KING GIZZARD AND THE LIZARD WIZARD RECORD STORE DAY RELEASE

The upcoming Record Store Day will see the release of "Big Fig Wasp".
(On vinyl. )

LAZULI - ÊTRE ET NE PLUS ÊTRE

• Lazuli: Être Et Ne Plus Être
      (2026, cd, France, l'abeille rode)

Lazuli has a new album out !
"Être Et Ne Plus Être".

With their recognisable sound, presenting an eclectic mix of indie rock, chanson and folk, but with a raw edge, Lazuli has produced another impressive album.

Melodic, fragile and vulnerable, and also very beautiful.

https://lazuli-music.com/?lang=en

PETE ROTH TRIO, FEATURING BILL BRUFORD - - - TOUR DATES

Pete Roth Trio - PRT featuring Bill Bruford.
Confirmed and announced dates, much more to come.
If You live on the USA side close enough to Canadian dates, please consider this unique opportunity to see the band, for time being there are no USA dates scheduled this year.

• Feb 22 - Madrid, Spain (Café Berlin)
• Feb 23 - Barcelona, Spain (Luz de Gas)
• March 04 - Cruise to the Edge(Stardust Theater)
• March 05 - Cruise to the Edge (Q&A @ Atrium)
• March 07 - Cruise To The Edge (Spinnaker)
• March 08 - Cruise to the Edge (Photo Experience @ Spinnaker)
• April 30 - Guildford, UK (Performing Arts Technology Studios)
• May 08 - Poole, UK (Lighthouse)
• May 12 - Tallin, Estonia (KUMU Auditorium)
• May 27 - Toronto, Canada (Garrison)
• May 28 - Ottawa, Canada (Rainbow Bistro)
• May 29 - Montreal, Canada (Club Soda)
• May 30 - Quebec City, Canada (Palais Montcalm)
• May 31 - Quebec City, Canada (Matinée Round-Table @ Salle d’Youville)
• May 31 - Alma, Canada (Café du Clocher)
• June 19 - Wavendon, UK (The Stables)

NEW ALBUM BY THE RAGINI TRIO

The Ragini Trio = Nathan Daems (tenor sax), Marco Bardoscia (double bass), Lander Gyselinck (drums).

The trio has released two albums: "Ragini Trio" (2013), and "Peace The New Jazz" (2019).

In about two weeks, their third album will be out: "3".

If you're into Indian flavored modern jazz, you have to check this out !!

SNARKY PUPPY SOMNI US TOUR 2026

TRAFFIC - BACK TO THE COUNTRY

• Traffic: Back To The Country
      (2026, cd, Europe, sutra)

Another radio show album recording reached my digital mailbox today.
Traffic's "Back To The Country", subtitled "The Reunion Tour 1994"

Formed in 1967 in Birmingham, England, Traffic quickly became one of the most adventurous bands of the late-’60s British rock scene. Built around the core of Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, Chris Wood and Dave Mason, they fused rock, jazz, soul, and folk into an unmistakably fluid and improvisational sound. Their albums Mr. Fantasy (1967), John Barleycorn Must Die (1970) and The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys (1971) helped define a new era of expansive, genre-blurring music before the group finally disbanded in 1974, leaving behind a legacy of adventurous studio work and electrifying live performances.

Two decades later, Traffic made an unexpected return to the stage. In 1994, a fan left a voicemail on Bob Weir’s hotel phone suggesting that the Grateful Dead invite Traffic on tour - an idea that sparked the remarkable reunion. Steve Winwood and Jim Capaldi regrouped under the Traffic name for a limited series of shows supporting the Grateful Dead on their summer tour, rekindling the band’s free-spirited interplay for a new generation of concertgoers one final time.

With Jerry Garcia as special guest on the final song of the concert.
Very enjoyable.

JETHRO TULL - L.A. 1977 THE WEST COAST BROADCASTS

• Jethro Tull: L.A. 1977 The West Coast Broadcast
      (2026, cd, Europe, sutra)

More than noteworthy, "L.A. 1977 The West Coast Broadcast", a new radio show release that presents Jethro Tull in good shape.

Here's the beautiful 'Skating Away On The Thin Ice Of The New Day', from another 1977 show, tv-broadcast.

-- info & more: Danny Mathys

SUN RA - EXOTICA

The Modern Harmonic record label is re-releasing the Sun Ra "Exotica" (compilation) album as a 3 LP set, on orange vinyl.

STUDIO DAN RADIO BROADCAST TODAY

From the Studio Dan newsletter :

Today at 11:03 p.m., Ö1 will broadcast the final concert of the Composers Lab at Klangspuren Schwaz. Those who have been following our newsletters closely may remember the text our violinist Sophia Goidinger-Koch wrote last October about this collaboration. The broadcast now publicly concludes this working process, which brought us into contact with the new generation of composers. Upon request, we are happy to provide the relevant newsletter edition.

Speaking of editions: this email also includes—following the list of dates—a text about Ingrid Laubrock. It was originally published in the summer of 2024 in WeJazz Magazine and is being redistributed here with kind permission. At the same time, we would like to draw attention to WeJazz itself: a large-format print magazine published four times a year and dedicated to the contemporary jazz and improvisation scene, which we can warmly recommend to everyone.

The text serves as an introduction to the upcoming concerts in Vienna, Cologne, and Munich, where we will be on stage together with Ingrid Laubrock and Tom Rainey. Laubrock is present not only as a musician but also as a composer, with whom we have been collaborating since 2023.
Tickets are available online (via the event listings) and at the box office.

Mon, 09.02.2026 - Composers Lab – Klangspuren Schwaz 
Radio Ö1, Stream 23:03

Thu, 26.02.2026 - Studio Dan feat. Ingrid Laubrock & Tom Rainey 
Amuse Gueule, You Better Listen!, Das MuTh, Vienna 18:15
Concert, You Better Listen!, Das MuTh, Vienna 19:30

Sat, 28.02.2026 - Studio Dan feat. Ingrid Laubrock & Tom Rainey 
Stadtgarten, Cologne 20:00

Sun, 01.03.2026 - Studio Dan feat. Ingrid Laubrock & Tom Rainey 
Schwere Reiter, Munich 20:00 ­

THE OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY COWBOY MARCHING BAND - 1997 OSU COWBOY MARCHING BAND

• Oklahoma State University Cowboy Marching Band: 1997 OSU Cowboy Marching Band
      (1997, cd, USA, osu)

Fans of Frank Zappa's music know that different marching bands have performed and recorded Frank Zappa's music: The Asphalt Orchestra, The Fantomatik Orchestra, The Robiano Zirkuskapelle,...

And there's the Oklahoma State University Cowboy Marching Band !
On their 1997 album, "1997 OSU Cowboy Marching Band”, included a medley that featured an abridged version of FZ’s ‘Echidna’s Arf (Of You)'.

Not just your ordinary marching band. Check out this audience recording of one of their performances...

MERIDIAN ARTS ENSEMBLE - SEVEN KINGS

• Meridian Arts Ensemble: Seven Kings
      (2016, cd, USA, innova)

I remember getting introduced to the Meridian Arts Ensemble in the early 1990s. Their "Smart Went Crazy" album presented beautiful arrangements of five (!) Frank Zappa tunes, plus some other fascinating stuff by contemporary composers that I had never heard of.
Brass and percussion... Amazing.

The ensemble kept bringing this mix for their next albums, also including compositions by members of the MAE.
I do admit that I'm not that familiar with the albums they released after "Ear Mind I" but I'm catching up. Fortunately, I have to add.
"Seven Kings" got released in 2016 and, again, shows the MAE in top shape, performing pieces by Daniel Grabois, David Sanford, Dave Ballou, Edward Jacobs, and Robert Maggio.

Here's 'Seven Kings - II. Contrapunctus I'

-- info & more: Danny Mathys

STEFANO BOLLANI - ARRIVANO GLI ALIENI

• Stefano Bollani: Arrivano Gli Alieni
      (2015, cd, --, decca)
      (2015, lp, --, decca)

Stefano Bollani released his "Sheik Yer Zappa" album in 2014.
One year later, Stefano released "Arrivano Gli Alieni".
No pieces by Frank Zappa, but a beautiful album and worth your attention. Original pieces next to compositions by Horace Silver, Duke Ellington, and others. All performed solo on a Fender Rhodes piano. What a sound...

DEVIL'S JAM - STONED AGAIN

• Devil’s Jam: Stoned Again
      (1995, cd, Denmark, bums records)

Devil's Jam's ‘Zappa’s Not Dead’ song had already been released on the 1994  “Metaltrax Part II” sampler, an album that featured the most promising hard rock bands from Holland.

In 1995, 'Zappa's Not Dead' got released on the Amsterdam-based Dutch rock band's first album, "Stoned Again".
“Stoned Again” was their only album. It got released on the Danish Bums Records label.

DON ELLIS AND HIS ORCHESTRA - AUTUMN

Don Ellis And His Orchestra's "Autumn" album got released in 1968.
It featured, a.o. Glenn Ferris, Ralph Humphrey, and Dave Parlato, musicians that would also perform / record with Frank Zappa.

-- info: Jan van Kemenade

VAAGUE

Check out this EP by Vaague (= Belgian drummer Antoine Pierre's project).
Track 4, 'Wraath' features Jean-Paul Estiévenart on trumpet !!

THE OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY WIND ENSEMBLE - CBDNA THIRTY-FIRST NATIONAL CONFERENCE

• Oklahoma State University Wind Ensemble: CBDNA Thirty-First National Conference
      (2001, 2cd, USA, cbdna)

 The Oklahoma State University Wind Ensemble performed at the College Band Directors National Association Thirty-First National Conference in Denton, Texas, on February 23, 2001.

The performance, as well as the 2 CD set that got released with recordings from this concert, included Frank Zappa’s ‘G-Spot Tornado’, orchestrated by Michael Raiber.

I stumbled upon this by accident. Quite happy to learn of its existence and even more happy with the copy that I found.

I couldn't find a clip of the ensemble's performance of 'G-Spot Tornado', but the below video will give you a fine idea of what they sound like:

THE REVOLUTIONARY SNAKE ENSEMBLE - I WANT THAT SOUND !

• Revolutionary Snake Ensemble: I Want That Sound !
      (2016, cd, USA, innova recordings)

"I Want That Sound !"
And what a sound it is. The Revolutionary Snake Ensemble takes funky brass music to another level.

• Ken Field - alto sax
• Jerry Sabatini - trumpet
• Dave Harris - trombone, tuba
• Tom Hall - tenor sax 
• Blake Newman - bass
• Phil Neighbors - drums

You can check it out here:
https://revolutionarysnakeensemble.org/albums/i-want-that-sound/

THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION - WOWIE ZOWIE

 

• The Mothers Of Invention: Wowie Zowie
      (1994, cd, Germany, charly)

In 1994, the German Charly record label re-released "Freak Out", 
They did mix up the order of the songs, used different artwork, and retitled the album "Wowie Zowie".
All for a good cause. Well, if the cause is misleading the buyers, that is...

MEMORIES OF EL MONTE

Frank Zappa wrote 'Memories Of El Monte' together with Ray Collins.
It got recorded by The Penguins and released in 1963.

Strange little fact: when the Chief record label combined The Five Discs' 'Never Let You Go' with The Penguins' 'Memories Of El Monte', the latter got (mistakenly) attributed to Cleve Duncan, one of the vocalists of The Penguins.

THE LEMONGROVE - FOUR OLD COATS

• The Lemongrove: Four Old Coats
      (2005, cd, UK, private release)

U.K.-based band The Lemongrove included their jazz / pop version of Frank Zappa’s ‘Suicide Chump’ in “Four Old Coats, an album with only cover versions.
Excellent.
Another nice addition to The Others Of Invention, artists performing Zappa's music.

http://www.lemongrove.co.uk/

Here's an introduction to the band:

VARIOUS ARTISTS - METALTRAX PART II

• Various Artists: Metaltrax Part II
      (1994, cd, The Netherlands, pmf records)

The Dutch PMF Records label released three “Metaltrax” samplers in 1994.
The liner notes for “Part II” explained: A selection of the most promising hardrock bands from Holland. 

The sampler presented 15 bands / 15 tracks, including Devil’s Jam’s ‘Zappa’s Not Dead’.

The album's not hard to find and fun listening when you're in a 'hard rock mode'.

PYGMY TWYLYTE - - - A TRIBUTE TO THE MUSIC OF FRANK ZAPPA - THE JAN 31 2026 CONCERT

Live In concert.
Pygmy Twylyte performing the music of Frank Zappa
at DreadnoughtRock in Bathgate.

100th (or was it 99th?) Show and 8th Anniversary Performance.

NORAH JONES - I DREAM OF CHRISTMAS

• Norah Jones: I Dream Of Christmas
      (2021, 2cd, --, blue note records)

There's nothing like enjoying a Christmas album in February.
Especially when it features the beautiful voice or Norah Jones.

-- info, etcetera: Danny Mathys

DWEEZIL'S NAMM 2026 JAM

Dweezil Zappa and Blues Saraceno at NAMM.

SNARKY PUPPY & THE METROPOLE ORKEST - SOMNI

• Snarky Puppy & Metropole Orkest: Somni
      (2026, cd + blu-ray, --, ground up)

I watched the "Somni" blu-ray yesterday and I returned to the audio first thing this morning.
What a beautiful album.
Lyrical and melodic modern jazz, with added broad and open dynamics by the Metropole Orkest.

Love it.

Out on 2LP and on CD but also as a (recommended) CD / blu-ray package.

STEVE VAI ON ROCKTAILS

Steve Vai on Rocktails
with Ahmet Zappa

JOE SATRIANI'S "NOT OF THIS EARTH" ALBUM CELEBRATES ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY

Joe Satriani's "Not Of This Earth" album celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026.
Reason enough for a fancy red vinyl re-release, is what the people at the Music On Vinyl record label must have thought.

The very same label is also re-releasing "Is There Love In Space?".
On white vinyl.

GOV'T MULE SPRING 2026 CONCERTS

 

A BRAZEN HUSSIES TRIBUTE ALBUM

A message from Jezus Factory Records:

We are releasing a Yellow Vinyl tribute to Brazen Hussies on 6th April (check your local record store) - This is the first single to give you a taster. Benny Zen and Rudy Trouvé both chose the same song so a double A Side makes perfect sense..

Beautiful artwork by Rudy Trouvé !

Here's the album cover for the upcoming Brazen Hussies tribute album :

YAMASUKI

"Le Monde Fabuleux Des Yamasuki"
by Yamasuki

Originally released in 1971, "Le Monde Fabuleux Des Yamasuki" is being re-issued on the Sdban Records label.

Formed as studio experiment rather than a touring group, Yamasuki emerged in 1971 as the brainchild of Jean Kluger and Daniel Vangarde. With high-energy choruses, childlike vocals and dramatic martial arts-inspired shouts, it fused bubblegum pop with global rhythms in a way that felt bizarre yet ahead of its time. Later, it became a cult name whose influence later resurfaced in modern pop culture.

PRINCE SINGLE(S) INCLUDED WITH GERMAN ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE

From Funkatopia on Facebook: 

Rolling Stone magazine in Germany has two exclusive Prince singles as the covermount this month. The February issue of Rolling Stone comes with the single “Fallinlove2nite” / “Hardrock Lover.” and then they did a second world-exclusive single featuring “Baltimore” / “Stare.”

You can get them here:

https://www.musik-magazine.de/prince-2026-bundle/

-- info: Funkatopia (on Facebook), and Harald Häring

MIKE KENEALLY'S "NONKERTOMPF / NONKERTALK" RE-RELEASE IS OUT ON BANDCAMP TODAY

Mike adds:

This Bandcamp release is the digital equivalent to the original 1999 Nonkertompf special edition. That very limited issue (500 copies, as I recall) came packaged with a second CD, called Nonkertalk.

Nonkertompf is a 73-minute album, containing 35 instrumental pieces featuring me playing all the instruments. It was the first album released by Exowax Recordings, soon after Scott Chatfield and I formed the label in 1999, and was the result of Scott asking me if I harbored any long-held dreams about albums I’d always wanted to make. I instantly thought back to an album I’d first envisioned at age 12 – all instrumental, me on all instruments, and very eccentric. I was already into weird progressive music at that age, and I knew the album would reflect that love.

I also knew that I wanted to call it Nonkertompf, which was just a made-up word, signifying nothing, but somehow it captured the feeling of the music I wanted on this album. I even had the basic cover design (black & white close-up portrait, only part of the head showing) figured out when I was 12. So I’d carried the whole vibe of this album, musically and visually, around with me for about a quarter-century by the time Scott asked me about my “dream album.”

Nonkertalk is primarily occupied by an interview between me and Scott Chatfield about the album. Scott takes me on a deep dive into each of the 35 pieces, and given that we’d just finished making the album when we did the interview, all the details were very fresh in our minds, so this is as thorough a dissection of Nonkertompf as you could get. Dividing up the interview segments are pieces of music from the sessions that didn’t make the album proper, and appearing underneath the dialogue are numerous stripped-down mixes from the multitracks.

NEW RELEASE BY MEN & VOLTS

'The Conservatory'
by Men & Volts

recorded in concert in 1986

JULIE SLICK & TIM MOTZER - FROZEN HOLY WATER

July Slick and Tim Motzer have just released "Frozen Holy Water".

 

BONGO FURY TURNS 50 !

Well, well, well, here it is... The Bongo Fury 50th Anniversary Edition is officially unleashed and available for pre-order.

In May 1975, long-time cohorts Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart joined forces once again. The outcome was Bongo Fury — an album built from live recordings at the Armadillo World Headquarters in Austin, Texas, as well as some studio sessions at The Record Plant in Los Angeles. It also happens to be the last album to carry the name “The Mothers,” which was officially retired in 1976.

The new 50th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition presents 5 CDs of material (roughly 80% unreleased), including the full album, studio outtakes, the two complete Armadillo concerts, and Blu-ray with Atmos, 5.1, and high-res stereo audio options. The set is rounded out with a booklet with unseen photos and liner notes by band member, Denny Walley, and Vaultmeister, Joe Travers.

Also available on 2LP, 1LP black vinyl, and a limited-edition 180g orange & black galaxy vinyl, complete with a lithograph of the band.

https://zappa.lnk.to/BongoFury50thEM!UMGUK57004-1300044

SOFT MACHINE UPDATE

The upcoming album by Soft Machine will get a limited edition UHQCD (ultimate high quality CD) release in Japan. Issued in a cardboard mini LP sleeve.
This version will also present two bonus tracks !

THE RESIDENTS RECORD STORE DAY RELEASE

"The Residents present Randy, Chuck & Bob In The Studio"

The Residents present Randy, Chuck and Bob In The Studio refers to a period when the avant-garde (former eyeballs in top hats) used these three pseudonyms to represent themselves as an offbeat power trio, performing and releasing music with a focus on studio versions of live material. This concept was part of the "Randy, Chuck and Bob Trilogy," which included tours and albums between 2010 and 2016. Presented here on vinyl for the very first time, Residents fans and collectors can expect a trippy treat of rare demos, rehearsal sessions, live jams, sonic experiments and remixes. All lovingly slung together on fine wax to wrap your ears around for Record Store Day 2026.

CAPTAIN BEEFHEART RECORD STORE DAY RELEASE

Deluxe edition of the classic 1970 album from Captain Beefheart and The Magic Band. This limited edition 2LP vinyl set features the original album, recut from the original master tapes at Bernie Grundman Mastering, plus an additional LP with previously unreleased instrumental versions and alternate takes from the original album sessions.

LEGENDS IN THEIR OWN LUNCHTIME

"Legends In Their Own Lunchtime"
subtitled 'An Exploration of the Canterbury Scene',
is a book by Aymeric Leroy.
650 pages !!
Hardbound.
Available for pre-order in the USA from Waysidemusic, in Europe from Mandai.

MARCUS MILLER & LES CLAYPOOL

Marcus Miller & Les Claypool - - - Tommy The Cat

 

VOICE OF VENUS ENSEMBLE RELEASED A FRANK ZAPPA TRIBUTE ON THEIR LATEST ALBUM

Voice Of Venus' "Chromosome 4" includes a piece entitled 'FZ', an obvious reference / tribute to Frank Zappa.

CELESTIAL PLANES

Celestial Planes is

• Roeland Celis (guitar)
• Hendrik Vanattenhoven (bass)
• Matthias De Waele (drums)

In april 2022 the band released its self-titled debut album. The second album ‘Objet Perdu’ was released on October 17th 2025.

Keep an eye out for them !

EIDON - MINO D'UN MINUTO

A new piece by Eidon,
'Mino d'un Minuto'

 

THE MET ORCHESTRA UNDER THE DIRECTION OF JAMES LEVINE

The MET Orchestra, conducted by James Levine.
Performing the music of Richard Wagner.

• The MET Orchestra, conducted by James Levine: "Wagner - Overtures & Preludes"
      (1993, cd, --, deutsche grammophon)

• The MET Orchestra, conducted by James Levine: "Wagner - Orchestral Music"
      (1997, 2cd, --, deutsche grammophon)

In retrospect, I have to admit that it may not have been the best idea to give these records a listening session during my first cup of coffee of the day,...
I turned out to be more receptive during a second (afternoon) session.

Beautiful recordings and a great sound from the orchestra.
Being only vaguely familiar with Richard Wagner's music, I did like the déjà vu effect.

In short, both recordings provide an excellent way to gain more insight and to enjoy Richard Wagner's works.

Here's the opera version of 'Ride Of The Valkyries'
(an inspiration for John Williams' 'Imperial March', used in the Star Wars Darth Vader scenes)

NORAH JONES

I recently received digital copies of two Norah Jones albums: "Begin Again" (2019) and "Visions" (2024).

Very enjoyable.

Here's a live fragment, promoting "Begin Again" on The Today Show.

'All This Time" from "Visions":

And from 2013,
Anoushka Shankar & Norah Jones - 'Traces Of You'.
Magical.

GREETING FROM THE RESIDENTS

a message from New Ralph Too / The Residents

It's that time again! Another urgent broadcast from the small cupboard in which New Ralph Too currently resides.

You may have heard that The Residents had a less than ideal festive season when one of their number was taken seriously ill, meaning the postponement of their ESKIMO tour. Everything was ready to go, band and crew were stocking up on tour bus snacks and honing their video game skills but alas.... I'm sure you'll join us in wishing the Eyeball in question a speedy recovery, and meanwhile the tour is being rescheduled as we speak - please keep an eye on the band's social media, these newsletters and residents.com for new dates, ticket information and so on.

Elsewhere in The Residents' universe the band continues ever-onwards, that being the only way they know. The newly recorded 'Eskimo Folk Tales' mini-album is almost upon us, and they continue to work on their next full length album, which currently has a working title so rude we daren't feed it into the algorithm here. The band seem very excited about both releases - rest assured you'll be the first to know as they develop.

And of course, the guys' next pREServed release will be here in February - you can check out and pre-order 'Animal Lover: Evolution Edition' right here if that's your thing: 
https://www.cherryred.co.uk/the-residents-animal-lover-evolution-edition-3cd-box-set
A 3CD set including two discs of demos and outtakes charting the album's long gestation, it's unlike any other pREServed release in the sheer depth of insight. BUY OR DIE!

And finally, The Residents are well aware of the imminent 50th Anniversary of their 'Third Reich 'N Roll' masterpiece, released on Ralph Records on February 1st 1976. Can it really be?! FIFTY big ones?! Well yes it can, and to acknowledge the ocular occasion the band would like you to have this special concentrate of the 'The Third Reich 'N Roll' RDX mix they produced for a vinyl reissue of the album some years ago. Stripped back, full of detail lost in the original mix and sounding clear as a bell, they hope you'll enjoy it almost as much as the original. You can find it right here:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/qigm3kkz6qtazhmoxt7mv/THE-RESIDENTS-3RNR-50RDXCONCENTRATE.mp3

That's all for now - as ever, please get in touch if you feel the urge, and continue to keep that third eye clear and set to 'receive'.

Your Pals @ NRT

ZAPPA / BEEFHEART / MOTHERS - - - DEBRA KADABRA

 

Debra Kadabra (Visualizer / Live In Austin, TX - May 21, 1975)

REPLICA - L'ALIENO DI BOOTES

REPLICA - L'alieno di Bootes episode 001 (2025.10.02)

RAHSAAN ROLAND KIRK

Kicking off the day with two extraordinary albums by Rahsaan Roland Kirk.

"Vibrations in the Village: Live at the Village Gate".

Recorded live at the Village Gate in New York City on November 26-27,1963 with pianists Horace Parlan, Melvin Rhyne, and Jane Getz, along with bassist Henry Grimes and drummer Sonny Brown.
Released in December 2025.

And, "Seek & Listen: Live at the Penthouse"

Recorded live at the Penthouse jazz club in Seattle on September 8 and 15, 1967 with pianist Rahn Burton, bassist Steve Novosel and drummer Jimmy Hopps.
Also released in December 25.

Both albums got released on the Resonance record label, also available on Bandcamp.

A superb way to start the day.

-- info: Danny Mathys

THE ORCHESTRA OF THE UPPER ATMOSPHERE

The Orchestra Of The Upper Atmosphere has just released "Theta Seven", their seventh (and final?) release.

• Martin Archer – Woodwind, Keyboards, Software Instruments
• Jan Todd – Vocals, Melodies, Electronics, Harp, Sound Recordings, Samples
• Steve Dinsdale – Drums, Keyboards
• Lorin Halsall – Acoustic And Electric Double Basses, Electronics
• Yvonna Magda – Violin And Electronics
• Andy Peake – Piano, Keyboards
• Walt Shaw – Drums, Percussion, Electronics
• Terry Todd – Bass Guitar

Here's the concept:

As with previous releases, basic tracks, either using simple compositional ideas or freely improvised, were recorded live in the studio by the full band over a frenetic 2 day period. These tracks were radically edited and collaged by Martin Archer, and finally overdubbed and arranged by Martin Archer and Jan Todd working in tandem to arrive at the seamless continuity of sound heard on the finished work.

The result sounds amazing.
Hypnotic and amazing.
And (!!), there's even a Sun Ra tune in there !!

Released on Martin Archer's Discus Music record label.

FRÉDÉRIC L'EPÉE - CONTRE COURANT

Frédéric L'Epée - "Contre Courant"

Instrumental guitar / baritone guitar music.

Intimate, introspective, and secretive.

Out on Cuneiform Records.

AN ED PALERMO BIG BAND UPDATE

a message from the Ed Palermo Big Band

Our "inclement weather" break is officially over. Time to get out and have some fun. So, join us next week when we hit the stage at The Iridium on Broadway. Tuesday, February 3rd at 8:30 pm. Don't be a square, see you there!

 

ANTON ROOLAART - THE BALLAD OF GENERAL JUPITER

Wandering Willow Records and MoonJune Records, present the latest release from multi-instrumentalist Anton Roolaart, The Ballad of General Jupiter. Entirely composed and produced by Anton — except for the closing track Yesterday and Today (written by Jon Anderson of Yes), this album marks another bold step in Anton’s artistic evolution.

Blending rich musical textures with evocative and lyrical storytelling, The Ballad of General Jupiter is a collection of sonic tales — snapshots of imagination, emotion, and resilience. With echoes of Bowie, Pink Floyd, and early Genesis, Roolaart paints vivid musical portraits shaped by imagination, introspection, and social consciousness as he explores not only personal themes, but also broader reflections on a world grappling with chaos, greed, and injustice.

 

b.mez - UNDER CIRCUITOUS SKIES

b.mez is a project developed by members of Birdsongs of the Mesozoic:
Michael Bierylo, Ken Field, Rick Scott, and for this recording, Roger Miller, the original co-founder of Birdsongs.

"Under The Circuitous Skies".

Out on the Cuneiform record label.

 

BONGO FURY BOX SET TRACKLIST

From the Zappa newsletter:

Well, well, well, here it is... The Bongo Fury 50th Anniversary Edition is officially unleashed and available for pre-order.

In May 1975, long-time cohorts Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart joined forces once again. The outcome was Bongo Fury — an album built from live recordings at the Armadillo World Headquarters in Austin, Texas, as well as some studio sessions at The Record Plant in Los Angeles. It also happens to be the last album to carry the name “The Mothers,” which was officially retired in 1976.

The new 50th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition presents 5 CDs of material (roughly 80% unreleased), including the full album, studio outtakes, the two complete Armadillo concerts, and Blu-ray with Atmos, 5.1, and high-res stereo audio options. The set is rounded out with a booklet with unseen photos and liner notes by band member, Denny Walley, and Vaultmeister, Joe Travers.

Also available on 2LP, 1LP black vinyl, and a limited-edition 180g orange & black galaxy vinyl, complete with a lithograph of the band.

Disc 1: Bongo Fury - The Album + Bonus Fury

1. Debra Kadabra
2. Carolina Hard-Core Ecstasy
3. Sam With The Showing Scalp Flat Top
4. Poofter’s Froth Wyoming Plans Ahead
5. 200 Years Old
6. Cucamonga
7. Advance Romance
8. Man With The Woman Head
9. Muffin Man
   
   
10. Carolina Hard-Core Ecstasy (Long Version)
11. Man With The Woman Head (Isolated Vocal)
12. Muffin Man / A Little Green Rosetta (Alternate Take)
13. 200 Years Old (Long Version)
14. Born To Suck (Vocal Session Snoop)
15. Born To Suck

Disc 2: Armadillo World Headquarters – Live in Austin, TX, 5/20/1975

1. 5-20-75 Show Start
2. “Put A Shirt On Man”
3. Apostrophe’
4. Stink-Foot
5. I’m Not Satisfied
6. Debra Kadabra
7. Carolina Hard-Core Ecstasy
8. The Velvet Sunrise
9. Pound For A Brown – Part I
10. Pound For A Brown – Part II
11. Sleeping In A Jar

Disc 3: Armadillo World Headquarters – Live in Austin, TX, 5/20/1975 cont’d

1. “Enjoy The Steambath”
2. The Torture Never Stops (Original Version)
3. Camarillo Brillo
4. Muffin Man
5. Advance Romance
6. Montana
7. Duke’s Things
8. Sam With The Showing Scalp Flat Top
9. Poofter’s Froth Wyoming Plans Ahead
10. Echidna’s Arf (Of You) / Terry’s Solo
11. The Ampeg Mini-Moog Controller Guitar Experiment
12. Willie The Pimp

Disc 4: Armadillo World Headquarters – Live in Austin, TX, 5/21/1975

1. “Good Evening, Ladies And Gentlemen”
2. Apostrophe’
3. Stink-Foot
4. I’m Not Satisfied
5. Debra Kadabra
6. Carolina Hard-Core Ecstasy
7. The Velvet Sunrise
8. Pound For A Brown – Part I
9. “We’ve Had A Bomb Threat”
10. Pound For A Brown – Part II

Disc 5: Armadillo World Headquarters – Live in Austin, TX, 5/21/1975 cont’d

1. Advance Romance
2. Florentine Pogen
3. Montana
4. Camarillo Brillo
5. Muffin Man
6. Willie The Pimp
7. Claremont Rehearsal
8. Poofter’s Froth Wyoming Plans Ahead
9. Portuguese Lunar Landing

Disc 6: BLU-RAY - (ATMOS, 5.1 surround + HRA 192k/24b & 96k/24b)

1. Debra Kadabra
2. Carolina Hard-Core Ecstasy
3. Sam With The Showing Scalp Flat Top
4. Poofter’s Froth Wyoming Plans Ahead
5. 200 Years Old
6. Cucamonga
7. Advance Romance
8. Man With The Woman Head
9. Muffin Man
10. The Torture Never Stops (Original Version)
11. Debra Kadabra (1993 UMRK 6-Channel Mix)
12. Poofter’s Froth Wyoming Plans Ahead (1993 UMRK 6-Channel Mix)

FRANK ZAPPA - BONGO FURY (50th ANNIVERSARY)

It should of course say "Zappa / Beefheart / Mothers" instead of just "Zappa", but the good news is that this 50th anniversary set is available for pre-order from different shops.

Re-issue on black vinyl

Re-issue on colored vinyl with bonus litho

A 2 LP version, with booklet and litho

The CD / Blu-Ray box set

MERIDIAN ARTS ENSEMBLE UPDATE

I just received a comment on my post about the MAE's "Zappa House Concert".
From the MAE, who informed me that the CD is out and available.

I haven't seen it pop up in any of my regular shops, but I'm looking forward to it.

JEFF STARR TALKS TO BRADLY MORGAN

Frank Zappa's Politics | Interviewing Bradly Morgan, author of "Frank Zappa's America".

MOO-AH

Moo-Ah !

NATHAN MOORE, EDDIE PREVOST, RAY RUSSELL - STACKED

The Cuneiform Records label is decisively going for download and streaming albums.
Their latest release is a Nathan Moore, Eddie Prévost & Ray Russel collaboration entitled "Stacked".

Improvised music.

• Nathan Moore : electric guitar (right)
• Eddie Prévost : drums
• Ray Russell : electric guitar (left)

KAHIL EL'ZABAR'S ETHNIC HERITAGE ENSEMBLE - LET THE SPIRIT OUT

• Kahil El'Zabar's Ethnic Heritage Ensemble: Let The Spirit Out
      (2025, cd, --, spiritmuse records)

Kahil El'Zabir's Ethnic Hertiage Ensemble was founded in 1973.
The first album release followed in 1981.

Last November the ensemble released "Let The Spirit Out", recorded in concert in London in July 2024.

• Kahil El'Zabar - multi-percussion (kalimba, cajon, drums), voice
• Corey Wilkes - trumpet, percussion
• Alex Harding - baritone sax
• Ishmael Ali - cello

Spiritual jazz !
Beautiful.

ANDY MERTENS - ZOOT ALLURES

Sheik Yerbouti / Andy Mertens
'Zoot Allures'

MARCO DALPANE - FRANK ZAPPA SUITE

Marco Dalpane - Frank Zappa suite

ANOTHER DWEEZIL ZAPPA REPORT FROM NAMM 2026

 

HANS ANNELLSSON

Bandcamp Daily mentioned Hans Annellsson in their recently published "Prepared Piano Guide" article !

https://daily.bandcamp.com/lists/prepared-piano-album-guide

ZITA SWOON GROUP - TASUMA / JI

• Zita Swoon Group: Tasuma / Ji
      (2012, cdr, Belgium, crammed discs)

This beautiful little gem arrived in my mailbox about a week ago: a CDR with the radio edit of Zita Swoon's 'Tasuma / Ji'.
Sent to radio stations around June 2012 to promote the Zita Swoon Group's appearance at the Cactus Festival and at the Sfinks festival, both to be held in July 2012.

From the "Wait For Me" album :

ZAPPA BOOK - VOLUME ONE, TWO & THREE

I recently got hold of something rather special.

Three books.
Three collections of xeroxed articles.
Hundreds of articles & 300+ pages in each volume.
Late eighties, early nineties.
Produced by Peter Hinds.
(yes, that's musician, author and Sun Ra specialist Peter Hinds).

-Book 1-

-Book 1 - opened-

-Book 2-

-Book 2 - opened-

-Book 3-

-Book 3 - opened-

FRANK ZAPPA E IL RITMO

"Frank Zappa E Il Ritmo Part I" and  "Frank Zappa E Il Ritmo Part II" are two small booklets that got released in 1994.

14 x 10,5 cm.
32 pages each
Here's Avo's entry on his website:
https://www.afka.net/Books/Frank_Zappa_E_Il_Ritmo.htm

I came across these copies recently.
Nice. Ridiculously small, but nice.

DUTCH COMIC BOOK ARTIST GERRIT DE JAGER & BILLY THE MOUNTAIN

 "Strips - Werk Van Nederlandse Striptekenaars"
("Comics - Work by Dutch Comic Artists")

"Strips - Werk Van Nederlandse Striptekenaars" got released in the early 1970s in The Netherlands. It was a 92-page reference book; listing over 150 comic book artists with a short bio and an illustration.

The comic :

Gerrit De Jager's entry showed his reworking of 'Billy The Mountain" !!

MARCO DALPANE - OH NO

 Marco Dalpane, pianist for the Orchestra Spaziale, with a solo performance of FZ's 'Oh No'.

MORE DWEEZIL ZAPPA AT NAMM 2026

 Dweezil Zappa & Saku guitars.

https://www.vuorensaku.fi/

PANZERPAPPA - KORALREVENS KLAGESANG

• Panzerpappa: Koralrevens Klagesang
      (2006, cd, Norway, hangar b)

There's always a reason to listen to some Panzerpappa.
"Koralrevens Klagesang", from 2006.
As the album title might predict, "Koralrevens Klagesang" takes of with a lament. It almost sounds like a death march.
From the second piece onwards, however, we return to the more familiar complex and eclectic mix of Panzerpappa.
Nice.

Recommended listening.

BRENDA THEABO QUARTET - LIVE AT MONGO'S

• Brenda Theabo Quartet: Live At Mongo's
      (2004, cdr, USA, private release)

Brenda Theabo (trombone & vocals), Tom Theabo (guitar), Kevin Wells (bass), Tony Taylor (drums).
Recorded in concert and released on CDR in 2004.

I'm very happy that I was able to get hold of a copy.
The band sounds great and they play a fine selection of tunes, including Oliver Nelson's 'Stolen Moments' in an arrangement of Frank Zappa. To make the link more clear, Brenda sings 'Murder By Numbers' over the tune.
Lovely.

INGRID JENSEN - HERE ON EARTH

• Ingrid Jensen: Here On Earth
      (1997, cd, Germany, enja records)

"Here On Earth" was Canadian jazz trumpeter Ingrid Jensen's second album as a leader.
Ten beautiful tunes, four original compositions (two by Ingrid Jensen and two by George Colligan) plus pieces by Kenny Wheeler, Cole Porter, Gil Evans / Miles Davis,...

Ingrid Jensen (trumpet), Gary Bartz (alto & soprano sax), George Colligan (piano), Dwayne Burno (bass), and Bill Stewart (drums), plus a vocal appearance by Jill Seifers.

A fine discovery.

'Woodcarvings' (I. Jensen)
From the 1997 album.

Ingrid Jensen and the Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra - 'Woodcarvings' (I. Jensen)
Recorded in 2022.