QUASI - THE SWORD OF GOD

Quasi: The Sword Of God
    (2001, cd, UK, domino)

Quasi = Sam Coomes (vocals, guitar, keyboard) & Janet Weiss (vocals, drums).
Indy power duo from Portland.

The duo released "The Sword Of God" in 2001.
The album featured Stanley Jason Zappa as special guest on the second track of the album, 'Fuck Hollywood', playing a wild outro to the song.

It's a nice album. Too bad that SJZ was only featured on one track.

THE REFERENCE GROUP - FILE UNDER UNPOPULAR

The Reference Group consisted of:

• Jimmy Ågren : electric slide guitar
• Mathias Danielsson : electric guitar
• Ralf Nygård : digital bass
• Michael Maksymenko: drums

The Reference Group existed for a short period in the years 2007-2008. The group was formed by Ralf Nygård and Michael Maksymenko with the aim of playing their own original compositions partly from previous musical activities - but also new material. The idea was to perform only instrumental music, and the group were completed when guitarists Jimmy Ågren and Mathias Danielsson joined.

What a superb collection of songs.
Beefheartian rhythms, Snakefinger-like guitar licks, and some raw slide guitar...
This is superb.

Released as a digital download / streaming album by the Cuneiform record label.

FRANK ZAPPA - LUMPY GRAVY

Enjoying last year's re-issue of Frank Zappa's "Lumpy Gravy".
Re-released on the Japanese Oldays Records label.

The original capitol records mix (previously released on the "Lumpy/Money Project" and on the "Lumpy Gravy Primordial" 2018 record store day release) is included as bonus material.

Originally released in 1967.
I first heard it in the mid-eighties when it was made available again (as a counterfeit). It remains one of my absolute favourites.

-

 

AN UPDATE FROM THE RESIDENTS

Hello again,

Another month and another update from the really-too-overcrowded-now desk of New Ralph Too. You may like to know that The Residents are well and spending a lot of time and energy working up their forthcoming 'Eskimo' live show, as well as the proposed next album, which we're contractually obliged to tell you is guaranteed to be a masterpiece.

For those on the west coast, the group's (almost) debut 'Eskimo' performance will take place at the Exotikon Festival at the Mayan Theater in L.A. on June 7th. It's a 3.00 p.m. matinee show, and tickets can be purchased at the Exotikon website (exotikon.com) or via Eventbrite. We're told the show features brand new stuff seamlessly and cleverly merged with the 'Eskimo' album we all know and love. The guys themselves are very excited about it, and we wait to hear of more dates coming soon - you'll be the first to know!

You probably already know by now that the 'American Composers Series' pREServed release is due out in June too, and available for pre-order now. But in San Francisco thoughts have already turned to the next proposed release, namely 'Animal Lover', an album which evolved through an unusually long and twisty series of projects and really lends itself to the microscopic detail the pREServed series tries to explore. So that'll be a good one.

There's also talk of a proposed 2CD compilation of The Residents' three album 'Leftovers' Record Store Day trilogy to satisfy those who either don't buy vinyl, hate Record Store Day or just plain like to acquire more and more Residents stuff (I include myself among that number). The Cryptic Corporation have received a lot of requests for digital versions, and interestingly we're told it'll include some pieces which didn't make the vinyl releases for reasons of time and space (as in time and space on the records, not time and space the universal fabric). What larks!

There are, as ever, many other plans afoot and sliding in and out of The Residents' consciousness. Where to begin? A couple of proposed books, incomplete recordings in need of finishing and releasing, that new album mentioned above, more tour dates, their ongoing efforts to land a Resident on the moon, debates over whether or not Homer Flynn's title as "President" of the Cryptic Corporation should be temporarily retired again until the term regains some meaning, an itch that may need scratching concerning an update addendum to the 'Faceless Forever' encyclopaedia and on and on it goes.

But for now, folks - that's all. Keep that third eye well squeegeed and rest assured The Residents will, at some point, finish up their 'to do' list and get around to saving us all.

Your pals,
@ New Ralph Too

ANDY MERTENS ON YOUTUBE

Bass player for Sheik Yerbouti / Grandsheiks Andreas 'Andy' Mertens has a YouTube channel on which he discusses and performs the music of Frank Zappa.

It's pretty amazing.
I thought of Andy as an excellent bass player, but he's just an amazing all-round musician.

He also discusses FZ's guitar tone, among other things.
Check it out.

CHARLES BOBUCK - MUSIC FOR A GALLERY OPENING

• Charles Bobuck: God O - Music For A Gallery Opening
      (2025, 2cd, Austria, klanggalerie)

Charles Bobuck = Hardy Fox, the (late) composer for The Residents.

From the klanggalerie website:
Charles Bock was a pseudonym that Hardy Fox, co-founder and primary composer for the group, used from 2012 to 2017. About a dozen albums were released using that name until Fox started using his real name for his solo recordings. "GOD O" was the opening music for a Homer Flynn art exhibition in Oakland, CA (April-June 2011). This track was originally released in March 2012 as a download MP3 file only and later as a small run CD by The Cryptic Corporation. In addition, three reworked tracks were released as download only. Klanggalerie are now collecting these songs together with a previously unreleased track named GDC that is half an hour long and was most likely created by Hardy in 2017. In addition, we offer the download versions of the bonus tracks that are slightly differently mixed to the CD versions.

https://www.klanggalerie.com/gg480

Beautiful ! 

STICK MEN ON TOUR

STICK MEN on tour

Progressive rock powerhouse Stick Men—featuring Tony Levin, Pat Mastelotto, and Markus Reuter—are bringing their boundary-pushing live show to the West Coast this July.

Tickets are available now for most shows, with additional dates potentially to be announced soon.

• July 11 - Los Angeles, CA (The Baked Potato, 2 shows)
• July 12 - Los Angeles, CA (The Baked Potato, 2 shows)
• July 13 - Los Angeles, CA (The Baked Potato)
• July 15 - San Marcos, CA (The Bornemann Theater)
• July 17 - Stockton, CA (The Haggin Museum)
• July 18 - Fresno, CA (Frank’s Place)
• July 20 - Petaluma, CA (Mystic Theatre)
• July 23 - Arcata, CA (Arcata Theater)
• July 25 - Eugene, OR (WOW Hall)
• July 29 - Vancouver, BC (Rickshaw Theatre)
• July 30 - Seattle, WA (The Triple Door)

For latest tour dates, tickets, and updates, visit
stickmenband.com/shows

DWEEZIL ZAPPA INTERVIEW ON DUTCH RADIO 1

Go to :

https://www.nporadio1.nl/fragmenten/de-nieuws-bv/019720e2-3467-7033-ae70-40ac307d7e99/2025-05-30-dweezil-zappa-over-zijn-vader-gitaren-en-het-bridge-festival

and click on "Speel audio af", the blue button.

-- info: Dirk Verschaeve

GADJOLOGIE - GADJOLOGIE

• Gadjologie: Gadjologie
      (2008, cd, France, milan music)

French gypsy jazz / acoustic swing quartet Gadjologie released their version of Frank Zappa’s ‘Blessed Relief’ on their eponymous 2008 album.
The album had previously been made available by Damien Cordelet as an artisanal product (in a silk-screen printed package), attributed to The Mazarski Quartet.

The quartet featured Damien Cordelet (lead guitar), Gary Grandin (rhythm guitar), Manuel Decocq (violin & accordion) and Hugues Letort (double bass), plus special guest Olivier Riquart (accordion).

Here's the Mazarski album :

ALI LEE - THE SHOUT

 

• Ali Lee: The Shout
      (1992, cd ep, Germany, hydra records)

Another nice find.
German keyboard player (and vocalist) Ali Lee released her version of FZ’s ‘Blessed Relief’ on her first EP in 1992.
A jazzy version with some beautiful bass lines.

CHANAN HANSPAL

Check out Chanan Hanspal's latest release.
Funky stuff.

 

KÖLN BIG BAND - UPDATE

• Köln Big Band: Update
      (1988, cd, Germany, delta)

I recently mentioned the KBB's second album, "N", featuring Chad Wackerman as special guest.
Reason enough to check out their first album as well.
"Update" presents 9 tracks.
Except for Ebo Wagner's 'Sian', all pieces were written by bandleader Michael Villmow, 
Very nice.

Here's a video from a tv appearance where the band performed 'Sahara', also to be found on the "Update" album.

CHOCLAT FROG

German prog rock duo cHoclat FRoG = Rainer and Tim Ludwig.
They released two albums !

 

MAKE WEIRD MUSIC TALKED TO MONIKA ROSCHER

Make Weird Music's Anthony Garone talked to Monika Roscher.

Great !!

CHRIS COCHRANE / COLLAPSIBLE SHOULDER

Today's discovery: Chris Cochrane's Collapsible Shoulder Big Band.

The Collapsible Shoulder released "Everywhere" in 2016, a 7-track EP.

"e v e r y w h e r e" - the first release by Collapsible Shoulder - formed by Chris Cochrane, featuring Brian Chase, Kato Hideki, and Kevin Bud Jones.
Collapsible Shoulder's music is drawn from its members' years in the downtown NYC and Brooklyn music scenes: neo-psychedelic with unpredictable twists and turns, an electronic-acoustic-sonic mash.

A couple of months ago, "e v e r y w h e r e" got a follow-up.
"Live 2019 - A Map Of Books", released as a digital download / streaming album on the Cuneiform record label.

The music displays the same atmosphere, but it's being performed by a larger group of musicians, hence the larger instrumentation.
(And just to be clear: It's not Big Band, but it's a big Band.)
Very nice.

ANOTHER ZAPPA RADIO SHOW ALBUM ANNOUNCED

Frank Zappa & The Mothers
"Live 1973"
Bologna
CD
Announced for a July release.

FRANK ZAPPA - CHEEAPER THAN CHEEP

Today's favourite track.

Frank Zappa - RDNZL (Live June 21, 1974) 

MONIKA ROSCHER BIGBAND

An upcoming live album, and a performance at Zappanale.
I'm really looking forward to both !!

KOENJIHYAKKEI - LIVE AT CLUB GOODMAN

• Koenjihyakkei: Live At Club Goodman
      (2025, 2cd, USA, skin graft records)

First things first: Koenjihyakkei will be performing at the Archiduc in Brussels, BE, tonight, 29/05/2025.

And now back to the normal program: Skin Graft Records has just released "Live At Club Goodman", a live album by Japanase ZEUHL band Koenjihyakkei.
Recorded in concert in 2020 !!
What a treat.

This is pure energy. Well, energy transformed into music, that is.

Here's two snapshots from yesterday's Wurzburg concert.

(pictures by Uli Mrosek)

Anyway, this new album is great.

It sounds superb and it comes in a beautiful package.
Also out on vinyl, or as a digital download on Bandcamp.

Following the release of their album “Dhorimviskha” (one of Bandcamp Daily’s albums of the year) and during the height of the covid pandemic, Japan’s Koenjihyakkei played a rousing set to an empty Club Goodman and live-streamed their performance around the world. Now, vocalist / composer / drummer extraordinaire Tatsuya Yoshida has returned to the original recordings, and has meticulously mixed and mastered the concert for a 2025 release. “Live at Club Goodman” delivers over 100 minutes of truly unclassifiable music that blends progressive rock, jazz fusion, symphonic rock and neoclassicism with the energy of hardcore punk, the volume of metal and the attitude of rock in opposition.

-

RENATA PRZEMYK - YA HO ZNA

• Renata Przemyk: Ya Hozna
      (2005, cd, Poland, universal)

Originally released in 1990 as an album by Polish band Ya Hozna (with Renata Przemyk on lead vocals), the album got rereleased several times, credited to Renata Przemyk.
The album included ‘Tortury’, a track that was inspired by FZ’s ‘The Torture Never Stops’.
This 2005 (archival rock) re-issue, with adapted artwork, presented a remastered version of the album.

• Tortury (Sławomir Wolski)
  = The Torture Never Stops

VARIOUS ARTISTS - L' AVANT GARDE 1988-1970

•  Various Artists: L’Avant-Garde 1888-1970
      (2017, 3cd, France, frémeaux & associés)

"L'Avant-Garde 1888-1970", subtitled "Experimental Music, Geniuses, Visionaries, Revolutionaries, Misunderstood And Eccentric Innovators", got released with the necessairy hype stickers:
- Prix de l'Academie du Jazz
- Grand Prix de l'Académie Charles Cros"
- Notre Memoire Collective.

Not differentiating between the different music genres, this 3 CD presented "a glimpse of the musical avant-garde, touching upon the main experimental trends, or perhaps, just the most innovative ones".
Next to pieces by Satie, Boulez, Moondog, Sun Ra, Yoko Ono, Stockhausen, Edgard Varèse and Terry Riley (to name just a handful), it included Bob Guy's 'Dear Jeepers', written by Frank Zappa.

The 36-page booklet included a picture of (1962) Frank Zappa.

SUN RA - NUITS DE LA FONDATION MAEGHT

• Sun Ra: Nuits De La Fondation Maeght
      (2025, 4cd, --, strut) (2025, 6lp, --, strut)

Also out as a 6 LP box set, but I'm more than happy with my 4 CD set.

Recorded during two nights at a music festival in France in 1970, some of the material got released on two albums ("Vol.1" and "Vol.2") in 1971. 
And now, the Strut record label is doing another fantastic job by releasing the 4 hours of music that made up the two concerts.

The set also includes a 20-page booklet with liner notes by some of the people who played a major role in getting the Sun Ra Arkestra to their first European concerts.
Great reading and beautiful pictures.

It must have been quite something.
Imagine the south of France in 1970.
A concert that took place in a gallery for contemporary art.
A concert that included projections and dance. 

What a luxury to be able to listen to this...

SUN RA - SLEEPING BEAUTY

Sun Ra released "Sleeping Beauty" in 1979. Originally released on Sun Ra's own Saturn label, the album has been spotted with different artwork variations.
More recently, we've seen the 2005 re-release by the Art Yard record label (digital platforms, CD and LP), and now there's the re-issue on vinyl by the Strut record label.
Announced for July 18, 2025.

• Sun Ra: Sleeping Beauty
      (2025, lp, --, strut)

FRANK ZAPPA'S AMERICA

New book.
To be released early next month:
"Frank Zappa's America"
by Morgan Bradley.

ZAPPAS & PAPPAS

Zappas & Pappas.
I still think they should have called themselves The Zappas & The Pappas. It just has a better ring to it.

Anyway, Zappa & Pappas will perform the music of Frank Zappa at the "Květnový festival svobody 2025"

May 30 & 31

https://goout.net/cs/kvetnovy-festival-svobody-2025/szfqmux/

NEW ALBUM BY MARSHALL ALLEN

 After last year's "New Dawn" album, Marshall Allen has now released "Live In Philadelphia".

• Marshall Allen’s Ghost Horizons: Live in Philadelphia
      (2025, 2lp, USA, ars nova workshop)
      (2025, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)

Sun Ra Arkestra's Marshall Allen has a new album out.

On the cusp of his 101st birthday, we have the double LP live release, Marshall Allen’s Ghost Horizons Live in Philadelphia. Ghost Horizons is wide spanning all-star project involving multiple and ever-changing players that teams Allen, who plays alto sax and EVI, with Arkestra guitarist DM Hotep via the auspices of Philadelphia’s Ars Nova Workshop series of concerts at its home venue Solar Myth. These concerts took place over two years with 16 tracks highlighting some of the foremost names in creative music. As you likely know, the Sun Ra Arkestra has called Philadelphia home for almost 60 years. The venue takes its name from one of the Arkestra’s compositions. Allen continues to lead the Arkestra but has curtailed his travel considerably.

These pairings reveal Allen’s unique alto and EVI techniques in mostly uncluttered settings. It is a significant, definitive statement that Allen is still a foremost champion of the avant-garde.

The guitarist, DM Hotep assembled a wide range of improvisers he knew would inspire Allen.

TROY GRADY GUESTED AT A DWEEZIL ZAPPA SHOW

YouTube guitar teacher Troy Grady got invited by Dweezil Zappa to be a special guest at the April 16 NYC gig.
Here's Troy's story:

 -
an audience capture

SCOTT THUNES TALKED TO GUITAR WORLD

Scott Thunes on playing bass & Frank Zappa

https://www.guitarworld.com/artists/bassists/scott-thunes-frank-zappa

Scott Thunes blazed a unique trail with Frank Zappa – but maintains solo bass is a complete no-no

by Nick Wells

THE RESIDENTS - DOOKIETOWN

• The Residents: Dookietown
      '2024, 10", UK, cherry red)

Following The Residents' output is not obvious.
Next to their regular releases (The Resident, Hardy Fox, Bobuck), there's also free downloads being distributed, and several of the latest albums included a bonus 7" when ordered at the Cherry Red label.
That being said, I do try to keep track of their 'regular' albums (and EP's).

The most recent catch up included "DookieTown", a 10" album that got released by the Cherry Red label in 2024.

Most probably written during the "Freak Show" period but only recorded in 2024, these 6 tracks try to answer the question: "Where Do Clowns Go Once The Show Is Over?",
Released as an Election Day Souvenir.

Too bad that the 10" didn't come with a FLAC download code, but that's the only remark I can make.
Excellent !!
Tragic stories, but excellent.

THE DELLTONES - TEARS BEGIN TO FALL

Catching up on some old 7" singles, I bought The Delltones' 'Tears Begin To Fall'.
Released in Australia in 1972.
Covering Zappa's 'Tears Began to Fall'.

-

BILLY COBHAM BAND - LIVE AT FUNKHAUS HANNOVER

The FM recording of Billy Cobham's 1975 concert in Hannover recently hit my inbox.
(Try the guitars101 website)

Have a look at this line-up !

• Walt Fowler: trumpet
• Tom Malone: baritone sax, trombone
• Larry Schneider: ten.-sax
• Alex Blake: ac., el.-bass
• John Scofield: el.-guitar
• Milcho Leviev: keyboards
• Billy Cobham: drums

THE ED PALERMO BIG BAND IN CONCERT AT THE FALCON IN JUNE

THE RUDY SCHWARTZ PROJECT - THE HAPPIEST GIRL IN THE WHOLE USA

The Rudy Schwartz Project
'The Happiest Girl In The Whole USA'
From the album "Ass & Hammer: Sunhine Supershits Volume 2"

Bandcamp:
https://therudyschwartzproject.bandcamp.com/

 

LITTLE FEAT - STRIKE UP THE BAND

• Little Feat: Strike Up The Band
      (2025, cd, USA, hot tomato records)

Another Little Feat album hit the shelves.
Contrary to the more bluesy "Sam's Place" that got released last year, Little Feat returned to their unmistakable and typical rock / boogie / slide guitar style.

"Strike Up The Band" holds no surprises, but it's a solid and excellent Little Feat album.
Also out on vinyl.
I'm not counting, but those who do tell me that this is album number 40 !!
Time to celebrate !

HANS ANNELLSSON - SINSTER FOOTWEAR 1:ST MOVEMENT

Wow.
Just wow.

Out on several digital music platforms, including Bandcamp.

Hans added: Working on the 2:nd & 3:rd movements as well.

THE REFERENCE GROUP - FILE UNDER UNPOPULAR

Check this out !
The Reference Group.
With Jimmy Agren.
Fans of Captain Beefheart & The Magic Band need to hear this.

 

DWEEZIL ZAPPA

I recently got hold of a 2 CDR promo set for Dweezil Zappa's "Return Of The Son Of..."

A nice addition to "The Others Of Invention" collection.

-

FRANK ZAPPA AND THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION - LIVE 1969

Another radio show album.
CD.
Out on the Rox Vox record label.

The 1969/05/23 Appleton concert.

PANZERBALLETT'S "HART GENOSSEN" RE-RELEASED ON VINYL

Originally released on CD in 2009, Panzerballett’s “Hart Genossen Von ABBA Bis Zappa” got a vinyl release.

The album includes two (excellent) Frank Zappa medleys;

https://www.actmusic.com/en/hart-genossen-von-abba-bis-zappa/ACTLP-9664-1

THE ED PALERMO BIG BAND - PROG VS FUSION

• The Ed Palermo Big Band: Prog vs Fusion - A War Of The Ages
      (2025, cd, USA, sky cat)

A-Ma-Zing.
From the first notes, I got teleported into Ed Palermo's world.
A world where melodies intertwine, where déjà-vus provoke a smile, only to be encountered by raised eyebrows of amazement.
The term mash up doesn't do it right. These are superb arrangements of classic prog and fusion tunes.

Love it !! And Frank Zappa's 'G-Spot Tornado' makes guest appearances in several of the pieces.

Out on CD and available through Bandcamp.
Don't hesitate.
Highly recommended !!

CRYSTAL SPIDERS

If you need some energy to start the day, how about Crystal Spiders? 

Out on the Ripple Music label.

JOE SATRIANI AND STEVE VAI DISCUSS THE SATCHVAI BAND WITH GUITAR PLAYER

GuitarPlayer.com contributing writer Joe Bosso talks with Joe Satriani and Steve Vai to discuss the formation of the SatchVai Band, their forthcoming release and the group's upcoming debut summer tour.

 

JETHRO TULL & EDDIE JOBSON

I'm enjoying a digital copy of the "Slipstream" video : Jethro Tull, featuring Eddie Jobson, recorded during the  1980 "A" tour.

Released on DVD, as a bonus to the "A" album.

THE RESIDENTS / HARDY FOX / CHARLES BOBUCK

Out now on the Klanggalerie record label:

CHARLES BOBUCK GOD O: Music For A Gallery Opening (Deluxe) 2CD album | gg480

NEW MESSAGE FROM J.M. SMIG

J.M. Smig:

On this day in 2019, I released the single "Dog Meat", a medley of Frank Zappa's "Uncle Meat" and "The Dog Breath Variations". Unlike Zappa's own medley of the same name, I deconstructed the works in a minimalist vein, only repeating particular phrases and overlapping them out of their original order;
This would be released again on my 50th birthday later in the same year as a track on Unsmigitated Audacity, an EP of Zappa covers.

NEW RELEASE BY THE MONIKA ROSCHER BIGBAND

a message from the Monika Roscher BigBand

Dear friends,

surprise! Our very first live album is coming out on June 20!! It features songs like 8 Prinzessinnen as well as highlights from our earlier albums!

We're incredibly excited to share it with you and put a lot of love into capturing the atmosphere of the concert on this record. The album will be available exclusively on CD and vinyl!

If you'd like to pre-order it, you can do so on our website or on Bandcamp – we’ll send it out to you in time for the June 20 release day!

https://monikaroscher.bandcamp.com/album/witchy-activities-live-album-2025-pre-order-release-june-20

We're also looking forward to seeing you at our upcoming shows:

July 19 - Zappanale | Bad Doberan
November 22 - Z-Bau | Nuremberg
December 27 - Pavillon | Hanover
December 28 - Jazzclub | Regensburg

See you live again soon!
Monika & Bigband

https://youtube.com/shorts/gWM2zjFahUQ?si=fIthwsTdFY-gphLd

SUN RA - NUITS DE LA FONDATION MAEGHT

Another expanded re-release.
The Strut record label re-issues Sun Ra's "Nuits De La Fondation Maeght".

Originally released across two edited volumes by Shandar in 1971, the concerts are now being reissued by Strut across 4 CD’s / 6 LP's. The set features a 36-page booklet featuring liner notes by Daniel Caux, Jacqueline Caux and Paul Griffiths and stunning restored photos of the festival by Philippe Gras.

https://strut-records.co.uk/products/sun-ra-nuits-de-la-fondation-maeght

 

MR. CIX & ANDRE LEWIS

Mr. Cix's "Country Boy, City Man 1975" featured Andre Lewis (on 'effects').

Jan added:
According to Discogs, this is the Andre Lewis that also played with FZ.
That seems plausible because the arranger, Marlo Henderson, also played in Lewis' band, Maxayn.

Funky stuff.

 -- info: Jan van Kemenade

ANOTHER FINE PIECE BY EIDON

'Aleatorica' by Eidon.

 

RICK WAKEMAN - - - THE OFFICIAL BROADCAST COLLECTION

Best known as a member of progressive rock band Yes, Rick Wakeman has a new box set out.

10 CDs & 5 DVDs : Rick Wakeman: "The Official Broadcast Collection".

More info: 
https://www.rickwakemansmusicemporium.com/products/rick-wakeman-the-official-broadcast-collection

A DWEEZIL ZAPPA UPDATE

Dweezil Zappa says:

Hello Everyone,

I'm heading to the UK for the first time since 2019 and I'll be teaming up with Andertons Music Co for a guitar event. If you're planning a trip to the UK too, then come join me on June 5th! I'll be demonstrating some playing techniques and doing a Q&A.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dweezil-zappa-masterclass-x-marshall-amps-shabat-guitars-tickets-1364002551349

A SPINIFEX UPDATE

SPINIFEX MAXXIMUS

Spinifex

• Tobias Klein – bass clarinet, alto saxophone
• Bart Maris – trumpet
• John Dikeman – tenor & bass saxophone
• Jasper Stadhouders – guitar
• Gonçalo Almeida – double bass
• Philipp Moser – drums

will feature three great guest musicians for Spinifex Maxximus:

• Evi Filippou - vibraphone/percussion
• Elisabeth Coudoux - cello
• Jessica Pavone - viola

In 2025, Spinifex presents MAXXIMUS, a special project celebrating the ensemble's 20th anniversary. With this extended ensemble, Spinifex explores more acoustic sound worlds than in their regular sextet line-up. You’ll hear the colors of a (low) string trio, vibraphone, bass clarinet and bass saxophone.

The Maxximus premiere took place at Opus Jazz Club (BMC) Budapest. Another performance took place at Divadlo 29 (Pardubice, Czech Republic) where Spinifex was in residence for this project and also recorded a new album that will come out on November 14th 2025.

Upcoming performances:

• June 6th 2025, Moers Festival
• June 9th 2025, Splendor Amsterdam
• 28 Nov 2025, LantarenVenster, Rotterdam
• 29 Nov 2025, HotHouse, Leiden
• 3 Dec 2025, JIN, Nijmegen
• 6 Dec 2025, Plusetage, Baarle-Nassau

YUKA & CHRONOSHIP

From GlassOnyon PR

Japanese Progressive Rock Band Yuka & Chronoship Announce the Release of the New Studio Album Ribbon Butterfly – OUT NOW!

Yuka & Chronoship was formed in 2009 by Yuka Funakoshi (a rare female progressive rock artist in the world) and experienced musician and producer, Shun Taguchi.

Yuka & Chronoship has released a series of albums that have built up a worldwide following as they break new ground in the progressive rock genre.

‘Ribbon Butterfly’ is a concept album with instrumental passages that each correspond with a page in the 36-page booklet with artwork by Freyja Dean. The band’s logo is by Roger Dean.

Yuka said of the album’s release, “Having been working on the album for 7 years including the pandemic period, we are now thrilled to deliver our gift of story, art, and music: a 36-page long SciFi story, its visual renderings, and the visually inspired songs. This is our absolute masterpiece!”

SNARKY PUPPY - SYLVA

• Snarky Puppy: Sylva (remixed & remastered)
      (2024, cd + blu-ray, USA, groundup)

Originally released in 2015, Snarky Puppy's "Sylva" got re-released in a remixed and remastered version in 2024.
I only got hold of it a couple of weeks ago.

Great sound, perfect music, and with the original DVD replaced with a blu-ray.
You don't hear me complaining.
Beautiful.
Breath-takingly beautiful.

THE JAPANESE FZ25 PROMOTION CD

In 1991, the Ryko record label and the Japanese MSI label released a Japanese promo 3" CD.
The CD was housed in a standard 5" jewel case that came in a bag with different inserts.

FRESNO BOB

 I mentioned Fresno Bob a little while ago as he sampled a Frank Zappa interview on his "Estimated Prophets" album.

Also out on CDR.

-

MICHAEL VILLMOW'S KBB FEATURING BENDIK & CHAD WACKERMAN - -N-

• Michael Villmow's Köln Big Band featuring Bendik & Chad Wackerman: -N-
      (1991, cd, Germany, lipstick records)

With a band name like Michael Villmow's Köln Big Band featuring Bendik & Chad Wackerman, it seems obvious that you only have little space left for the actual title of the album.
Maybe that was the reason to call this album "-N-".

Anyway, this one goes way back to 1991 and I'm a bit puzzled that I had never heard of it.
Excellent Big Band jazz from Cologne.
All original compositions.
Featuring former Zappa-drummer Chad Wackerman (next to tenor saxophonist Bendik).
And it's not that there were no Zappa freaks living in Cologne at that time.

An excellent find. Even if I say so myself.

Here's a nice video about the KBB and their two albums:
With some nice words about Chad Wackerman around 14 minutes into the video

KOMARA - KOMARA

• KoMaRa: KoMaRa
      (2015, cd, Solvakia, hevhetia)

Kollar - Mastellotto - Rainerie = KoMaRa.
I was happy to find a copy of their first album. This is great stuff.
The announced second album is set to be released next month.

KOMARA with Trey Gunn, live in Europe this June.

• 18.6.24 Prešov - Stromoradie
• 19.6.24 Bratislava - Pink Whale
• 20.6.24 Trenčín - KC Hviezda
• 21.6.24 Opava - Letní Slunovrat festival
• 23.6.24 Praha - Palác Akropolis

Pat Mastelotto - drums
Trey Gunn - Warr guitar
David Kollar - guitar, synths
Paolo Raineri - trumpet

DET SKANDALØSE ORKESTER TOURDATES

Norwegian band Det Skandaløse Orkester is about to release "Masters Of The Universe", an album that will also include their version of FZ's 'Peaches En Regalia" among lots of other weird stuff, apparently.
Really looking forward to it.
The band has two albums out. Great fun.

More info on the new album should be available soon.

The band will also be performing at the Zappanale Festival in about two months.

Check out their upcoming tourdates:

31.05: Nattjazz, Bergen
28.06: Ranglerock, Bryne
12.07: Trollkaukfestivalen, Åndalsnes
19.07: Zappanale - Bad Doberan, Tyskland
23.08: Belleville, Oslo
30.08: Påfyll, Stavanger
31.08: Ogna Scene

Here's Det Skandaløse Orkester's 2019 Zappanale performance !!

MORE BOOKS, MORE SHELF

More books...
Michele Pizzi's (Italian) "Frank Zappa For President" got re-issued,
and then there's "Tout Sur Frank Zappa", another AI generated (French) book with a horrendous cover.

NEW BOOKS ON THE SHELF

The AI produced "Nonconformism and Experimentation" book (that is completely unnecessary) are out in a German and a French translation...

Is this the future...?

PIERRE VERVLOESEM - EXPECTED NOISES

Pierre Vervloesem's "Expected Noises"
Out on CD.

Read all about it here:
https://www.cheapsatanism.com/products/866994-pierre-vervloesem-expected-noises
or check it out on bandcamp:

MARCO MATTEI'S NEW ALBUM WILL FEATURE JERRY MAROTTA, TONY LEVIN AND TREY GUNN

MARCO MATTEI "Age of Fragility"
- feat. Jerry Marotta, Tony Levin & Trey Gunn

Here's 'Just Tired', with Jerry Marotta and Tony Levin.
"Age Of Fragility" to be released on May 16, 2025.

on Bandcamp:

STEPHANE GALLAND'S KANDA PROJECT

It looks like Stéphane Galland will be doing some additional concerts with his Kanda project.

• Lúcia Pires: flute, EWI, electronics
• Louise van den Heuvel: bass & electronics
• Stéphane Galland: drums

Below video got recorded during a recent Brussels concert.
In December, the trio with perform at De Singel in Antwerp, BE.

ALAN JENKINS AND THE KETTERING VAMPIRES - YOUR BEST IDEAS

New release by Alan Jenkins And The Kettering Vampires: "You Best Ideas".

A NEWSFLASH FROM CORDELIA RECORDS

“Following the release of "Komm, gib mir deine Hand" and "Sie liebt dich" in 1964 EMI made a decision that it was unnecessary to release further German translations of Beatles' recordings. The band however were keen to pursue the idea and continued to record German versions of their songs as late as the White Album sessions in 1968. The German version of the Sgt. Pepper album - Die Gefreiter Pfeffer Kontaktbörse Band - is particularly interesting. Immediately after the conclusion of the Sgt. Pepper sessions at Abbey Road in April 1967 George Martin and the Beatles moved their base of operations to the Westdeutscher Rundfunk electronic-music studio in Cologne where they worked closely with Karlheinz Stockhausen on a completely new recording of the album. German musicians involved in the project included Holger Czukay and Irmin Schmidt who would go on to form the band Can the following year.”

Alan Jenkins

 

SPANNER BIG BAND

The Spanner Big Band included FZ's 'Waka/Jawaka' on their latest album, "A Load Of Old Toot!!"?
An excellent album, if I may say so.
Out on Bandcamp for download / streaming, but also on CD.

Reason enough to check out the two previous albums:
"Live At The Gunners" and "Still Alive At The Gunners".
Both CDs arrived last week (after customs checked the package).
Superb artwork and great music.

• Spanner Big Band: Live At The Gunner
      (2016, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)
      (2016, cd, UK, private release)

-

• Spanner Big Band: Still Alive At The Gunners
      (2019, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)
      (2019, cd, UK, private release)

MEN & VOLTS 1987 LP RE-RELEASED ON BANDCAMP

 "The Mule", Men & Volts' 4th album has been re-released through Bandcamp.

UK'S "DANGER MONEY" RE-RELEASED

 UK's "Danger Money" album is getting a re-issue on coloured vinyl.

Featuring Eddie Jobson, John Wetton & Terry Bozzio.

GOZORTENPLAT PLAYS THE MUSIC OF FRANK ZAPPA

FRANK ZAPPA - NONCONFORMISM AND EXPERIMENTATION

• John Walsh: Nonconformism and Experimentation
      (2024, book, --, private release)

Another book on Frank Zappa.
It's actually a collection of short essays.
At first sight, I liked the subjects that this book touched upon: "controversial relationship with the media", "battles for freedom of expression", "politics and critical thinking", "innovation in music writing", ...

I like the idea of collecting essays on various subjecs, but, unfortunately, there too many mistakes in this book.

I started with the chapter on "Collaborations with Symphony Orchestras", where "Zappa In New York" is given as an example ;

The same chapter mentions: In 1984, Zappa collaborated with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra for a series of concerts in Europe.

Probably written by some sort of AI.
Rubbish.

ANOTHER FRANK ZAPPA RADIO SHOW ALBUM ANNOUNCED

Another Frank Zappa radio show album has been announced.
"Greatest Hits Live".
LP on transparent yellow vinyl.

1. MONTANA
2. DONT EAT THE YELLOW SNOW/NANOOK RUBS IT/ST. ALFONZOS PANCAKE
 BREAKFAST/FATHER O'BLIVION
3. INCA ROADS
4. MUFFIN MAN
5. JOE'S GARAGE
6. COSMIK DEBRIS
7. WHO ARE THE BRAIN POLICE?
8. DANCIN' FOOL
9. HUNGRY FREAKS, DADDY
10. ZOOT ALLURES

FRANK ZAPPA - CHEAPER THAN CHEEP

The distribution of "Cheaper Than Cheep" to the regular shops has been delayed, but pre-orders at Zappa dot com or Universal-linked web-shops are being delivered at this very moment.

My copies haven't arrived yet, but I was rather pleased with the digital download that I received yesterday.

Frank Zappa - George Duke - Tom Fowler - Chester Thompson - Napoleon Murphy Brock - Jeff Simmons - Ruth Underwood

1-01. “Cheaper Than Cheep”
1-02. Cosmik Debris
1-03. Band Introductions
1-04. RDNZL
1-05. Village Of The Sun
1-06. Montana
1-07. Duke Goes Out
1-08. Inca Roads
1-09. “Get Down Simmons”
1-10. Penguin In Bondage
1-11. T’Mershi Duween
1-12. The Dog Breath Variations
1-13. Uncle Meat

2-01. How Could I Be Such A Fool
2-02. I’m Not Satisfied
2-03. Wowie Zowie
2-04. I Don’t Even Care
2-05. Let’s Make The Water Turn Black
2-06. Dupree’s Paradise Introduction
2-07. Dupree’s Paradise
2-08. Oh No
2-09. Son Of Orange County
2-10. More Trouble Every Day
2-11. Apostrophe(’)
2-12. Camarillo Brillo

Essential !!
If you haven't ordered it yet, don't hesitate. I'm only halfway through the first part and I can already tell you that this is an amazing album.

It doesn't get any better than this...