 1993.

The Muffin Men : Broken Hearts Are For Assholes / Take Your Clothes Off When You Dance
I'm not sure if this was released on one of The Muffin Men's regular albums...

And here's a clip that's even older:

FLAT EARTH SOCIETY - THE ONE

• flat earth society: the one
      (2024, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)

During the waiting period for the CD, I'm already enjoying the download of the latest Flat Earth Society album.

Exotic, playful, cinematic.
Amazing.

Compositions by Peter Vermeersch and Peter Vandenberghe.

Essential listening !

HUUN HUUR TU ON TOUR

Tuvan throat singers Huun Huur Tu seem to be touring again as they'll be doing a concert in Sint-Niklaas in Belgium on July 4, 2024.

ZAPPACAST #27

FLASHBACK TO 2016
(from the Zappa newsletter)

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re throwing it back to an episode that celebrates the legendary Mrs. Gail Zappa.

This edition of ZappaCast features Scott Parker, Andrew Greenaway, Scott Fischer and The Professor, Mick Ekers! From stories about Gail’s first date with Frank to discussions surrounding her role in his legacy – all this and more on ZappaCast #27!

https://www.buzzsprout.com/268746/1019910-zappacast-episode-27-farewell-gail-zappa

JEFF 'SKUNK' BAXTER - SPEED OF HEAT

• jeff 'skunk' baxter: speed of heat
      (2022, cd, usa, bmg)

Jeff 'Skunk' Baxter probably is best known as the guitar player for Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers,
If I'm not mistaken, 'Speed Of Heat', released in 2022, was his fist solo album.

12 tracks with lots of different flavours.
Guitar-oriented.
Original music next to some great cover version, including Steely Dan's 'My Old School'.
Both instrumental and vocal tracks.
"Speed Of Heat" ticks all of the boxes.

Recommended listening !!

INVENTIONIS MATER FEATURED ON RADIO WIRA WIRI #45

https://charliecrooijmans.nl/radio-wira-wiri-45/

In this episode, Beijing-based bass beats artist Howie Lee; musician and producer Forest Law; jazz singer Kavita Shah inspired by Cape Verde; Catalonian folk quartet La Viu-Viu; the contemporary ensemble of the Finnish composer, guitarist Matti Wallenius Tunto; Gaelic and Scots singer Evie Waddell; Polish folktrio Sutari; Jazz pianist Amaro Freitas inspired by the mystics of the Amazon rainforest; impro duo Israeli guitarist Itamar Erez and Iranian percussionist Hamin Honari; Aynur, the voice of the Kurdish people; Afro-Peruvian sound system Novalima; Johanni Curtet of the soundtrack ‘If Only I Could Hibernate’; the Buryat people of Siberia; Inventionis Mater together with Ferdinando Romano, and Napoleon Murphy Brock playing Zappa.

-- info: Zjakki Willems 

PIERROT LA LUNE QUARTET - OUT OF THE WOOD

• pierrot la lune quartet: out of the wood
      (2014, cd, france, private release)

Pierrot la lune Quartet is 

• Pierre-Emmanuel HIAS, pianist and composer,
• Anne-Sophie PASQUIER, accordion,
• Stéphane ROUSSEAU, bass and double bass
• Pierre LE NORMAND, drums
  guest
• Daniel DIVONE: guitar

Their Bandcamp page says: "They play music that is carefully written and energetically performed."

A great discovery.
Contemporary jazz
I love the compositions and the instrumentation.

As an example, here's 'Memoire Sensitive':

Or the more experimental 'Vu Du Ciel':

MATTHIAS VAN DEN BRANDE - OPUS #1

• matthias van den brande: opus #1
      (2018, cd, belgium, soul factory records)

Belgium-born saxophone player Matthias Van den Brande has performed and recorded with The Brussels Jazz Orchestra to give just one example.
He released his first solo album in 2018. "Opus #1", on which he combined a jazz quartet with a classical wind quintet.
Jazz, classical, and samba influences and some familiar sounding tunes by Monk and Gershwin.

• Matthias Van den Brande - Saxophone/Composition
• Alex Koo - Piano 
• Soet Kempeneer - Bass 
• Robin van Rhijn - Drums
• plus a classical wind quintet and several guests

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BILLY COBHAM BAND FEAT. RANDY BRECKER - - - JAZZ LUGANO 2019

Billy Cobham Crosswinds Project feat Randy Brecker
Jazz Lugano 2019

• Billy Cobham - drums
• Randy Brecker - trumpet
• Fareed Haque - guitar
• Tim Landers - bass
• Scott Tibbs - keyboards
• Paul Hanson - bassoon, soprano sax
• Franco Ambrosetti - flugelhorn
• Bobby Watson - alto sax

FREAK KITCHEN - EVERYONE GETS BLOODY

From the new Freak Kitchen album, here's 'Everyone Gets Bloody'.

Featuring Mattias IA Eklundh on guitar.

THE JOE SATRIANI / STEVE VAI TOUR KICKED OFF

The Joe Satriani / Steve Vai tour kicked off in Orlando a couple of days ago.
And it sounds like they'll be recording an album together !!

MATTIAS IA EKLUNDH SIGNATURE GUITARS

Mattias IA Eklundh has ended his partnership with Caparison guitars.
(Looking back with warmth and gratitude)
 
In the meantime Mattias designed two guitars that are being produced at the True Temperament factory in Sweden.
A 6-string and an 8-string model, called Ulv.

https://truetemperament.com/news/breaking-news-mattias-ia-eklundh-unveils-new-guitar-line-in-collaboration-with-true-temperament

PETER EÖTVÖS - - - SPEAKING DRUMS

Two pieces by the late Peter Eötvös.

'Speaking Drums', showing that Peter shared the same love for percussion as FZ.

 

'Psalm 151 (In Memoriam Frank Zappa)'

FRANK ZAPPA MEDLEY FOR OCTET, ARRANGED BY MIKEL HURWITZ

Frank Zappa Medley for Octet, Arr. Mikel Hurwitz

00:00 - Who are the Brain Police (Intro)
00:25 - The Little House I Used to Live In for Piano
00:58 - Revised Music for Low Budget Symphony Orchestra
02:27 - Naval Aviation In Art
03:06 - Uncle Meat Main Theme
4:41 - Uncle Meat Variations
5:31 - Pound For A Brown On The Bus
6:00 - Holiday in Berlin Full Blown
6:42 - Oh No

R.I.P. PETER EÖTVÖS

Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67: I. Allegro con brio · Ensemble Modern · Péter Eötvös

 -- info & link: Harald Häring

NEW RELEASES FROM JOHN TABACCO

John Tabacco has just released two new albums !
Also available on CD.

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NEW FLAT EARTH SOCIETY ALBUM AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER

Flat Earth Society Orchestra, or FES, is the rambunctious kid who's been causing a ruckus in the music world for a whopping quarter-century. Their mission? As fresh as the morning toast. Their role? Far from the final act. In their latest masterpiece, "THE ONE", FES challenges the notion of a singular truth, a concept as overrated as the last slice of pizza.

One truth, one version, one story - it's as monotonous as a metronome, and FES isn't having any of it.

Created by the dynamic duo - Peter Vandenberghe and Peter Vermeersch - it's as crafty, cinematic, and sneaky as those villains in vintage films noir. "The One" is the perfect antidote to nonsensical quests and a celebratory toast to boundless imagination.

J.M. SMIG - AN EQUAL SEA

J.M. Smig added :
An indulgent smorgasbord of classical, jazz, electronic, and conversation. The first album to be composed with the use of a musical cryptogram of my own invention mixed with traditional serial method. I call this "the library album" for the hours of arranging and sequencing on public library computers, using Noteflight and other online programs, after my hard drive crashed at home.

DWEEZIL ZAPPA UPDATE

More Dweezil Zappa : 

https://blabbermouth.net/news/dweezil-zappa-explains-his-approach-to-remixing-deep-purples-machine-head-for-super-deluxe-edition

DWEEZIL ZAPPA'S WIGGY AMP

The Story of Obscure Amplifier Designed by Dweezil Zappa

https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/articles/features/the_story_of_obscure_amplifier_designed_by_dweezil_zappa-163524

MICHAEL KOCAB - BEST OF

Last week, I finally got hold of Michael Kocab's "Best Of" album from 2007.
A nice addition to The Others Of Invention collection.

The 2 CD set included material by different projects that Michael contributed to.
One of these was Pražský Výběr's ’Vymlácený Rockový Palice’ that quotes FZ’s ‘Packard Goose’.

EDGAR BROUGHTON BAND

 The upcoming / new Edgar Broughton Band album, "Gone Blue - The BBC Sessions", includes their version of Captain Beefheart's 'Drop Out Boogie', recorded during a Peel Session.

ANGEL / PUNKY MEADOWS

From GlassOnyon PR

ANGEL Share Diabolical New Video Of The Title Track From Acclaimed New Album, ONCE UPON A TIME!

Los Angeles, CA - When legendary rock band ANGEL released their brand new album last year, a great cry of “Hallelujah!” could be heard from far and wide across the music world. Reuniting the holy trinity of ANGEL, vocalist Frank DiMino, guitarist Punky Meadows and guitarist Danny Farrow, alongside keyboardist Charlie Calv, drummer Billy Orrico and bassist Tommy Caradonna, Once Upon A Time brought some of the most melodic and supremely powerful songs the band has ever released, and fans and critics responded with a hearty “Amen!”

Now the band has returned bearing a divine gift for their many devotees, a captivating and stunning new video for the album’s title track. Sporting a title as enormous as its subject matter, “Once Upon A Time An Angel And A Devil Fell In Love” this melodic epic offers the story of a supernatural love that dared to defy the natural order of the Heavens, told with bold lyrics and even bolder, earth-quaking power chords. Combining performance footage with dramatic, cinematic scenes, this video captures the magic and magnificence that ANGEL have embodied throughout their multi-decade career.

“ONCE UPON A TIME AN ANGEL AND A DEVIL FELL IN LOVE...Is a Cautionary Tale...An Age Old Tale...it's Biblical.....AND IT DID NOT END WELL! Beautifully Dark!..Visually Stunning! It Has Everything That Makes a Story Wondrous! LOVE, SEX LUST, DESIRE, BETRAYAL, MURDER.”
 - Punky Meadows

BILLIE EILISH & DAVE GROHL

a beautiful tribute to Taylor Hawkins 

15 YEARS AGO... NELLY FURTADO & STEVA VAI

Over 15 years ago already.
Nelly Furtado & Steve Vai

at the Grammy Awards

-- info: Harald Häring

NEKTAR

from GlassOnyon PR

Prog Legends Nektar To Release “Journey To The Other Side - Live At The Dunellen Theatre June 10, 2023” Through Deko Entertainment As A Fitting Tribute To Late Drummer & Founding Member Ron Howden

Stockton, NJ - Formed in Germany in 1969, Nektar favored extended compositions and concept albums over the constraints of pop. They were among the progenitors of the progressive rock movement of the 1970s as well as the jam-band scene that arose in the late 1990s. Their sound traveled well to the States, where they enjoyed Top 40 success with “A Tab in the Ocean” (1972) and “Remember the Future” (1973). Nearly 20 albums and a half-century later, the band’s artistic and personal charisma has earned them masses of devoted fans along with their latest album “The Other Side” (2020) which was Number 1 on Amazon Progressive Music.

As they begin the next 50 years of their career, they kick it off with “Journey to the Other Side – Live at The Dunellen Theatre June 10, 2023.”
Recorded during the band’s 50th anniversary tour, this release captures the band in all their glory with a 2CD/Blu-Ray set with a 5-camera shoot and multi-track recording. Clocking in at over 2 and 1/2 hours and spanning the band’s entire career with classics like “Remember the Future Parts 1 & 2,” “A Tab in the Ocean,” and many more.

This recording has become a virtual remembrance of Nektar drummer and primary member, Ron Howden, who died suddenly at the ripe old age of 78 on September 29th, 2023. As founding member Derek “Mo” Moore states, “I think you will enjoy being part of Nektar’s 50th extended Anniversary Tour and glad we captured this performance. Rest in Peace Ron.”

The band is currently hard at work on their forthcoming trilogy “Mission To Mars.” The first installment is scheduled to hit in early June to coincide with the band’s tour which kicks off in New Jersey on June 7th.

Tickets for dates: https://nektarsmusic.com/events/

JUN 7: Dunellen Theatre - Dunellen, NJ
JUN 9: Beachland Ballroom - Cleveland OH
JUN 11: Irving Theater - Indianapolis, IN
JUN 12: The Token Lounge - Westland, MI
JUN 13: The Arcada Theatre - St Charles, IL
JUN 15: The Wildey Theatre - Edwardsville, IL (2pm Matinee Show)
JUN 15: The Wildey Theatre - Edwardsville, IL (8pm Show)
JUN 18: Sellersville Theater - Sellersville, PA
JUN 19: Daryl's House - Pawling, NY
SEP 5-8: Nene Valley Rock Festival 2024 - Grimsthorpe, UK

FRANK ZAPPA SYMPOSIUM IN BREZNO, SLOVAKIA

BREZNO 19. - 21.7.2024

The first symposium on Frank Zappa, three erudite guests, Zappologi, will introduce you to the work, contribution and legacy of the phenomenal musician, artist and composer Frank Zappa. Our guests will present Zappa's work from different angles in a series of block lectures, which will also include visual and musical presentations: 

Július Fujak , Slovak composer of experimental music and musician, music aesthetician and university lecturer, organizer of unconventional musical, artistic and scientific events.

Bohumil "BOHOUŠ" Jůza , theatre artist worked for 26 years at JAMU in Brno, now stage master on musicals staged by Carusel Production Prague, graphic designer and painter, humorist. He is the founder and president of the Czechoslovak Frank Zappa Fan Club and publisher of the club fanzine ZAPPOSTROPHE (the longest running Zappa fanzine in the world).

Michal Nejtek , graduated from the Conservatory in Teplice (piano), the Faculty of Music of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (composition) and the Faculty of Music of the JAMU in Brno (doctoral studies). He writes symphonic and chamber music and is engaged in stage projects.

 
The musical guest who will beautifully complement the program is the project of the guitarist (from the well-known band Sto Múch) Martin Novák. His project is called Homo Zappiens ( Denisa Jelínková - transverse flute, Martin Novák - guitar, Vincent Andreutti - percussion) and consists of musicians who are happy to interpret in colourful instrumentation, chamber spirit and their own arrangements selected compositions by Frank Zappa in the sense of the motto "music is the best".

The motto of the symposium is a well-known statement made by Frank Zappa during his visit to Prague in 1990: "Use democracy, because you will lose it". 

FRANK ZAPPA - MEGA BOX

The Frank Zappa 8 CD "Mega Box" that I mentioned a little while ago, presents exactly the same recordings as the 8 CD "The Best Days" set that got released two years ago.

• CD 1 = 1978/09/09 Knebworth House Open Air Festival, Stevenage, UK
• CD 2 & 3 = 1981/10/31 Early and Late Show Palladium, New York, NY
• CD 4 & 5 = 1975/10/01 Vancouver, BC, Canada
• CD 6 = 1974/11/23 Jenison Fieldhousse, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
• CD 7  = 1969/02/23 Early Show Rockpile, Toronto, Canada
• CD 8 = 1980/10/13 Early Show Celebrity Theatre, Phoenix, AZ

=

THE RESIDENTS - THE RESIDENTS' SECRET SHOW - LIVE IN SAN FRANCISCO

• the residents: the residents' secret show - live in san francisco
      (2024, cd+dvd, uk, cherry red records)

I just watched the first part of "The Residents' Secret Show - Live In San Francisco" and I was taken by surprise.
This is not just a Residents concert, this is a celebration of the music of The Residents.

When it comes to ordering a new Residents release, I never doubt. I just order it. Maybe if I had read the liner notes, I would have known what to expect, but then again, who doesn't like a nice surprise.
This "Secret Show" has a fine selection of artists (The San Francisco Girl Chorus, Sarah Cahill, Les Claypool, Ego Plum, Josh Freese, Pamela Z, and others) performing the music of The Residents.
And The Residents themselves participate as well.

I love it.
This is great.
CD (audio) and DVD (video) have a slightly different track list but they both come in the same package so who's complaining?
Also out on 2 LP.

The Residents - Semolina

J.M. SMIG - WITCH CITY STINK

J.M. Smig released "Witch City Stink" in 2016.

9 pieces and they're all quite different.
For my taste, the first track, 'Funky Laurano', is the least interesting one, but from then on, it's a remarkable listening experience.

In the liner notes, J.M. added:

A collection of unnecessarily long instrumentals for people who like that sort of thing, mixed with shorter, radio-friendly tracks including the single "Pickle Park Polka".
Many of the tracks were created by converting graphic files to sound blips in Audacity, then stretching the audio from which riffs were isolated and looped. This is the album where I stopped sequencing pre-written solos and began improvising on an M-Audio Keyrig49. 

Two incidents occurred shortly after the release. The great Keith Emerson died by suicide and my laptop broke down, leading to my library computer phase. Rumors of a curse involving Emerson's offense at my keyboard skills remain unsubstantiated.

 

MIKE KENEALLY CONCERT IN SAN DIEGO ON MARCH 28

A message from Mike Keneally

SAN DIEGO!! SAN DIEGANS!!

I'm coming to the Full Circle Saloon in El Cajon on March 28.

With me will be

• JOE TRAVERS
• PETE GRIFFIN
• RICK MUSALLAM

Opening will be deep local faves
Jeff Berkley and the Banned
and
Joshua Taylor and the Unscene

Link to Full Circle website with all venue details:
https://fullcirclesaloon.com/

Returning to my good old hometown on a THURSDAY so maybe all my musician pals in town don't have gigs that night 🙂 Come hang!

My great old pal Doug Booth from the days of Drop Control will be guesting during my set!

BE WITH US!

TREACHEROUS CRETINGS TOURDATES

Performing the music of Frank Zappa

KURT ELLING - SUPERBLUE - THE LONDON SESSIONS

• kurt elling: superblue - the london sessions
      (2022, download, --, bandcamp)

Jazz vocalist Kurt Elling released "Superblue" in 2021.
He re-recorded several tracks live at the London Pool Studios and released these on "Superblue - The London Sessions" EP.

• Kurt Elling - voice
• Charlie Hunter - hybrid guitar
• DJ Harrison - keyboards
• Corey Fonville - drums
• Vula Malinga - backing vocals
• LaDonna Young - backing vocals

Excellent !!

ZAPPA SONGBOOK

A number of "Frank Zappa Songbooks" got released in The Netherlands in the late 1970's / early 1980's.
Here's the one that carried a picture of FZ by undergound artist Peter Pontiac on the cover.

PAUL ROLAND

Paul Roland released a song entitled 'Willie The Pimp' on his "Unreleased Songs" album, but it's not the piece that I expected it to be...

 

CHINA MOSES - NIGHTINTALES

• china moses: nightintales
      (2017, cd, europe, mps)

If you're in the mood for some soul & jazz, check out China Moses.

I had never heard of China Moses before today, and that's a shame. But I'm catching up.

In 2017, she released on the MPS imprint the album Nightintales written in five days with Black British multi-instrumentalist Anthony Marshall. The pair recorded the album in London at the analogue studio, Snap Studios. The album features Luke Smith on piano, Neville Malcolm on bass and Jerome Brown on drums, three top Black British musicians of the UK soul-jazz scene.

SPIRITS BURNING & MICHAEL MOORCOCK - THE HOLLOW LAND

• spirits burning & michael moorcock: the hollow lands
      (2020, cd, uk, purple pyramid)

For "The Hollow Lands", Spirits Burning's driving force, Don Falcone, invited writer Michael Moorcock (who also recorded with Hawkwind).

18 tracks, featuring lots of guests on every piece, which adds to the variation.
Space rock.
Nice.

POTTER, MEHLDAU, PATITUCCI, BLADE - EAGLE'S POINT

• Potter, Mehldau, Patitucci, Blade: Eagle's Point
      (2024, cd, uk, edition records)

I'm enjoying this amazing album while I'm typing this...
Chris Potter on sax, Brad Mehldau on piano, John Patitucci on bass and Brian Blade on drums.
What a team.
Beautiful melodies and solos.

And a great rhythm section.
Modern jazz at its best.

https://www.chrispottermusic.com/eagles-point

HAM SESSIONS FESTIVAL

The line-up for the 19th edition of the Ham Sessions Outdoor festival :

https://www.hamsessions.be/ham-sessions-2024-outdoor.html

Saturday - may 18

• 15:00 EE Collective (KOR/BEL/FRA)
• 17:00 Laughing Bastards "Fetish" album release
• 19:00 Nicola Andrioli Collective (IT/GER)

Sunday may 19

• 15:00 Skordatura +++ (F.Fiorini, S.Debaisieux, G. Tirtiaux)
• 17:00 Cacha Mundinho (TR/ES/PT)
• 19:00 Sun Mi Hong Quintet (KOR/IT)

Monday may 20 :

• 15:00 Benjamin Herman Trio (NL)
• 17:00 Bo Van Der Werf KOMOREBI
• 19:00 Grand Picture Palace

MEGAWAJOOKA IN CONCERT IN PARIS ON THE FIRST OF JUNE

Megawajooki will be performing the music of Frank Zappa
at Le Triton in Paris, France
On the first of June, 2024

MEGA WAJOOKA

• Jonathan Pontier (clavier, arrangements et direction)
• Mathias Levy (violon)
• Jérémie Pontier (batterie)
• Lucie Delmas (percussions)
• Denis Rezard (basse)
• Dani Bouillard (guitare)
• Matthias Mahler (trombone)
• Aymeric Avice (trompette)
• Rémi Sciuto (saxophones, flutes)

https://newnabab.com/mega-wajooka

tickets for the upcoming concert:

https://www.letriton.com/programmation/megawajooka-joue-frank-zappa-3099

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NEW HAWKESTREL ALBUM ANNOUNCED

from GlassOnyon PR

Former HAWKWIND Members ROBERT CALVERT & ALAN DAVEY Join THE ROLLING STONES’ MICK TAYLOR For A Transdimensional Rock Anthem From Upcoming Album CHAOS ROCKS By Supergroup HAWKESTREL!

Album features Hawkwind Alumni Alan Davey, Nik Turner, Huw Lloyd-Langton, Simon House & Mick Slattery PLUS Chrome's Helios Creed, space captain William Shatner, Cactus drummer Carmine Appice and more!

When former Hawkwind bass player Alan Davey first launched his Hawkestrel project, an intrepid, free-wheeling collaborative space rock supergroup, the world was on the verge of being plunged into the COVID pandemic. Like a starship bound for better worlds, the band, which counted Hawkwind co-founder Nik Turner along with several other Hawkwind alumni among its crew, ventured beyond the darkness that engulfed the planet and reached meteoric heights, being embraced by both longtime Hawkwind fans and newcomers alike.

Now the mighty Hawkestrel is ready to soar once again with a new album coming April 12. Hosting another collection of stellar musicians and heroic “musicnauts,” including one actual space traveler, William Shatner, alongside Simon House, Mick Slattery, Huw Lloyd-Langton, Helios Creed, and lots more, Chaos Rocks seeks to pay tribute to the past, revamping classic songs like “Silver Machine” as well as honoring those who now live among the stars. Just check out the album’s first single, a transformation of Robert Calvert’s “Evil Rock” from his 1981 album with the brilliant Mick Taylor lending his prodigious six-string talents. The results are simply out of this world!

Chaos Rocks will be available on all formats including CD, vinyl and digital beginning on April 12. The CD version even features bonus tracks of songs that have never before appeared on physical format and include special guests Ginger Baker, Geoff Downes, Adam Hamilton and more!

Track List:
1. Near Earth Asteroid with Alan Davey
2. Evil Rock (2023 AD) with Bob Calvert & Mick Taylor
3. Kinnikinnick Special with Helios Creed
4. Silver Machine with William Shatner & Carmine Appice
5. Chaos Rocks with Nik Turner, Simon House, Mick Slattery & Nico Leophonte
6. Walking The Wheel with Huw Lloyd-Langton & Simon House
7. 2019 OK with Nik Turner & Mick Slattery
8. Class One Kid with Mick Taylor, Nik Turner & Simon House

BONUS TRACKS [CD ONLY]
9. Opa Loka with Nik Turner
10. Now I'm Feeling Zombified with Nik Turner, Geoff Downes & Adam Hamilton
11. Dangerous Visions with Ginger Baker & Danny Faulkner

SPIRITS BURNING & CLEARLIGHT - HEALTHY MUSIC IN LARGE DOSES

• spirits burning & clearlight: healthy music in large doses
      (2013, cd, uk, gonzo multimedia)

Thanks to my pal Danny, I crossed paths with another fine space rock album.
"Healthy Music In Large Doses" features Don Falcone (Spirits Burning) and Cyrille Verdeaux (Clearlight).
While Spirits Burning is some sort of collective where musicians get invited by Don Falcone, Clearlight was a French (so-called) supergroup fronted by Cyrille Verdeaux, featuring members of Gong and other French progressive rock bands.
Blend them together and you get "Healthy Music In Large Doses".

A fine way to kick off a Saturday. (or any other day)

Here's the link to Bandcamp.
Be sure to check out the angelic voices in track number three, 'Our Secret Cloud'.

BEAT - BELEW, VAI, LEVIN, CAREY PLAY 80s KING CRIMSON

"BEAT - Belew/Vai/Levin/Carey play 80s King Crimson!

Former King Crimson members ADRIAN BELEW and TONY LEVIN band together with guitar virtuoso STEVE VAI and explosive Tool drummer DANNY CAREY for the first time to create BEAT, a creative reinterpretation of the three iconic 80s KING CRIMSON albums - Discipline, Beat, and Three Of A Perfect Pair."

Tue • Sep 17 • 7:30 PM Humphreys 
Concerts By the Bay, San Diego, CA

STEFAN SIGNER

Stefan Signer gets the spotlight he deserves in Chanan Hanspal's most recent video.
Here's his entry at the UM site : https://www.united-mutations.com/s/stefan_signer.htm 

And there's more !
Hanspeter Spörri is preparing a book on Stefan Signer:
https://www.amazon.de/Steff-Signer-musikalische-Biografie-Highmatt-Geschichte/dp/3858828882

TODD RUNDGREN'S TAKE ON KING CRIMSON'S '21ST CENTURY SCHIZOID MAN'

From GlassOnyon PR

TODD RUNDGREN’s Explosive Take On KING CRIMSON’s “21ST CENTURY SCHIZOID MAN” Previews The Forthcoming Star-Studded KING CRIMSON Tribute Album!

Album features performances by King Crimson alumni Mel Collins and Jakko M. Jakszyk as well as thrash guitar god Chris Poland, Deep Purple's Ian Paice, Rainbow's Joe Lynn Turner, Dream Theater's James LaBrie, Cactus's Carmine Appice and more!

Los Angeles, CA – It’s one of the most groundbreaking debut albums of all-time, a monster of innovative musical composition and thought-provoking lyrics whose appeal and creative influence has not only endured though generations but has expanded since its initial release in 1969. In The Court Of The Crimson King is a magnum opus like no other in rock history and now an all-star gathering of rock music royalty have come together to recreate the masterpiece in its entirety!

It begins with a spectacular version of the lead off track, a mind-blowing, sonic soul-crushing blast called “21st Century Schizoid Man,” which features vocals by Rock Hall Of Fame inductee Todd Rundgren as well as theatrical legend Arthur “God Of Hellfire” Brown alongside former King Crimson saxophonist Mel Collins, guitarist Chris Poland and drummer Ian Paice. Together this extraordinarily talented quartet breathe vicious new life into the song. Rundgren’s vocal performance is nothing short of deliriously demented as he takes on the twisted psyche of King Crimson’s shattered mirror image of modern man. The single is released today on all music platforms to herald the imminent arrival of the full tribute album.

 

MEN & VOLTS - WHEN GENTLEMEN BEHAVED HARMONIOUSLY

For some Captain Beefheart inspired music, check out Men & Volts.

After years of silence, they have been releasing a number of (older) concert recordings and demos, their latest one being "When Gentlemen Behaved Harmoniously"

THE SIX MILLION DOLLAR GUITAR - SHREDDING ZAPPA

The latest (Bandcamp) release by The Six Million Dollar Guitar is called "Shredding Zappa".
Two tracks: a 35-minute zappa-esque jam and a 6-minute funk piece.

DARKO THE SUPER - WHY ARE YOU READING THIS ? YOU'RE STUPID

• Darko The Super: Why Are You Reading This? You’re Stupid
      (2015, download / streaming, --, bandcamp) – 2015 03 27

Released as a Fan Club Exclusive album in 2015, Darko The Super’s ‘Why Are You Reading This? You’re Stupid’ included a piece entitled ‘Bubble Boy (Kenny Segal On The Boards)’ that mentioned Frank Zappa.

Here's a quarter for the suicide booth in Futurama
You can’t handle the truth you blame it on Obama
Take Zappa’s advice and stay with your momma

SPIRITS BURNING & BRIDGET WISHART - BLOODLINES

• spirits burning & bridget wishart: bloodlines
      (2009, cd, uk, voiceprint)

Done Falcone's Spirits Burning project has recorded several albums with Bridget Wishart.
"Bloodlines" is from 2009. It sounds a bit more pop / rock-oriented compared to the other releases.

Still, an interesting album.
Quite diverse in styles, but that may also be caused by the ever-changing lists of participants & composers)

EIDON - ALGO-DIEU

Another new piece by Eidon !

'Algo-Dieu'

 

FREAK ME OUT, FRANK

a Zappa festival in Lisbon, Portugal, later this month.

MARK TURNER - YAM YAM

• mark turner: yam yam
      (1995, cd, the netherlands, criss cross jazz)

For his first album, released in 1995, tenor saxophonist Mark Turner recruited people that he had already performed and recorded with.

• Mark Turner: tenor sax
• Kurt Rosenwinkel: guitar
• Brad Mehldau: piano
• Larry Grenadier: bass
• Jorge Rossy: drums

"Yam Yam" sounds great.
This is one fine jazz album.

MATTEO MANCUSO TO PERFORM A THE THE BRIDGE GUITAR FESTIVAL IN EINDHOVEN

 Bridge Guitar Festival, Eindhoven, NL

a message from Dweezil Zappa

Hello Everyone!

The tour has been officially announced today. Do you want to know what George Duke thinks about my band and my guitar playing?
https://www.dweezilzappa.com/videos/2046121

March 12, 2024 - Renowned guitarist Dweezil Zappa is set to embark on a 30-city concert tour across the United States, celebrating two of his father Frank Zappa’s landmark albums, “Roxy & Elsewhere” and “Apostrophe." The tour commemorates the 50th Anniversary of both albums and Dweezil has curated a setlist highlighting fan-favorite tracks from each record; replete with unique hybrid arrangements. "The songs you think you know, may just end up surprising you with parts you've never heard before" says Dweezil.

The aptly named “Rox-Postrophy” Tour kicks off on August 1st in Phoenix, AZ and will roll into theaters across the East and West Coasts. Dweezil Zappa, who is known for his masterful performances and deep connection to his father's music, returns for the first time since 2020; whipping fan-favorite songs to creamy peaks and guiding fans through the thrilling and sophisticated world of his father’s music with his "rocking teen-age combo." With over two hours of music spanning Frank Zappa's illustrious career, including a surprise performance from Dweezil with an historic instrument in hand; each show promises to be an unforgettable experience.

"It's been a long time since I've been on stage playing the music I love. I'm inspired to try new things and looking forward to playing with the best musicians I know.” says Dweezil Zappa, "I'll be bringing a hot setlist of Frank Zappa classics and personal favorites to all of the fans.” “If you have never heard my father's music, this might be the tour to start your obsession." – Dweezil Zappa, Lead Guitar

The Rox-Postrophy Tour will feature special VIP events for an enhanced concert experience,available for purchase at dweezilzappa.com. For more information on tickets, including tour dates, VIP packages, performers, and exclusive content, visit dweezilzappa.com/events.

This truly is the "Return of the Son of.." and Dweezil and his band are uniquely qualified to bring his father's music to life..


2024 US TOUR DATES:

Thu 8/1/24 - Phoenix, AZ - Celebrity Theatre
Fri 08/02/24 - El Cajon, CA - The Magnolia
Sat 08/03/24 - Los Angeles, CA - Orpheum Theatre
Sun 08/04/24 - San Francisco, CA - The Warfield
Tue 08/06/24 - Reno, NV - Grand Theatre at Grand Sierra Resort
Thu 08/08/24 - Seattle, WA - The Moore
Fri 08/09/24 - Portland, OR - Revolution Hall
Sat 08/10/24 - Boise, ID - Egyptian Theatre
Mon 08/12/24 - Denver, CO - Paramount Theatre
Wed 8/14/24 - Minneapolis, MN - Fitzgerald Theater
Thu 08/15/24 - Chicago, IL - Riviera Theatre
Fri 08/16/24 - Newport, KY - MegaCorp Pavilion
Sat 08/17/24 - Cleveland, OH - Agora Theatre
Sun 08/18/24 - Royal Oak, MI - Royal Oak Music Theatre
Wed 08/21/24 - Pittsburgh, PA - Roxian Theatre
Thu 08/22/24 - Newark, NJ - Mayo Performing Arts Center
Fri 08/23/24 - Albany, NY - The Palace Theatre
Sat 08/24/24 - Portland, ME - State Theatre
Sun 08/25/24 - Medford, MA - Chevalier Theatre
Wed 8/28/24 - Wallingford, CT - Toyota Oakdale Theatre
Thu 8/29/24 - Tarrytown, NY - Tarrytown Music Hall
Fri 8/30/24 - Huntington, NY - The Paramount
Sat 8/31/24 - Red Bank, NJ - Count Basie Center
Sun 9/1/24 - Glenside, PA - Keswick Theatre
Wed 9/4/24 - Richmond, VA - The National
Thu 9/5/24 - Alexandria, VA - The Birchmere
Fri 9/6/24 - Durham, NC - Carolina Theatre of Durham
Sat 9/7/24 - Atlanta, GA - The Eastern
Mon 9/9/24 - St. Louis, MO - Pageant
Wed 9/11/24 - Santa Fe, NM - Lensic Performing Art Center

THE PAUL GREEN SCHOOL OF ROCK WILL JOIN THE BANNED FROM UTOPIA ON THEIR UPCOMING TOUR

From GlassOnyon PR

Banned From Utopia Featuring Frank Zappa Alumni To Tour With The Paul Green Rock Academy Summer 2024!

Banned From Utopia Featuring Ray White, Bobby Martin and Scott Thunes!

We Love Zappa Tour celebrating the music of Frank Zappa from all eras!

Banned From Utopia featuring legendary Frank Zappa alumni Ray White, Bobby Martin and Scott Thunes, will be touring North America with The Paul Green Rock Academy this summer starting in July! The We Love Zappa Tour celebrates the music of Frank Zappa from all eras!

Banned From Utopia was formed in 1994 to keep the true spirit of Frank Zappa’s music alive. Covering a variety of Zappa songs, the ensemble lovingly recreates the eclectic virtuoso approach of their former band leader.

Banned From Utopia
Ray White
Bobby Martin
Scott Thunes
with
Joel Taylor
Robbie Mangano
Jamie Kime

Tour Dates
7/4 - Lyndhurst NJ - Town Square Bandshell
7/5 - Hudson Falls NY - The Strand Theatre
7/6 - Cleveland OH - Beachland Ballroom
7/10 - St. Louis MO - City Winery St. Louis
7/11 - Milwaukee WI - Shank Hall
7/12 - Chicago IL - Martyr’s
7/13 - Ft. Wayne IN - Sweetwater HQ
7/14 - Cincinnati OH - Ludlow Garage
7/16 - Pittsburgh PA - City Winery Pittsburgh
7/17 - Asheville NC - The Grey Eagle
7/19 - Nashville TN - City Winery Nashville
7/20 - Charlotte NC - Visulite Theater
7/21 - Atlanta GA - City Winery Atlanta
7/23 - Lansing WV - Burrito Bar at Breeze Hill
7/25 - Rutherford NJ - Williams Center for the Arts
7/26 - New Haven CT - Toad’s Place
7/27 - Pawtucket RI - Met Café
7/28 - Pawling NY - Daryl’s House
7/30 - Montgomery NY - City Winery Montgomery
8/1 - Westport CT - Westport Library
8/2 - Boston MA - City Winery Boston
8/3 - Brattleboro VT - Stone Church
8/4 - Ardmore PA - Ardmore Music Hall

Banned From Utopia:

Ray White - vocals, guitar One of the most powerful and distinctive voices that ever graced a Zappa vocal, Ray White. Ray White’s distinctive, powerful voice was first heard interpreting Zappa’s music in 1976. From that beginning, he became an integral member of Frank’s band through 1984, and can be seen on the DVD recorded the summer of that year in New York, “Does Humor Belong In Music?” A former member of the Edwin Hawkins Singers gospel group, he also brings a solid R&B guitar style to the blend, both as a rhythm player and as a soloist. Looking towards future creative endeavors with Banned From Utopia, Ray is also a gifted writer and lyricist

Robert Martin - vocals, keyboards, saxophone, French horn Keyboards, horns, and of course, the voice that always made Frank smile, Robert Martin brings it all. Robert (Bobby) Martin joined Frank Zappa in 1981 and sang and played various instruments on every tour from then on, through the final tour in 1988. In addition to the diverse sonic palette Robert brought to the band with his multi-instrumental skills, Zappa relied heavily on Robert’s unique vocal power and range to enhance the variety of musical styles Frank explored in all his performances. In any moment, Frank might switch from heavy metal to classic Doo Wop, or anything in between, and Robert would be right there..

Scott Thunes - guitar, vocals Scott Thunes played with Zappa’s band from 1981 to 1988, and plays on such albums as “The Man From Utopia”, “Them or Us,” “Broadway the Hard Way,” “You Can’t Do That on Stage Anymore,” “Does Humor Belong In Music?,” “The Best Band You Never Heard In Your Life,” “Frank Zappa Meets the Mothers of Prevention,” “Ship Arriving Too Late to Save a Drowning Witch,” “Make a Jazz Noise Here,” and “Guitar,” a double-album compilation of Zappa’s live guitar solos. His most prominent bass performance can be heard on Frank Zappa's “Valley Girl,” which peaked at #32 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Robbie Mangano - guitar, vocals Robbie has performed with Zappa Tribute band Project/Object, playing bass and guitar with members of Frank Zappa’s band, and embarked on his first tour and first overseas gigs through that ensemble. Soon after he would begin touring with more Zappa alumni in The Grandmothers Of Invention. Most recently he has toured with Sean Lennon & Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger.

Jamie Kime - guitar Jamie Kime has performed and recorded with Dweezil Zappa’s Zappa Plays Zappa project from 2006 until 2012. More recently, he did a European tour with The Banned From Utopia. Earlier this year, Jamie Kime recorded his very first solo album: “Alleys.” Some standout moments include gigs w/ The Boneshakers (feat. Texas blues/soul legend Malford Milligan), Jewel, the original lineup of a Zappa Plays Zappa - with whom he collected a Grammy Award in 2009, the Los Angeles Philharmonic for the World Premiere of Frank Zappa’s 200 Motels Orchestral Suites in 2013, and rock legend Dr. John. The Jamie Kime Group performs on the first Monday of every month at the world-famous Baked Potato in Studio City, CA.

Joel Taylor - drums Joel Taylor has toured or recorded with artists such as Greg Howe, Brian Bromberg, Mike Garson, Al Di Meola, Frank Gambale, Allan Holdsworth, Banned From Utopia, and appears on Yanni's live concert video Tribute.

The Paul Green Rock Academy

The Paul Green Rock Academy (PGRA) is the latest music program from School of Rock founder Paul Green. From the very beginning of his teaching career Paul has taught the music of Frank Zappa, calling it “one stop shopping for musical education.”

While co-headlining the German Zappa festival Zappanale in 2023 Paul and his students got to see Banned From Utopia in action, and vice versa, and an instant bond was formed between the acts.

Watch The Paul Green Rock Academy plays Zappa at Zappanale!
https://youtu.be/yRtjUgb-MRc

The students of PGRA are honored to be going on this tour with BFU and will learn so much from the experience, while also thrilling audiences with their own fiery renditions of Zappa classics and deep cuts.

REIMAGINING THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING

Rock music royalty gather together to recreate one of the most important and influential albums in history, King Crimson’s 1969 masterpiece In The Court Of The Crimson King!

"Reimagining the Court of the Crimson King"

The album cover :

Moonchild feat. Joe Lynn Turner, Marty Friedman, Jah Wobble & Chester Thompson

-- info: Uli Mrosek

R.I.P. TM STEVENS

TM Stevens a.k.a. Shaka Zulu, who was part of VAI (with Steve Vai, Devin Townsend, and Terry Bozzio ) passed away.
Let's give "Sex & Religion" another spin...

https://www.maxazine.nl/2024/03/11/bass-legende-t-m-stevens-overleden/

GARY LUCAS IN CONCERT AT THE BRIDGE GUITAR FESTIVAL IN JUNE 2024

Gary Lucas in concert in Eindhoven on June 1, 2024.

SAT. JUNE 1ST at the BRIDGE GUITAR FESTIVAL

MUZIEKEBOUW EINDHOVEN

THE MUSIC OF GARY LUCAS AND JEFF BUCKLEY

In celebration of the the 30th anniversary of "GRACE"

 

ZAPPA TALKS - - - ZAPPA TRIBUTE CONCERT IN NORDHORN, GERMANY ON APRIL 21

21 April 4pm: Zappa Talks at the Kornmühle Nordhorn.

 
Address: Mühlendamm, 48529 Nordhorn.

Music and quotes from Frank Zappa by Wan Kemper (keys), Marco Onstenk (percussion and mallets) and digital music (ableton).

 
Musician Frank Zappa (1940 - 1993) will be honoured in a very special way.

Marco Onstenk, percussion teacher at the Nordhorn Music School, and keyboardist Wan Kemper want to honour the composer, musician and performer Frank Zappa with this special event. Frank Zappa mixed rock music in his own way with psychedelic, jazz, experimental and contemporary classical music. He combined all of this with a great deal of self-irony, humour and performance art. Zappa Talks unites quotes and music by Zappa. A unique experience not to be missed.

NEW ZAPPA RADIO SHOW BOX SET ANNOUNCED

Unofficial and unauthorised, but not illegal, this new 8 CD set.
"Zappa - Mega Box - Radio Broadcast Master Recordings",
and these are, of course, not the original master recordings, but the same old concerts that have been issued quite a number of times the last couple of years...

SCHEILA GONZALEZ WITH MEN AT WORK

 Former Zappa Plays Zappa sax player Scheila Gonzalez with Men At Work !

-- info: Harald Häring

GOATIKA & TONY LEVIN FEATURING HUUN HUUR TU

-- link: Harald Häring 

THE MELAMINE DIVISION PLATES

The Melamine Division Plates released two fine albums on Alan Jenkins' Cordelia Records label.
"Novosirbisk" saw the light of day in 2019, followed by "The Impenetrable Arch Of Probability" in 2020.

If you're in for some experimental music that includes a surf guitar (as I am), this will be great fun to listen to.

Check out the reviews at:

https://louderthanwar.com/the-melamine-division-plates-novosibirsk-album-review/

https://louderthanwar.com/melamine-division-plates-impenetrable-arch-of-probability-album-review/

-

PHI YAAN-ZEK

In his latest newsletter, Phi Yaan-Zek says:

I'm currently finishing recording work on a new guitar centered instrumental album that features Marco Minnemann, Bryan Beller and Lalle Larsson, which hopefully will be out later this year.

EIDON - DIALOGUE

A new piece by Eidon.

TERTON - OUTER, INNER, SECRET

• terton: outer, inner, secret
      (2023, cd, usa, tzadik)

Remaining true to the alchemical beginner’s mind, Terton is a band that places exploration and improvisation first and foremost. Featuring saxophonist Louie Belogenis, bassist Trevor Dunn, and drummer Ryan Sawyer, the music pushes the envelope of free jazz and points in many directions at once.

In Tibetan Buddhism, a terton uncovers and reveals esoteric spiritual teachings currently unknown and unpracticed. Like the teachings referred to, the music here are similar treasures—a music deeply buried within the human psyche waiting for an opportune time to appear. Louie, Trevor and Ryan mine this hidden terrain with great honesty, imagination, and craft.

Louie Belogenis, Trevor Dunn & Ryan Sawyer.
Experimental jazz !!

BANNED FROM UTOPIA

The Banned From Utopia is still on the road, doing a handful of gigs in northern Europe, performing the music of Frank Zappa.
Last night, in Stockholm, they were joined on stage by Morgan Agren !!

Tonight is their final show of this short tour :

10 March 2024 Banned From Utopia play Rockland, Sala, Sweden.

STEPHANE GALLAND & THE RHYTHM HUNTERS

 Stéphane Galland & The Rhythm Hunters will be releasing their first album next month.

Today the first single of Stéphane Galland's upcoming album "Stéphane Galland & The Rhythm Hunters" was released. Stéphane about the first track, entitled "The Lindy Effect": 

'A phenomenon that suggests that the longer a non-perishable thing has survived into existence, the longer its life expectancy. I started using quintuplets (a beat divided into 5) as a main subdivision many years ago, and today it’s becoming more and more common. This composition is built entirely on this principle, as is Transe Culture. Long live the quintuplets.' 

With Stéphane Galland (drums), Shoko Igarashi (tenor saxophone), Sylvain Debaisieux (alto saxophone), Pierre-Antoine Savoyat (trumpet), Wajdi Riahi (piano) and Louise van den Heuvel (bass). 

The debut album of Stéphane Galland & The Rhythm Hunters is coming your way April 26 on Challenge Records International.

Can't wait !! This is gonna be good.