THE FALL'S "CEREBRAL CAUSTIC" IS GETTING A RE-ISSUE

The Fall's 1995 "Cerebral Caustic" album included their version of FZ's 'I'm Not Satisfied'.

The album will get a re-released later this year. On black vinyl, on coloured vinyl, and even as an expanded 5 CD set.

GOV'T MULE AND ZIGGY MARLEY HIT THE ROAD THIS FALL

Gov’t Mule is hitting the road this fall for the newly announced Dreaming The Same Dream Tour alongside reggae icon Ziggy Marley. The 16-date run launches September 23 in New York City, bringing together two artists known for pushing musical boundaries while staying deeply rooted in community and connection. The tour promises a one-of-a-kind night of music each evening, with acclaimed singer-songwriter Yola kicking things off nightly with a special live DJ set that sets the tone for an unforgettable evening of music and celebration.

A SUN RA UPDATE FROM THE STRUT RECORD LABEL

The Heliocentrics, Marshall Allen, Knoel Scott Ft. Bilal: Nuclear War

Strut proudly presents Nuclear War, a powerful collaboration between UK collective The Heliocentrics, Sun Ra Arkestra legends Marshall Allen and Knoel Scott, and vocalist Bilal - issued on limited-edition “hazardous” orange and yellow vinyl exclusively for Record Store Day 2026.

The 4-track EP features a sinuous take on Ronnie Boykins’ ‘Angels And Demons At Play’ , originally recorded in 1960, a strident version of ‘Where Pathways Meet’ which was originally created for the much- loved Sun Ra Lanquidity album in 1978, and a dense and deep re- work of 1972’s ‘Astro Black’ featuring Bilal’s incredible otherworldly vocals. The title track ‘Nuclear War’ is re-worked into a cavernous groove featuring Heliocentrics vocalist Barbora Patkova.

Sun Ra: Somewhere Over The Rainbow

Strut proudly presents the first definitive expanded reissue of Somewhere Over The Rainbow, Sun Ra’s 1977 session recorded at the Bluebird in Bloomington, Indiana, presented in a new 3LP vinyl set or across 2CD's.

The original LP version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow assembled a handful of clearly delineated tracks drawn from the flow of two complete concert recordings, re-arranged out of sequence. Strut’s new edition restores previously excised material and preserves more of the natural transitions between pieces, offering a fuller glimpse into the distinctive aesthetic of Sun Ra and his Arkestra.

AISLES

Chilean band Aisles continues unveiling new material ahead of the release of their sixth studio album, "IRRATIONALLY".

Their recent single, 'Took Me Years' is an energetic blend of progressive complexity, metal delivery, and pop immediacy.

ELTON DEAN & THE WRONG OBJECT BONUS TRACK

 "The Unbelievable Truth", an album by Elton Dean & The Wrong Object, has been re-released on Bandcamp with a 9-minute bonus track !

https://ugoki.bandcamp.com/album/the-unbelievable-truth

THE OPIUM OTILKA QUARTET PERFORMED TWO NEW PIECES BY CORRIE VAN BINSBERGEN

Two new pieces by Corrie van Binsbergen!

Opium Otilka Quartet - - - 'De Harmonie Der Scheuren' (C. van Binsbergen)

Opium Otilka Quartet - - - 'Voer Voor Struikrovers' (C. van Binsbergen)

WELCOME TO THE JAZZ CLUB AT DE CASINO

De Casino is a music venue in the centre of Sint Niklaas, a nice little Belgian town.
September, October, and November, De Casino will host a number of jazz afternoons.

https://decasino.be/

Sunday afternoon at 16h00, there will be some great bands to enjoy / discover :

CHARLIE HADEN QUARTET WEST

Charlie Haden Quartet West: 'Hello My Lovely', from the "Haunted Heart" album.

 -- info: Jan van Kemenade

GIORGIO LIBERA - RED POWDER

• Giorgio Libera: Red Powder
      (1998, cd, Switzerland, private release)

I mentioned Giorgio Libera's second album, "What's All This Noise For?", a little while ago.
In the meantime, I also got hold of his first album: "Red Powder", released on CD in 1998.

"Red Powder" is a wild, genre-bending ride. The record seamlessly mashes up jazz-fusion, blues, and progressive rock, while unmistakably wearing its primary influence—the eccentric, satirical genius of Frank Zappa—on its sleeve.
Across six sprawling tracks, Libera crafts a complex, kaleidoscopic musical journey. Opener "Red Powder" sets the stage with frenetic energy, quickly followed by the genre-splicing grooves of "Grease In Greece". The compositions are dense, often relying on jarring time signatures, intricate fretwork, and playful, unexpected detours.
While the music occasionally flirts with classical Indian music, orchestral motifs, and contemporary electronic sounds, the guitar is always front and center. It isn't an album for passive listening; rather, it’s a demanding and highly rewarding experience for those who appreciate avant-garde musicianship. If you are a fan of quirky, heavily arranged, zany instrumentals, this debut is a hidden gem.

Here's 'Grease in Greece':

MIQUEL ALVAREZ - MARTINETE A TRANE

Miquel Alvarez' "Martinete A Trane",
With Perico Sambeat on the saxophone !

-- info: Jan van Kemenade

TYLER BARTRAM EXAMINS 'ANDY'

Tyler Bartram, with Simon Prentis

-- info: Jan van Kemenade

ARTHUR BARROW RELEASES A NEW TRACK ON BANDCAMP

Arthur Barrow:
This is a composition that I started on about ten years ago. I thought it would be nice to write something that is a bit nostalgic for a change. Hope you like it.

credits
released May 26, 2026
Composed, recorded, mixed, and produced by Arthur Barrow.
Performed by Arthur Barrow with Tommy Mars on Hammond organ at the end of the tune.
Mastered by Bob Rice.

 

FRANK ZAPPA'S "ZAPPATITE" TO BE RELEASED ON VINYL

Frank Zappa's "ZAPPAtite" got released in 2022. It was album #106.µ
In July the album will be re-issued:

- black vinyl 2 LP
- pink swirl vinyl 2 LP
- CD

ZAPPAtite dishes out an 18-track feast of Zappa's tastiest tracks — spanning psychedelic rock mutations and jazz-rock excursions to orchestral oddities, sharp satire, and other sounds unsuitable for polite dinner company.

Consider it a convenient gateway into the Zappaverse for the uninitiated, and a neatly packed reminder of the classics for those who already know better.

Available for the first time on vinyl as a 2LP pink swirl vinyl or 2LP black edition — both housed in gatefold jackets complete with a collectible "menu" insert. Also, available on 1CD. Come hungry.

THE PURPLE LAGOON

Filip Fjellstrom: drums
Christian Bjerring: guitar, bass, mixing
Fredrik Eriksson: keys 

THE FURIOUS BONGOS

The Furious Bongos commented:
First video from our performance at Syraucse Jazz Fest 6/27: City of Tiny Lites, with special guests Andre Cholmondeley (Project/Object) and Bruce McDaniel (Ed Palermo Big Band). More to come!

DWEEZIL ZAPPA

Playing Nashville's PRIVATE STOCK of INSANE GUITARS!

GREEN SEAGULL - SMOKE AND MIRRORS

• Green Seagull: Smoke And Mirrors
      (2026, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)
      (2026, cd, UK, spinout nuggets)
      (2026, lp, UK, spinout nuggets)

Green Seagull takes you back in time.
Their bandcamp page adds:
Green Seagull are a London, UK-based baroque psych pop band, taking influence from the likes of The Left Banke, The Zombies, and The Association.

Released on the Spinout Nuggets record label, "Smoke And Mirrors" sounds as it got recorded in the late sixties. And I mean that in the most positive way.

Beautiful songs with nice references to classic pop songs, great harmonies, perfect for radio airplay.
Also noteworthy is the fact that all of the bandmembers wrote songs for this album !

I enjoyed "Smoke And Mirrors" as a digital download, but the album is also available on LP and on CD.

DON MARSH V

Don Marsh V is Wouter Van Den Broeck's acoustic jazz quintet.
The ensemble released a first album in 2022, "Marshland", and has more recently sent "Ianua" into the world.

Sublime.

Both albums feature the same musicians:

• Wouter Van Den Broeck - Piano
• Jean-Paul Estiévenart - Trumpet
• Warre Van De Putte - Tenor Sax
• Janos Bruneel - Bass
• Matthias De Waele - Drums

And while the first album featured two pieces by Janos Bruneel, all of the other music was composed by Wouter Van Den Broeck.

Essential listening.
Highly recommended !!

-- info: Danny Mathys

ISABELLE ANTENA

"Tous Mes Caprices" was Isabelle Antena's third album.
Released in 1988, it included a beautiful version of FZ's 'Village Of The Sun'.
Out on LP and on CD.
I recently got hold of a white label test pressing of this fine album.

-

 

THE GRANDMOTHERS PROMO BOOKLET

I recently came across this promo booklet for The Grandmothers.
It's about Jimmy Carl Black's The Grandmothers, with whom he recorded "Dreams On Long Play".
The 20-page (plastic ring binder) booklet was probably released around 1990.
It presented a picture of the band and a set of articles, all xeroxed.

KING GIZZARD & THE LIZARD WIZARD

"Laminated Denim", the 2022 King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard album, is getting a heavyweight eco 'orange habanero' vinyl LP in embossed inner sleeve release.

ED PALERMO BIG BAND CONCERTS

NEWSFLASH! AMERICAN FLAG ASSAULTED AGAIN.
When reached out for comment, the flag stated, "After the first incident I was in therapy for 6 months, but this time I may never recover." Join the Ed Palermo Big Band for a historic event called, "American Patriotism: THE LAST REFUGE OF SCOUNDRELS." Featuring the Music of Frank Zappa, Simon & Garfunkel and more.
Three performances in June.

June 1, 2026: The Iridium, New York, NY
Time: 8:30 PM

June 13, 2026: The Falcon, Marlboro, NY
Shows: The band will perform two sets: a Matinee Show at 3:30 PM and a Dinner Show at 8:00 PM.

STACKWADDY - BUGGER OFF!

 

I don't have the original 1972 release. Only the CD and the 2020 vinyl reissue. But I was glad to add this counterfeit on the BSF Archives label to the collection.
(Stackwaddy's "Bugger Off!" album included their version of FZ's 'Willie The Pimp'.)

HEAVENS BASEMENT - FIRST

HEAVENS BASEMENT is a trio.

• Elko Blijweert on bass and guitar.
• Rudy Trouvé on bass, guitar and vocals.
• Frederik Heuvinck on drums.

Think hard funk kraut wave.

THE BEVIS FROND - HORROFUL HEIGHTS

• The Bevis Frond: Horrorful Heights
      (2026, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)
      (2026, 2cd, --, fire records)

Songwriter, guitarist and The Bevis Frond frontman Nick Saloman, together with his long time collaborators Paul Simons (guitar) and Dave Pearce (drums), delivered another fine album.

Channeling the spirits of the early seventies, "Horrorful Heights" is another fine album by The Bevis Frond.

Bandcamp download, also available as a 2 CD and as a 2 LP set.
There's also a 3 LP deluxe version !

THE GREEN RAY - ORCHARD HOUSE

• The Green Ray: Orchard House
      (2026, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)
      (2026, lp, UK, blue matter)

The Green Day's latest album, "Orchard House", got released on LP by Blue Matter records in the UK.

Psychedelic, progressive rock / folk.
Despite a history marked by the tragic loss of several original members—including founders Ken Whaley and Richard Treece—sole remaining architect Simon Whaley has successfully revitalized the project.

THE COSMIC DEAD - BEYOND THE BEYOND

• The Cosmic Dead: Beyond The Beyond
      (2026, cd, --, heavy psych sounds)

The Cosmic Dead are widely celebrated as one of the UK underground’s premier space rock, krautrock, and heavy psychedelic jam collectives.
Hailing from Glasgow, the band is known for their massive, long-form musical excursions that frequently stretch past the 15-to-20-minute mark, heavily relying on hypnotic, circular patterns.

-- info: Danny Mathys

VARIOUS ARTISTS - FAR EAST NEW ROCK INVENTIONS 1969 - 1975

• Various Artists: Far East New Rock Inventions 1969 – 1975
      (2026, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)
      (2026, lp, Japan, 180 g wamono series)

"Far East New Rock Invention 1969–1975" is a fine compilation that chronicles Japan's transition from polite 1960s pop into a fierce, unhinged counterculture rock revolution. Released via the 180g label, this carefully curated 9-track retrospective serves as a reminder that while American bands were shifting the cultural landscape of the West, Japanese musicians were creating a parallel, equally volatile sonic boom in the East.

"ZAPPA THE HARD WAY" BOOK IS GETTING A REVISED AND EXPANDED EDITION

Andrew Greenaway's "Zappa The Hard Way" is getting a revised and expanded edition.

Read about and order it here:
https://www.wymeruk.co.uk/webshop/books/prog/frank-zappa/zappa-the-hard-way-revised-and-expanded-2026-edition

 

PROJECT/OBJECT - - - 2010/11/06 COMPLETE SHOW VIDEO

Project/Object - November 6th 2010
With Ike Willis & Ray White

THE CENTRAL SCRUTINIZER BAND WITH RAY WHITE, IKE WILLIS AND ROBERT MARTIN

Here are three short clips of rehearsals for our 2014 shows in São Paulo, Brazil. In honor and memory of our great friend and exceptional musician, Ike Willis! RIP, brother! ♥️ The songs are: "What's New In Baltimore" and "You Are What You Is" by Frank Zappa and "Mas, Que Nada!" by Jorge Benjor.

The IKE WILLIS Project Live - 'Outside Now'

October 4, 2017

 

ANDY MERTENS - FIFTY-FIFTY

BEAT IS COMING TO EUROPE

BEAT, from left to right: Danny Carey, Adrian Belew, Steve Vai and Tony Levin

07/06/26 - Wolverhampton, UK @ Civic Center
08/06/26 - London, UK @ Eventim Apollo
10/06/26 - Paris, France @ Olympia
11/06/26 - Dusseldorf, Germany @ Mitsubishi Electric Hall
13/06/26 - Strasbourg, France @ Palais des Congres
15/06/26 - Berlin, Germany @ Uber Eats Music Hall
16/06/26 - Aarhus, Denmark @ Musikhuset
18/06/26 - Prague, Czech Republic @ 02 Universum
19/06/26 - Munich, Germany @ Tollwood Festival
20/06/26 - Vienna, Austria @ Wiener Stadthalle
22/06/26 - Zürich, Switzerland @ Theater 11
23/06/26 - Brussels, Belgium @ Cirque Royal
24/06/26 - Tilburg, Netherlands @ 013
26/06/26 - Madrid, Spain @ Noches del Botanico
27/06/26 - Bilbao, Spain @ BBK Music Legends Festival
28/06/26 - Barcelona, Spain @ BARTS Festival, Poble Espanyol
30/06/26 - Gardone Riviera, Italy @ Festival del Vittoriale Tener-a-mente
02/07/26 - Pompei, Italy @ Ampthitheatre of Pompeii
03/07/26 - Bari, Italy @ Fiera del Levante
04/07/26 - Perugia, Italy @ Umbria Jazz – Arena Santa Giuliana
06/07/26 - Udine, Italy @ Castello di Udine
07/07/26 - Zagreb, Croatia @ SRC Salata
09/07/26 - Sofia, Bulgaria @ NDK Hall 1
11/07/26 - Istanbul, Turkey @ Harbiye Cernil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre
13/07/26 - Bucharest, Romania @ Arenele Romane's Tent
15/07/26 - Budapest, Hungary @ Barba Negra Music Stage
15/07/26 - Zamek Ćmielów, Poland @ Stratocastle
19/07/26 - Tallinn, Estonia @ Alexela Concert Hall
20/07/26 - Helsinki, Finland @ Allas Pool
22/07/26 - Stockholm, Sweden @ Filadelfia
23/07/26 - Oslo, Norway @ Sentrum Scene

NEW MUSIC BY EIDON

'Dharmageddon'
by Eidon

J.M. SMIG - DOG MEAT

On this day in 2019, J.M. Smig released the advance single of 'Dog Meat' from "Unsmigitated Audacity", an EP of Frank Zappa covers that he hopes to remaster in the near future.

NICOLAS MORTELMANS / THE SPACE QUARTET - SPACE

• Nicolas Mortelmans: Space
      (2026, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)
      (2026, cd, Belgium, --)

A couple of days ago, we went to see Nicolas Mortelmans' Space Quartet in concert. The final concert of their club tour, for which they had invited Tarang Poddar (tablas) to join the quartet.

It was a fine concert (despite the disturbing cloud of incense that was hanging in the room) and I brought home Nicolas' latest album, "Space", his second album.

Recorded with a slight different line-up but with a strong focus on the sitar, "Space" offers 6 fine pieces. Improvised music with an Indian injection.

• Nicolas Mortelmans – Sitar
• Tim Vanhamel - Electric Guitar
• Roland Van Campenhout - Acoustic Guitar & Slide
• Stef Kamil Carlens – Bass
• Simon Segers - Drums

Here's a nice little video from the touring Space Quartet

• Nicolas Mortelmans – Sitar
• Tim Vanhamel - Electric Guitar
• Stef Kamil Carlens – Bass
• Teun Verbruggen - Drums

Or the entire concert at the AB in Brussels

SVEN RATZKE

Sven Ratzke has just released "We Could Be Heroes", performing David Bowie songs.

In 2013, David Bowie personally gave the internationally acclaimed Dutch/German cabaret and rock entertainer Sven Ratzke his blessing to create theatrical shows using his music.
Rather than doing a standard, straightforward tribute show, Bowie wanted Ratzke to offer his own wild, daring, and theatrical interpretations.

Sven Ratzke - Heroes (David Bowie)

VARIOUS ARTISTS - BACK TO THE GARDEN (A TRIBUTE TO JONI MITCHELL)

• Various Artists: Back To The Garden (A Tribute To Joni Mitchell)
      (2026, cd, UK, mojo magazine) - free CD with the June 2026 issue of Mojo magazine

Free CD with the June 2026 issue of Mojo magazine.

The excellent CD accompanying the June 2026 issue of MOJO Magazine, is less a conventional tribute album and more a lovingly curated journey through the many worlds of Joni Mitchell. Bringing together artists from folk, jazz, soul, indie rock and Americana, the collection celebrates not only Mitchell’s songwriting genius, but also the remarkable flexibility of her compositions.

Nice. Very nice.

It made me revisit one of the original songs.

NEW RELEASE BY HENRIK OLSSON

Cuneiform Records just announced "Antumbra Ensemble" by Henrik Olsson.
Wow !!

TREY ANASTASIO

Previously only available as a digital streaming / download album,Trey Anastasio's "Live And Acoustic" will also been made available as a 3 LP set.

A NEW ALBUM BY JOHN TABACCO

"A Little More Of This - A Little More Of That"
John Tabacco

MORE MISSING PERSONS

I received a digital copy of "BBC College Concert #7 - Missing Persons, Six Flags Magic Mountain Sept. 10, 1982", a recording of a radio show that eventually got released on CD and LP in 2024 as "Live In Santa Clarita - October 10, 1982".
I assume that the CD / LP version does not have the radio announcer's comments...

Artwork for the radio show

Artwork for the 2024 album

BLACK NAPKINS

Ike Willis - Black Napkins Solo. October 16, 2015 @ Arch Street Tavern, Hartford, Connecticut.
video by Pete Brunelli

STICK MEN - 20260403 ELKTON MUSIC HALL, ELKTON, MD

• Stick Men: 20260403 Elkton Music Hall, Elkton, MD
      (2026, download / streaming, --, bandcamp) – 2026 05 16

As the title predicts, "20260403 Elkton Music Hall, Elkton, MD" got recorded live in concert at the Elkton Music Hall earlier this year.

• Tony Levin: Chapman Stick, Voice
• Markus Reuter: Touch Guitars® T8 Custom, Live Looping, Voice
• Pat Mastelotto: Drums, Loops, Samples

An excellent show (and recording) !
The album is available on Bandcamp as a free download (or pay what you want).

GEOFF LEIGH, FRANK WUYTS - SPACE IS THE PLACE

 From the 1988 album "From Here To Drums" by Geoff Leigh and Frank Wuyts:

Composed by Geoff Leigh, but incorporating the chorus of Sun Ra's 'Space Is The Place'.

-- info: the Dwalmacat radio show

NEW ALBUM BY MISSING PERSONS

"Maximum Exposure / Live" is a new album by Missing Persons.
The CD presents the 1984 concert at Irvine Meadows.

YUVAL RON TRIO - - - CENTRAL EU TOUR

A message from Yuval Ron

Yuval Ron Trio - Central EU Tour

This is truly exciting. After almost three years of touring all over Europe - from Germany, through the Netherlands, UK and all the way to the Faroe Islands - we are finally preparing for what will be our last tour leg for the coming future - a central European tour which includes some exciting performances in Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia and Poland.

Here are the dates - most of them feature online tickets at great prices, so grab yours and reserve your spot! 🎸

YUVAL RON TRIO 👨‍🚀👨‍🚀👨‍🚀 CENTRAL EUROPE TOUR 2026

• JUN 12 2026 | Prague, CZ - Klubovna Cultural Center
  
  
• JUN 13 2026 | Vienna, AT - Vienna Prog Night 2026 - Reigen
  
  
• JUN 14 2026 | Budapest, HU - Budapest Prog Night 2026 - A38
  
  
• JUN 15 2026 | Banská Bystrica, SK - Hogo Fogo
  
  
• JUN 16 2026 | Kraków, PL - Chicago Bar - With CzechoWitch

OUTSIDE NOW

'Outside Now' featuring the University of Hawaii Hilo Jazz Orchestra with Ike Willis and Dweezil Zappa.

PAPPA ZAPPA VINYL ALBUM

I'm not sure if this is a 'radio show album' or an actual bootleg, but I received info that there's a new Frank Zappa album out on colored vinyl. Limited and numbered.

It's called "Pappa Zappa", but it's not the bootleg album from the early eighties.
This one presents some early Cucamonga and Mothers material.

SIDE A

1. BABY RAY AND THE FERNS
2. HOW'S YOUR BIRD
3. THE WORLD'S GREATEST SINNER
4. THE HEARTBREAKERS
5. EVERY TIME I SEE YOU
6. CRADLE ROCK
7. NED AND NELDA
8. HEY NELDA
9. SURF ALONG

SIDE B

1. THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION
2. HOW COULD I BE SUCH A FOOL
3. IT CAN'T HAPPEN HERE
4. TROUBLE COMIN' EVERY DAY
5. WHO ARE THE BRAIN POLICE?
6. WHY DON'T YOU DO ME RIGHT
7. BIG LEG EMMA
8. LONELY LITTLE GIRL
9. MOTHER PEOPLE

For reference, the 1982 "Pappa Zappa" 2 LP bootleg, presenting part of a 1976 concert.

R.I.P. IKE WILLIS

I'll be listening to "Joe's Garage" tomorrow...

 

AMYGDALA

Today, my guided tour of the world of Zeuhl took me to Japanese duo Amygdala.

Amygdala is a Japanese avant-prog and Zeuhl band known for their dark, heavy, and complex instrumental music. Characterized by intricate rhythmic patterns, apocalyptic atmospheres, and virtuoso keyboard and guitar work, their compositions draw heavy inspiration from Western progressive rock pioneers like Univers Zero, Magma, and Present.

Featuring Yoshihiro Yamaji (guitar, bass & vocals) and Yoshiyuki Nakajima (keyboard), the duo released two albums: "Amygdala" (2004), and "Complex Combat" (2008), both released on the French Soleil Zeuhl record label.

Recommended listening.

• Amygdala: Amygdala
      (2004, cd, France, soleil zeuhl sz 11)

• Amygdala: Complex Combat
      (2008, cd, France, soleil zeuhl sz 18)

-- info: Danny Mathys

A NEW PIECE BY EIDON

'Fugato In 5/4'
by Eidon

CABALLERO REYNALDO

Caballero Reynaldo recently performed the music of Frank Zappa at a Portuguese festival.
But he's also releasing original music.

Here's 'Civilizacion Subnormal' :

 

CARMINA - HAMRA

• Carmina: Hamra
      (2026, cd, France, soleil zeuhl sz 64)

Carmina's "Hamra" is another fascinating release on the French Soleil Zeuhl record label.

French band Carmina formed in 1974.
The Soleil Zeuhl record label recovered some of their archive recordings from 1976 & 1977 and released these on CD (in 2026!).

Three recordings of the same composition, 'Hamra'.
But this is not just an archival exercise. 'Hamra' is a beautiful piece of music and it's great to have these three versions available.

WAX'IN - WAX'IN

• Wax’In: Wax’In
      (2016, cd, France, le triton tri-16536)

Band created in December 2015 at the suggestion of Jean-Pierre Vivante, manager of Le Triton, who saw the reunion of these 4 musicians as the "dream team" for his concert venue. Although Franck Vaillant, Christophe Godin, Médéric Collignon and Philippe Bussonnet had never met nor played together before, the musical alchemy was there and the band was born. They released their first eponymous album one year after their first concert together.

Featuring jazz drummer Franck Vaillant, guitar wizard Christophe Godin, jazz trumpet player Médéric Collignon, and (former) Magma bass player Philippe Bussonnet.

I probably mentioned this album shortly after it got released. I'm a huge fan of Christophe Godin's guitar playing and I try to listen to every project he's involved in.
Unfortunately, Wax'In only recorded one album. I would have loved to hear more from this amazing quartet.

As the album got recommended to me recently, I thought it was only appropriate to give it another mention (while giving it another spin).

NOLAN COOK / NIFNAR

Nolan Cook used to be the guitar player for the Residents.
His latest project is called Nifnar.

'I'll Give You One Day To Remember' will out on Bandcamp on June 5.
Here's the promo video.

FERNANDO MOLINARI

Bass player and composer Fernando Molinari has released another couple of tracks on Bandcamp.
Both feature Marco Minnemann.

https://fernandomolinari.bandcamp.com/

You can also check Fernando out on YouTube

• Fernando Molinari - Bass/Vocals/Percussion
• João Hanysz - Acoustic & Eletric Guitar/Synth
• Arthur Rezende - Drums
• Cristian Del Giorgio - Keyboards and Effects

• Fernando Molinari - Bass
• Andre Nieri - Guitar
• Marco Minnemann - Drums
• Herbert Medeiros - Keyboards and Effects

• Fernando Molinari - Bass
• Andre Nieri - Guitar
• Marco Minnemann - Drums
• Daniel Felix - Keyboards and Effects

THE RESIDENTS - ANIMAL LOVER - EVOLUTION EDITION

• The Residents: Animal Lover – Evolution Edition
      (2026, 3cd, UK, cherry red)

The Residents’ "Animal Lover - Evolution Edition" got released via Cherry Red Records a couple of months ago.
The 3CD set maps the project of one of one the avant-garde group’s 21st-century masterpieces, "Animal Lover".
While the original 2005 release was highly praised for its unique perspective on human behavior seen through the eyes of animals, this 3-CD box set serves as an audio time capsule. It unearths 44 previously unreleased tracks that reveal how the band navigated creative roadblocks and structural shifts between 2001 and 2004.

From the original release:

MARCO DALPANE - FRANK ZAPPA SUITE

Frank Zappa Suite
(Let's Make the Water Turn Black/ Harry, You're A Beast/ Orange County Lumber Truck/ Oh No, Son of Orange County/ Theme from Lumpy Gravy)
___________________________________________________

Live Recording

Date: 4.12.2013
Audio e Video: Davide Cristiani @ BombanellaSoundscapes
www.bombanellastudio.it

 

VINNIE COLAIUTA COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS 2026

During Berklee’s 2026 commencement ceremony, Vinnie Colaiuta delivered a thoughtful commencement address to the Class of 2026, encouraging graduates to approach the future with intention, discipline, and creativity.

-- info: Wim Puttemans

ZAPPA'S TTG CONCERT

 I haven't received my physical copy yet, but apparently, the hype sticker says:
recorded in conjunction with a documentary film entitled "Sex in Today's World".

THE DMYTRO RADZETSKYI BAND

On their latest release, The Dmytro Radzetskyi Band included two pieces that were written by Christian Vander / Magma, next to the original compositions by Dmytro.

"Live At Gram"
by Dmytro Radzetskyi Band

JOERI CHIPSVINGERS - NEEM EN EET HIERVAN

• Joeri Chipsvingers: Neem En Eet Hiervan
      (2026, cd, Belgium, fons records)
  

Joeri Chipsvingers (alter ego of Michiel De Naegel) released "De Avonturen Van Joeri Chipsvingers" in 2020.
"Neem En Eet Hiervan" is Joeri Chipsvinger's second release.

In Flemish.

Collaborating with the 12-piece Nemø Ensemble, De Naegel creates what has been aptly described as "Disney on acid". The instrumentation is dense, dynamic, and rapidly shifting. Flutes, piccolos, clarinets, and strings paint a vibrant backdrop that mimics the erratic movements of a mind under siege.

Neem En Eet Hiervan strips away all pop conventions to offer a raw, beautiful listening session. It is challenging, overwhelming, and utterly unique.

Download/streaming on Bandcamp, but also availableon CD and on LP.

STUDIO DAN - HOW'S YOUR BIRD

How Is Your Bird?
Manfred Weissensteiner

How does a contemporary orchestra — an instrumental ensemble like Studio Dan — end up making theater productions for children in the first place? Especially now, when everything is getting tighter anyway. Why spend money on sophisticated contemporary children’s theater with more than two people on stage? Why not simply give old fairy tales a trendy makeover? That gets ratings.

© Karolina Preuschl

And then there’s this: making Zappa accessible to children — audible as music and visible as theater. Sure, I know they enjoy playing his music and that they play it well. I also know that Daniel listened to him a lot in his youth and was, in a way, musically socialized through him.
But ultimately, the whole undertaking feels rather out of time. The world has turned several times since then and somehow arrived somewhere we certainly never expected. The hopes, visions, and ideas for a peaceful, healthy, happy future that were formulated back then have all, in retrospect, failed and revealed themselves to be naive.
And now a hero from the flower-power seventies is being dug up again — for children, no less. It almost seems cynical.

On the other hand: what kind of world are we supposed to show children today? What kind of future?

After all these introductory questions, I would now like to make a case for Studio Dan’s decision to create sophisticated music theater for young audiences — with all the clichés and familiar arguments that already appeared in the forewords of program booklets back in the seventies. But perhaps they have been forgotten, buried beneath the urgency of current debates and replaced by the merely factual.
Precisely now, theater for children and young people that takes them seriously aesthetically and intellectually is not simply a “nice to have,” but a necessity. The reason lies less in theater itself than in the world young people are growing up in today.

Children and teenagers often experience crises simultaneously: climate change, wars, social insecurity, digital overstimulation. Theater has to engage with these realities — not abstractly like the news, but emotionally and tangibly, live. It offers a space where people can process and understand things together instead of standing alone in front of a screen, and at its best, it can provide orientation in a complex world.

In theater, young audiences directly encounter other realities of life. They see characters who doubt, fail, and hope. This experience strengthens empathy — something we desperately need in polarized times. Theater is one of the few places where people practice putting themselves in someone else’s shoes and shifting perspectives.
Many young people today feel more powerless than empowered. Good children’s theater does not only present problems, but also possibilities for action. It conveys the message: you can change something. Agency instead of helplessness.

Quite demanding and rather pathos-filled — but one has to believe in something.

So the next question is: what kind of world should we show them?
Honesty is crucial. That means we must not sugarcoat things. Children notice immediately when adults are pretending. Themes such as fear, injustice, or anxiety about the future can and should appear. But hope must remain tangible.

Not as a kitschy happy ending, but as an attitude: people find solutions, community is possible, change happens when someone begins. Theater may show that the world is complicated — and still shapeable.
And what kind of future?

Perhaps the more important question is not: what future do we show? but rather: what attitude toward the future do we convey?
Curiosity instead of fear, the courage to ask questions, diversity as normality, overwhelm and failure as part of development — and contradiction and rebellion as strengths.

And so we move from the general to the specific. To the question of why Studio Dan chose Zappa as the basis for a children’s program.
If the parameters mentioned above define contemporary, honest theater for young audiences, then the Zappa framework on which How Is Your Bird? is based is actually a stroke of luck.

© Nikola Milatovic

Because there they are: the surprisingly fertile points of connection. The wild mix of genres, the playful approach to music and form, the joy of experimentation, the unexpected ruptures and turns — all of this is particularly well suited to children, because they are free of rigid categories and often accept shifts in style more naturally than adults do. Zappa’s grotesque humor, his absurd characters, and exaggerated situations fit as well. Added to this is rhythm, which can be translated into physicality, movement, and even language. Zappa’s collage-like works intersect with modern children’s theater, which often moves away from classical linear storytelling and instead works through images and associations.

So what at first glance may seem like an odd combination — Frank Zappa and children’s theater — ultimately makes sense, is fun, and offers hope for tomorrow.

So in the end: a kitschy happy ending after all.
See for yourself — ideally accompanied by a young person — from May 28 to 31 at Dschungel Wien.

SN.FM - RADIO SUPERNOVA VOL. 1

• SN.FM: Radio Supernova Vol. 1
      (2025, lp, Germany, private release)

SN.FM (real name Sebastian Tomczak) released a piece entitled ‘Black Napkins’ on his first album, “Radio Supernove Vol.1’.

It’s not the Frank Zappa composition, but it did mention FZ in the lyrics, featuring German rapper Dexter.

52 seconds into the track

Ich höre 'Black Napkins' von Zappa
(Rest In Peace)
Du hörst durch die halb geöffnete Tür eine Wutanfall von Papa

Vinyl release but also available on digital music platforms.
I received my LP copy last week.
Comes in a beautiful fold-out cover.

DANKSY - WORM & GOD

• Danksy: Worm & God
      (2026, download/streaming, --, digital music platforms)

= digital single
- feat. Dweezil Zappa

Available on iTunes.

DWEEZIL ZAPPA TALKS GUITARS AND TONES WITH SETH LEE JONES

 

FRANK ZAPPA - ZAPPA '66 - VOL.1 - LIVE AT TTG STUDIOS

• Frank Zappa: Zappa '66 Vol. 1 - Live At TTG Studios
      (2026, download, --, --)

Physical objects are moving, downloads are being transferred, and sounds are shaping sculptures !

"Zappa '66 Vol. 1 - Live At TTG Studios" is out !

A great start of the day...

FLAT EARTH SOCIETY - MISSA ASINORUM

• Flat Earth Society: Missa Asinorum
      (2026, cd, Belgium, zonk records)

The Flat Earth Society Orchestra is touring with "Missa Asinorum", their latest album.
Great concerts and a superb album.

In the newly accepted standard way that world leaders communicate, Peter Vermeersch adds:

Out on LP, CD and Bandcamp.

Essential listening !!

ANTHONY GARONE - OK, BUT WHY?

• Anthony Garone: OK, But Why?
      (2026, cd, --, moonjune records mjr142)

Anthony Garone is putting words into action.
His Make Weird Music (MWM) website and YouTube channel has been showcasing and promoting music from the other side of the fence for years, and now, Anthony has released his own album.

14 tracks.
Dense and polyrhythmic. The way that I like it.
The album kicks off quite heavy and then slowly shifts into a more calming atmosphere.

The list of guest musicians is quite spectacular. As a result, with a few exceptions, there are different musicians on each track which adds a personal touch and different flavours to each piece.

Out on the MoonJune Records label.
I bought the CD but the album's also out on vinyl, or as a download/streaming digital thing.

Recommended listening.

FULANO - TRABAJOS INUTILES

• Fulano: Trabajos Inútiles
      (2016, cd, Chile, el templo records)

= 2016 re-issue in cardboard / digifile package of the 1997 CD by Fulano.
Includes 'Nadie Nos Conoce', a Frank Zappa tribute (as mentioned in the initial release).

Here's a complete show from 2012 !

GOTAN PROJECT - LA REVANCHA DEL TANGO / INSPIRACION - ESPIRACION (DJ SET)

Released in 2005, and combining two previously released albums, "La Revancha Del Tango" (from 2001) and "Inspiración - Espiración (DJ Set)" (from 2004), this 3 CD set included the band's well-known version of FZ's 'Chunga' Revenge' on the 2001 CD.

• Gotan Project: La Revancha Del Tango / Inspiración - Espiración (DJ Set)
      (2005, 3cd, France, universal / barclay)
      - incl. ‘Chunga’s Revenge’ (F. Zappa)

Another fine re-arranged piece:
Gotan Project Meets Chet Baker: 'Round About Midnight' (Thelonious Monk)

CAPITAN CAPITONE

About five years ago, Italian saxophone / flute player and composer Daniele Sepe released the beautiful "Direction Zappa" album. A beautiful tribute to the music of Frank Zappa.

Another of Daniele's projects is called Capitan Capitone and they have just released their fourth album: "40 N 14 E", a 2 LP release on Record Store Day.
It's also available on digital music platforms such as Spotify and Amazon.

The Capitan Capitone discography :

• Capitan Capitone: Capitan Capitone E I Fratelli Della Costa
      (2016, cd, Italy, mvm / full heads)
  
  
• Capitan Capitone: Capitan Capitone E I Parentie Della Sposa
      (2017, cd, Italy, mvm)
  
  
• Capitan Capitone: La Nuove Avventure Di Capitan Capitone
      (2020, cd, Italy, mvm)
  
  
• Capitan Capitone: 40 N 14 E
      (2026, 2lp, Italy, --)

Here's a live snippet :

"ONE STAGE FITS ALL"

Chris Lammiman released another book on Pygmy Twylyte (the Scottish band that performs the music of Frank Zappa). 

Pygmy Twylyte, Scotland's greatest purveyors of optional entertainment, have now passed the 100 gig mark. Chris Lammiman has enjoyed 36 of those performances, including the massive Zappanale headline show in 2024. To celebrate those 100 gigs, the author has written a book based around the travels, trivial titbits and amazing performance of that Zappanale experience. Incorporated withing this book is also some of the Facebook posts from the other 35 shows that the author attended, as well as a comprehensive gig list from the 100, and photos to boot.

It's available from Lulu in a couple of different editions.

https://www.lulu.com/shop

"LEGENDS IN THEIR OWN LUNCHTIME"

The Cuneiform record label released an English translation of Aymeric Leroy's book on the Canterbury Scene, "Legends In Their Own Lunchtime".

I've only browsed through it, but there's tons of info in there.

Here's a nice interview with Aymeric about his book.

SOFT MACHINE

As you probably know, some of the concerts that are held at Le Triton in Paris, France, are made available afterwards as a streaming concert video.

I recently learned that the 2024 concert by Soft Machine, from the "Other Doors" tour, is also available for streaming.

Featuring Fred Thelonious Baker, John Etheridge, Theo Travis, and Asaf Sirkis

https://vod.letriton.com/content/soft-machine-other-doors-tour-23-24

JOYFUL NOISE AND AVANT NIGHT RECORD LABELS TO RELEASE A SLEEPYTIME GORILLA MUSEUM BOX SET

A message from Joyful Noise

Hello Joyful Noisers,

We teased it a few weeks ago, but we're finally spilling the beans. Along with fellow Indianapolis label Avant Night, we're releasing a limited deluxe box set of the first three Sleepytime Gorilla Museum records.

Titled Triptych, this hand-made wooden box set is the first time these records are releasing in the US. It's also the most intricate box set we've worked on yet. The box set will come out on 10/30, and pre-orders are open now!

https://www.joyfulnoiserecordings.com/products/triptych

KING GIZZARD & THE LIZARD WIZARD

• King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard: From Demos To Demons
      (2026, download / streaming, --, bandcamp / lost highway recordings)
      (2026, lp, --, lost highway recordings)

Brand-new release by KG & TLW.
Also out on vinyl.

The tracks were compiled from the "Demo Sessions" series.