KELLY BOESCH AI ART

Kelly Boesch AI Art

"Everybody's Got Their Thing"

FRANK ZAPPA - LIVE 'N' GREASY

• Frank Zappa: Live ‘N’ Greasy
      (2026, cd, --, homespun hsp2cd21321

Another Frank Zappa radio show album got released earlier this year.
The Zappateers data sheet for this concert says:

 1984/07/21 Palace Theater, Los Angeles, CA, July 21, 1984.

• Frank Zappa – Guitar, Vocals
• Ike Willis – Guitar, Vocals
• Ray White – Guitar, Vocals
• Napoleon Murphy Brock – Sax, Vocals
• Scott Thunes – Bass
• Allan Zavod – Keyboards
• Bobby Martin – Keyaboards, Vocals
• Chad Wackerman - Drums   

Disc 1

1. Intro – Treacherous Cretins
2. Montana
3. Easy Meat
4. Improvisation, Easy Meat & Caroline Hard-Core Ecstasy
5. Advance Romance
6. He's So Gay
7. Bobby Brown Goes Down
8. Keep It Greasey
9. Honey, Don't You Want A Man Like Me
10. Carol, You Fool

Disc 2

1. Chana In De Bushwap
2. Let’s Move To Cleveland
3. Tinseltown Rebellion
4. Oh No
5. Trouble Every Day
6. Penguin In Bondage
7. Hot Plate Heaven At The Green Hotel
8. Jungle Boogie (improvisational stuff, on request)
9. The Closer You Are
10. No, No Cherry   

A fine recording and a superb show...

A radio show CD, but you can also download it from Zappateers !

FRANK ZAPPA - 200 MOTELS

• Frank Zappa: 200 Motels
      (2022, 2 shm cd, Japan, universal uicy-16054/5)

Frank Zappa's "200 Motels" album got a nice re-release in 2021, both as a box set and as a 2 LP and as a 2 CD set.
One year later, in 2022, the CD got a Japanese release on SHM CD. It came with an obi and with an additional (Japanese) booklet.

DAVE HOLLAND - FREEDOM CALL

• Dave Holland: Freedom Call
      (2026, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)
      (2026, 3cd, --, edition records edn1302)
      (2026, 6lp, --, edition records)

To mark his 80th birthday, jazz icon Dave Holland has opened his vaults to release "Freedom Call", a spectacular 6-LP / 3-CD box set capturing previously unreleased live recordings from three of his most defining ensembles: the Sextet (Unity), the Quintet (Synergism), and Prism (Freedom). Recorded between 2007 and 2014, this box set is a masterclass in collective improvisation, artistic continuity, and rhythmic complexity.

Dave Holland’s status as an absolute icon of modern jazz is indisputable. For over five decades, the English bassist, composer, and bandleader has carved out a monumental legacy rooted in a robust, virtuosic double bass technique and an uncanny ability to push musical boundaries. His career took off on the highest possible plane when Miles Davis flew him to New York in 1968, leading to Holland’s foundational contributions to jazz-fusion landmarks like "In a Silent Way" and "Bitches Brew". Over the years, Holland has anchored legendary avant-garde and post-bop sessions alongside giants like Chick Corea and Anthony Braxton in the cooperative band Circle, as well as working with Stan Getz, Sam Rivers, Herbie Hancock, and John Surman. What makes Holland a true icon, however, is that he never became a museum piece. He has constantly evolved by forming forward-thinking ensembles that foster deep musical trust and equal dialogue. "Freedom Call" documents exactly that.

The first part, featuring the Sextet, presents an incredibly tight horn section with alto saxophonist Antonio Hart, trumpeter Alex Sipiagin, and longtime collaborator Robin Eubanks on trombone. Grounded by the late, great pianist Mulgrew Miller and drummer Eric Harland, their performance strikes a perfect balance between intricate, modern post-bop composition and hard-swinging spontaneity.

The second part shifts to his legendary Quintet, a group that defined a generation of modern jazz. With Chris Potter on saxophones, Robin Eubanks on trombone, Steve Nelson weaving textures on vibraphone and marimba, and Nate Smith driving the rhythms, the chemistry is telepathic. Tracks like "Easy Did It" and "Pathways" showcase the quintet’s flawless time-keeping and restless, layered interplay.

The final chapter features Prism, Holland’s heavier, rock-infused quartet with electric guitarist Kevin Eubanks, keyboardist Craig Taborn, and drummer Eric Harland. Embracing a more freewheeling, electric aesthetic that echoes the spontaneity of Sam Rivers' ethos, tracks like 'A New Day' and 'The Empty Chair' stretch out into epic, raucous, and deeply moving conversations. "Freedom Call" is not just a retrospective; it is a vital, living testament to a bandleader who views improvisation as the ultimate form of democratic conversation. For any devotee of modern creative jazz, this beautifully packaged set is an essential addition to the collection. 

Highly recommended.

-- info: Danny Mathys

QUARTET DIMINISHED - DEERAND

• Quartet Diminished: Deerand
      (2024, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)
      (2024, cd, --, moonjune records mjr 133)
      (2024, 2lp, --, moonjune records mjr 133lp) – clear vinyl

Quartet Diminished has a new release , "Live In Tehran With Aiso Symphony" scheduled for a release in the first quarter of 2027. It will included the King Crimson classic 'Starless' as well as original tracks by the band.
Pre-orders and the crowdfunding campaign will begin on the first Friday of December.

More than reason enough to revisit the band's most recent release.

"Deerand" was the fourth studio album by the Iranian avant-garde jazz and progressive rock group Quartet Diminished, released on September 19, 2024, through MoonJune Records.

The album title sort of gives a hint as Deerand (دیرند) is a Persian musical term that refers to the duration or length of a musical note.
Expect beautiful soundscapes, including dynamic shifts, moving from minimalistic lyrical fragments to energetic and intense avant-garde sections, all seasoned with Iranian spices.

Beautiful.
And featuring special guests Tony Levin (on 2 tracks) and Markus Reuter (on all tracks).

THE COLLECTORS' DRESSING ROOM

-- info: Jan van Kemenade

STEVIE WONDER & LENNY KRAVITZ - - - LIVE IN PARIS - - - OCT 15, 2026

 

SUSAN TEDESCHI & DEREK TRUCKS AT THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART

"The Art of Music" with Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks

GARY LUCAS UPDATE

Gary Lucas—On The Road and In The Studio

New Music and Recordings in Progress

Shows in the Hamptons, Paris, Madrid, Ireland, and Woodstock

photo courtesy of Gary Lucas

In addition to two eclectic album releases this year (the space rock “Omnidirectional” with drummer Lukas Ligeti and the Chinese Pop “The Edge of Heaven-2” with singer/instrumentalist Feifei Yang), Gary’s presenting equally wide-spanning gigs over the next two months in Sag Harbor, NY; Paris France; Madrid, Spain; Dundalk, Ireland; and Woodstock, NY.

Saturday, Oct. 31st, 2026, 6:00pm
Sag Harbor Cinema, 90 Main Street, Sag Harbor, NY - Gary will perform his live solo guitar score accompanying James Whale's 1931 “Frankenstein” starring Boris Karloff.
sagharborcinema.org/films/frankenstein/

Tuesday, Nov. 17th, 2026, 9:30pm
Le Chair de Poule, Paris - Gary plays solo acoustic upstairs at the Peine Perdu bar.
evvntly.com/event/gary-lucas-at-gl-solo-acoustic-at-the-peine-perdu-bar-le-chair-de-poule-paris-pa/ev-df2ea53e29a9b6ceb77b13228

Gary is recording in Normandy with French musicians Hannah Hesse and Fred Pessoa.

Friday & Saturday, Nov. 20th & 21st, 2026
Recoletos Jazz Series, Recoletos Hotel, Madrid, Spain - Gary returns to Madrid to lead a Tribute to Jeff Buckley, marking what would have been Jeff's 60th Birthday Anniversary. Many cutting-edge Spanish will perform many of the Buckley/Lucas songs with Gary.
 www.recoletosjazz.com

Saturday, Nov. 28th, 2026, 11:00am - 5:00pm
An Táin Arts Centre, Dundalk, Ireland - Gary Lucas Masterclass
www.antain.ie/event/gary-lucas-masterclass/

Thursday, Dec. 17th, 2026, 7:00 pm-10:00 pm
The Colony, 22 Rock City Road, Woodstock, NY – Gary Lucas & Gods and Monsters, feat. Calvin Weston drums and Ernie Brooks bass.

www.eventbrite.com/e/gary-lucas-gods-and-monsters-tickets-2003586325635

GHOST RHYTMS - MISSING TIMES + ANOTHER PRESENT EP

• Ghost Rhythms: Missing Times + Another Present EP
      (2026, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)

The Cuneiform Records label has just released "Missing Times" and "Another Present EP" by Paris, France-based ensemble Ghost Rhythms.

Fans of progressive rock, modern jazz and avant-garde will be very happy with these new releases.
Beautiful melodies and orchestrations.

Digital download / streaming only.
Check it out on Bandcamp.

-- info: Danny Mathys

AN ED PALERMO BIG BAND UPDATE

https://www.ticketweb.com/event/the-ed-palermo-big-band-iridium-tickets/14331154

Well, it's that time of year again. And it looks like things are shaping up nicely for our next performance. Join our zany bandleader, as we venture into uncharted musical territories.
It's the Ed Palermo Big Band, live and unfiltered. Nov 23 at The Iridium.
Plus, we'll be celebrating the release of our new album, "It's an Ed Palermo Christmas! God Bless Us, Everyone!"

ROMÁN GARCÍA ALBERTOS

Kjell Knudde wrote a very informative piece on Román García Albertos, graphic artist, musician and webmaster of the essential IINK (https://donlope.net/fz/).

Read it here:

https://www.lambiek.net/artists/g/garcia_albertos_roman.htm

THE DON RENDELL / IAN CARR QUINTET - MIRAGE

 

• The Don Rendell / Ian Carr Quintet: Mirage
      (2026, cd, --, landsdowne cd 001)

Don Rendell and Ian Carr's "Mirage" takes us back to 1969.
British modern jazz. 

One year later, Ian Carr would form jazz-rock band Nucleus !

JILL YANN * JEREMY COLSON * JUNIOR BRAGUINHA TRIO

Announced for March 12, 2027 at SPIRIT OF 66 in Verviers, BE:

JILL YAN * JEREMY COLSON * JUNIOR BRAGUINHA Trio

"ALIEN ROCK-FUSION !" Swiss guitar virtuoso JILL YAN, a graduate of Hollywood’s prestigious Guitar Institute of Technology, has released nine albums, blending progressive rock, metal, jazz-fusion and world music into his own explosive musical universe.
Featuring JEREMY COLSON (Steve Vai’s drummer) and JUNIOR BRAGUINHA (Virgil Donati’s bassist), this powerhouse trio delivers breathtaking virtuosity, crushing grooves and pure instrumental fire! No rules. No limits. Just pure musical energy!

Earlier this year, the trio featured Mohini Dey on the bass :

-- info: Philippe Lamoot

THE BIG SWIFTY

The Big Swifty was a medium-sized jazz ensemble / small big band from Nijmegen,  NL, formed by the Dutch saxophonist and composer Bo van de Graaf, active between 1995 and 2000.

The ensemble performed the music of Frank Zappa, next to pieces by Astor Piazzolla and by Dutch contemporary composers.

Here's The Big Swifty, performing 'Swingtime' by Mark v Platen,
a piece that sounds like a broken record,

live in O42 Nijmegen, 1997.

Bo added:
Composed as a damaged 78 rpm record . Performed live in O42 Nijmegen in a program by Bas Andriessen (interview and live music with the composer).
Because it was extremely difficult to play there was only one performance.

MATTHEW JASKOT

Matt Jaskot's 'Dense, Angular, Nuanced, Cosmic Energy' (2017), is a piece for flute/piccolo, clarinet in B-flat/bass clarinet, and piano

It premiered by Alicia Kosack, Laura Armstrong, and Matthew Jaskot on October 22, 2017 in Bel Air, MD

It's a composition in four movements with the final movement being FZ's 'Bebop Tango' !

  
I. Fist Pumps and Giant Stomps
II. Float Like a Butterfly, Sting Like a Bee
III. Balloons of Remembrance Glide to Infinity
IV. Bebop Tango (F. Zappa, arr. Geoffroy Burleson)

https://www.matthewjaskot.com/copy-of-breathe-in-these-moments-ju

Here are movements two and three.
(unfortunately, I could not find a recording of the fourth movement)

-

AN UPDATE FROM STICK MEN

Dear friends,

Today marks the worldwide digital release of Let’s THRAK Again REEL TWO across all platforms. If you listen on a streaming service, please search for the album, save it to your library, and give it a spin. It really helps get the music out there.

We’re also happy to announce that ALL standalone CD and LP orders were dispatched as of last week and are on their way to you, even to the remotest parts of the world.

VIDEO PREMIERE: “SWIMMING IN TEA” (OCTOBER 30)

On Friday, October 30, we’re premiering the video for “Swimming in Tea,” an amazing puppetry short film by the genius filmmaker Jeff Myers. Head over to YouTube now to RSVP and set a reminder: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NpCXSJDZrs

BOX SET UPDATE

Unfortunately, we’ve hit a further delay with the Let’s THRAK Again Box Set: a box of LPs was lost in the mail, meaning the 1LP has to be repressed before the sets can ship. Thank you so much for your patience. Take a look at the photo below showing some of the box set contents. As you can see, it has turned out truly beautiful and special.

So many people have asked for more copies of the box set. To stay on the safe side with stock, we are only making 10 additional Let’s THRAK Again box sets available to order for now: https://stickmen.bandcamp.com/merch

JAPANESE UHQCD EDITION

For collectors, the imported Japanese UHQCD edition of Let’s THRAK Again is available now. Uniquely, this release features the Reel Two mixes sequenced in the Reel One running order, plus two bonus tracks: https://japaneseimportuhqcd.bandcamp.com/merch/stick-men-let-s-thrak-again-japanese-version-uhqcd-by-japanese-import-uhqcd

TOUCH GUITARS U8 DELUXE SPECIAL EDITION

On a related note, some of you may have heard Markus’s new Touch Guitar on our recent US tour. Only two instruments from that same build series of ten super-light and amazing-sounding guitars are left in stock and available: https://www.markusreuter.com/touch-guitars-u8-deluxe-special-edition

A BIG SURPRISE

What’s ahead for us? A big surprise: Believe it or not, we’ll soon start work on our next album, and we’ll also be re-releasing our entire back catalogue over the next couple of years. On the live front, we’ll be heading to Asia in late January and early February for shows in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan. Search online for more details on those dates. And we'll be back playing in the USA in March and April.

Thank you and best wishes! Markus, Tony, Pat

 

STARLICKER - DOUBLE DEMON

• Starlicker: Double Demon
      (2011, cd, --, delmark)
      (2011, lp, --, delmark)

When I first heard heard about Starlicker, I expected to be immersed in some psychedelic space jazz. Not that I would mind, but Starlicker's "Double Demon" is quite something else. And I should have known if I would have checked the line-up:

• Rob Mazurek - cornet
• Jason Adasiewicz - vibes
• John Herndon - drums 

As far as I could tell, "Double Demon" is the trio's only album (released in 2011 !!) and that's a pity because they sound great.
Rob Mazurek is no stranger to this blog, as is Jason Adasiewicz. Add John Herndon (Tortoise), and you have an ensemble that you want to check out.

Eclectic, chaotic but also groundbreaking.
A great combination of instruments plus the unconventional rhythms remind me a lot of Frank Zappa's avant-garde and jazz pieces.

Essential listening !!

-- info: Danny Mathys

TERRY BOZZIO & BEAT

MWM:

And (drummer and composer) Andy Edwards:

DWEEZIL ZAPPA ON 97.7 ZOW RADIO

Dweezil Zappa talks with Brad King of 97.7 ZOW

CHANAN HANSPAL ON FRANK ZAPPA'S USE OF THE SUS2 CHORD

KING CRIMSON - 2014 - THE COMPLETE US TOUR

Announced for release on October 30, 2026:

• The complete 2014 King Crimson US tour, featuring all 19 concerts spread across 2 Blu-ray discs.

• Concert recordings in 24-bit/96 kHz Hi-Res Stereo based on the FOH (Front of House) mix, sourced from the band’s multitrack recordings and combined with the audience and venue sound from each individual concert venue.

• Includes previously unseen video footage of the band’s first night at The Egg in Albany, New York (a performance for friends and family) in 1920 × 1080 HD.

• 2 Blu-ray discs in a miniature gatefold sleeve with a 24-page booklet, as well as new liner notes by King Crimson biographer Sid Smith.

• Pat Mastelotto, Bill Rieflin, Gavin Harrison: Drums
• Robert Fripp: Guitar
• Jakko Jakszyk: Guitar & Voice
• Mel Collins: Saxes & Flute
• Tony Levin: Basses & Stick

 

FROM SAND TO STARDUST

French instrumental trio FROM SAND TO STARDUST have released their new mini-album, Moondrift, available now digitally and on CD.

Previously introduced through the music video for “Carving Stone From Space,” the record expands that first transmission into four tracks and thirty minutes of fuzz, movement and open space. Heavy desert-rock grooves meet progressive structures, psychedelic textures and passages that seem designed to test how far three musicians can travel without leaving the room.

JAY DANLEY - TENDER MERCIES AND MINOR MIRACLES

Jay Danley just released "Tender Mercies And Minor Miracles".

THE WIZARD - WHY DO YOU THINK YOU'RE FOOLIN' / PARTY OF SPECIAL THINGS TO DO

San Antonio, Texas-based artist The Wizard has just released "Who Do You Think You're Foolin' b/w Party of Special Things To Do".

Both tracks were taken from the "Playin' with Beef: A Captain Beefheart Tribute" compilation album that got released by Fuzzy Cat Records in 2025.

It actually is:
The Wizard: 'Who Do You Think You're Foolin' ' (D. Van Vliet)
and
The Rosenhaun Experiment: 'Party of Special Things To Do' (D. Van Vliet)

EMMA RAWICZ - PAINTBOX

• Emma Rawicz: Paintbox
      (2025, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)
      (2025, cd, --, act)
      (2025, lp, --, act)

UK sax prodigy Emma Rawicz has just released her fifth album.
You may have seen or heard Emma with The Lovers Of Invention (the London-based Frank Zappa tribute band) a couple of years ago, but nowadays, she's fully focused on her solo career.

"Paintbox" is another beautiful album. If you're into weird but colorful modern jazz, you should definitely check it out.
The bandcamp album presents 5 tracks. The CD and the LP offers 8 tracks, so choose wisely.

Featuring:

• Emma Rawicz - Tenor And Soprano Saxophone
• Elliot Galvin – Piano
• Kevin Glasgow - Electric Bass
• Asaf Sirkis - Drums And Percussion

My ears tell me that there's also a guitar player present in the superb 'Quirky', but what a quartet !
Love it.

-- info: Danny Mathys

THE RATCHET ORCHESTRA - ALIVE - 2023

• Ratchet Orchestra: Alive – 2023
      (2024, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)

"Alive - 2023" presents more weird noises from the Ratchet Orchestra.
Beautiful.

HIBUSHIBIRE - PHANTOM FUZZY EXOTICA

 

• Hibushibire: Phantom Fuzzy Exotica
      (2026, lp, --, riot season records) – crystal clear vinyl + poster / 250 copies
      (2026, lp, --, riot season records) – red swirl vinyl / 300 copies

Next to the purple vinyl version of Hibushibire's "Phantom Fuzzy Exotica", the album has also been made available on crystal clear, and on red swirl vinyl.

It included ‘Invocation And Ritual Dance Of The Electric Nonsense’, for which the Bandcamp page added:
Hard psychedelic jazz rock. The title is a little nod to Frank Zappa.

Beautiful packaging, including an obi.

MARBIN TOURDATES

 

ANGINE DE POITRINE RADIO SHOW ALBUM

Previously released as a 12" by the band (?), Angine De Poitrine's appearance on KEXP in Seattle has now also been released as a 'radio show album'.
LP + CD

= a semi-official release on the Indie's Live record label.

NEW ED PALERMO BIG BAND ALBUM AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER

"It's An Ed Palermo Christmas! God Bless Us, Everyone" is available for pre-order on Bandcamp.

SQUAREPUSHER - HELLO EVERYTHING

• Squarepusher: Hello Everything
      (----, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)
      (2006, cd, --, warp records)

Bass player and drum programmer Tom Jenkinson is better known as Squarepusher.
His 2006 "Hello Everything" album is quite different from the "Kammerkonzert" album that I mentioned a couple of days ago.
It sounds like some sort of weird video game soundtrack, but in a good way.

-- info: Harald Häring

THE RATCHET ORCHESTRA - HALLOWEEN - 2012

During their 2012 Halloween concert, the Ratchet Orchestra performed several pieces by Sun Ra.
Reason enough to investigate !

A recording of the concert got released on Bandcamp:

• Ratchet Orchestra: Halloween – 2012
      (2020, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)
      Incl. ‘Eve’, ‘Big Charles’, ‘Overtones Of China’, ‘El’ (Sun Ra)

 -- info: Danny Mathys

SUN RA RE-ISSUE SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER

The Cosmic Myth record label will be releasing Sun Ra & His Intergalactic Infinity Arkestra's "The Night Of The Purple Moon" in December. The album will be made available on CD and as a 2 LP set.

 

MUSIC FROM TIME & SPACE VOL. 60

• Various Artists: Music From Time & Space Vol. 60
      (2016, cd, Germany, eclipsed) – supplement to Eclipsed Rock Magazin

The CD sampler that came with Eclipsed Rock Magazin, issue 03/2016, presented a nice set of songs including Dweezil Zappa's ‘Funky 15’ (from “Via Zammata”) and Lazuli's 'Le Lierre' (from "Nos Mes Saoules").

LUSTMORD LOMBARDO - THE PULSE OF ATOMS

• Lustmord Lombardo: The Pulse Of Atoms
      (2026, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)
      (2026, cd)
      (2026, 2lp)

Lustmord Lombardo's debut album, "The Pulse Of Atoms", pairs the dark ambient soundscapes of Brian Williams with the complex percussion of drummer Dave Lombardo.
Distopian and cinematic.

I received the album with the message: "Very dark ambient music. Happy Halloween!".
A spot on description.

TONY LEVIN'S "THE BOOK OF BEAT"

TONY LEVIN, the legendary bass icon has the new book of photographs - The BOOK of BEAT!

https://tonylevinmusic.com/the-book-of-beat

 

THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION - FREAK OUT

Next to the "Freak Out" box sets, the album was also re-issued as a 2 LP set on multi-colored vinyl.
As far as I know, only available from the Zappa dot com shop.
It looks pretty neat (& comes with the Freak Out Hot Spots map)

FILA BRAZILLIA - LUCK BE A WEIRDO TONIGHT

• Fila Brazillia: Luck Be A Weirdo Tonight
      (1997, cd, Germany, pork recordings)

Fila Brazillia is Steve Cobby and David McSherry.
Track number four on their “Luck Be A Weirdo Tonight” album is called ‘Hells Rarebit’. It sampled sped-up drums from of FZ’s ‘Apostrophe’ throughout the piece.

Out on CD and available on Bandcamp.
A 2 LP vinyl re-issue saw the light of day in 2021.

It wouldn't be the last time the duo used a Zappa sample. 'Ridden Pony' from the 1999 "A Touch Of Cloth" album, sampled 'Eat That Question' !!

Here's "Luck Be A Weirdo Tonight":

NEW ALBUM BY MEN & VOLTS

David Greenberger keeps on releasing material by Men & Volts at a steady pace.

I COMPANI

Dutch ensemble I Compani released "Circusyears, '91, 92, 93" on CD in 2025.
The album included ‘Theme From Lumpy Gravy & Let’s Make The Water Turn Black’ (F. Zappa), and also ‘Bolero For Hugo Zamoratte’ (M. Ravel, arr. Bo van de Graaf, F. Zappa).

More info soon.

Here's I Compani in concert in 2024:

-- info: HP Schmidt

TRACKLIST FOR THE UPCOMING ED PALERMO BIG BAND CD

 

FABI SPAMPINATO

Fabio Spampinato has a new album out. He recorded some Zappa tunes in the past which is reason enough to check out his latest release: "MY STORY WITH HIROMI".

Un nuevo álbum. Conceptual. 8 temas cantados fragmentos en japonés, ingles y castellano. Estilo jazz rock japones 80's era.

NEW ZAPPA TITLES ON THE OLDAYS RECORD LABEL

The Oldays record label is keeping a nice tempo in releasing the old Zappa / Mothers albums.

Here's what the latest three look like:

SQUAREPUSHER - KAMMERKONZERT

My pal Harald recently introduced me to Squarepusher's "Kammerkonzert" album and I'm completely blown away.

This is great stuff.
Funky jazzy stuff that also reminds of some  to Frank Zappa's synclavier output.

Check it out !!

THE FOOLZ

R.I.P. Remco Aalhuizen.
Great guitar player and very nice guy.

ARTHUR BARROW - THE WISH

Arthur Barrow released another track on Bandcamp !

 

WIDESPREAD PANIC - - - OCT 31, 2001 - - - JOE'S GARAGE

Widespread Panic & The Dirty Dozen Brass Band
2001/10/31
Chicago

THE JOE'S GARAGE ENSEMBLE

Joe’s Garage Ensemble will bring music by Frank Zappa to Tremendous Brewing in St. Peter on Halloween night.

SELAH SUE & THE GALLANDS - - - FULL CONCERT ON YOUTUBE

Le concert de Selah Sue and The Gallands en intégralité à Jazz à la Villette 2026 !

Taken from a TV broadcast.

ALI N. ASKIN IN CONCERT IN BERLIN

ARTICLE ABOUT FRANK ZAPPA IN DUTCH NEWSPAPER DE VOLKSKRANT

 from De Volkskrant:

2026/10/12

https://www.volkskrant.nl/muziek/frank-zappa-is-lastig-los-te-zien-van-zijn-gitaar-maar-maakte-ook-veel-goede-klassieke-partituren~bf43aeb7/?

CABALLERO REYNALDO & THE GRAND TIEMERSMA

Scheduled to be released on November 15:
"We're Only In It For The Monkey"
by Caballero Reynaldo & The Grand Tiemersma.

Two teasers :

-

NEW ALBUM BY THE ED PALERMO BIG BAND

 A message from Ed Palermo:

ATTENTION! Announcing our newest release.
THE ED PALERMO BIG BAND, IT'S AN ED PALERMO CHRISTMAS! GOD BLESS US, EVERYONE!
CD design by legendary artist Cal Schenkel (Frank Zappa, Capt. Beefheart, Tom Waits).
If you've never seen one of our holiday shows, this is the perfect way to experience Palermo's Xmas Extravaganza right in your own home.

Album Drop on Nov. 13, 2026. Available right here on bandcamp. Stay tuned.

MIKE KENEALLY / BANNED FROM UTOPIA - SLEEP DIRT

 

NEW WEBSITE FOR MANDAÏ

Mail order specialist and distributor Mandaï has a new website.
If you're looking for music outside the norm (and live on the Eurepean mainland), you should know about Mandaï.

https://www.mandai.be/index.php

GREETINGS FROM PAMPLONA

We, Zappa fans, see clues to our musical hero everywhere.

Below picture was sent in by Jeroen, taken in Pamplona. He added:
"Although the resemblance to Zappa is probably more a matter of chance than anything else."

MIKE KENEALLY / THE BANNED FROM UTOPIA

 

THE 180Gs

 The 180Gs have recorded a cappella versions of Captain Beefheart's "Trout Mask Replica", The Residents' "The Commercial Album", and The Cardiacs' "Sing To God".
Three albums that you should have checked out in the past.

The next project by The 180Gs is "Son Of Guns", their reworking of The Cardiacs' "Guns" album.

And while at Bandcamp, also give "Reverse Engineering: Remix Contest Music 2009-2012, vol. 2" a listen. David Minnick (the 180G mastermind) isolated the vocal part of some famous songs, and added new music to it, changing harmony, rhythm and temp.
Quite interesting.
On a side note: the album has 'Well' (Don Van Vliet), taken from the 180Gs "Trout Mask Replica" as a bonus track.

PAMELA DES BARRES

 A Czech version of Pamela Des Barres' "I'm With The Band" book, is being prepared.

STEPHEN STEINBRINK - UTOPIA TEASED

• Stephen Steinbrink: Utopia Teased
      (2018, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)
      (2018, cd, UK, melodic)

Stephen Steinbrink's "Utopia Teased" album arrived a couple of days ago.
As mentioned last month, the album includes a piece entitled 'Zappa Dream', written by Rosie Steffy and previously recorded by La Dee Da.

"Utopia Teased" presents low-fi pop music. The background of this album is heavy. Devastated by the tragic Ghost Ship warehouse fire in Oakland, which claimed the life of a close friend, Steinbrink processed his immense grief by isolating himself in his studio. Taking LSD daily and refusing sleep, he poured his fractured psyche directly onto tape, deliberately driving preamps to reflect how "fried" and pulverized his brain felt.

Despite the heavy blanket of trauma, the 12-track album glimmers with surprising lightness, floating somewhere between the delicate pop and the hazy, psychedelic drifts.

HIBUSHIBIRE - PHANTOM FUZZY EXOTICA

• Hibushibire: Phantom Fuzzy Exotica
      (2026, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)
      (2026, lp, --, riot season records) – purple vinyl / 300 copies

Japanese psychedelic rock trio Hibushibire's 5th studio album got released in 2026: “Phantom Fuzzy Exotica’.
It included ‘Invocation And Ritual Dance Of The Electric Nonsense’, for which the Bandcamp page added:
Hard psychedelic jazz rock. The title is a little nod to Frank Zappa.

Released as a digital download through Bandcamp, the album was also made available in different vinyl variations.

The "retail version" was on purple vinyl and limited to 300 copies. Also sold during the recent EU tour.

Bandcamp:

-- info: Philippe Lamoot

THE BANNED FROM UTOPIA

The Banned From Utopia is still touring !

Here's one of the highlights from their recent concert at De Boerderij, NL

And a fine recording from De Singer, BE

-

17 HIPPIES - BIESTER

• 17 Hippies: Biester
      (2014, cd, Germany, hipster-records hip 016)
      (2014, lp, Germany, hipster-records hip 016 lp)

Fascinating: there are two different versions of the CD. It was made available in both a 3-panel digipack and in a 2-panel digipack. Same label, same reference number.
All versions included 17 Hippies' version of Frank Zappa’s ‘Peaches En Regalia”.

Here's 'Peaches En Regalia':

ALTERATIVE TV - THE IMAGE HAS CRACKED - THE ALTERNATIVE TV COLLECTION

• Alternative TV: The Image Has Cracked – The Alternative TV Collection
      (1994, cd, UK, anagram records cd punk 24)

Somehow, I had missed this 1994 re-issue of Alternative TV's 1978 album.
It's not just a re-issue as it includes 10 bonus tracks !

It included ‘Why Don’tcha Do Me Right’, originally on the 1978 album.

BEAT - - - CITY OF TINY LITES

BEAT (Belew, Vai, Levin, Bozzio): "City of Tiny Lites" (Zappa)
(10/9/2026; Santa Cruz, CA, USA)

Wow !!

Terry's drum solo

-- info: Dirk Verschaeve

ANDREA ROSSI ANDREA / GROUND PLANE ANTENNA - QSL FROM WEB

• Andrea Rossi Andrea – Ground Plane Antenna: QSL From Web
      (2003, cd, Italy, splas(h) records cdh 2503.2)

Musician and artist Andrea Rossi used Andrea Rossi Andrea as his artist moniker.

His “QSL From Web” album included a piece entitled 'Idioterne'. The full title was mentioned on the back of the digipack:
‘ “Frank Zappa: Quando George Impazzi Asoltando I Pink Floyd Credevamo Scherzasse”. DIOTERNE’,
which would translate to:
‘ "Frank Zappa: When George went crazy listening to Pink Floyd, we thought he was joking”. The idiots’.

SUN RA & HIS ARKESTRA - EAST TWO + 7

• Sun Ra: East Two + 7
      (2026, download / streaming, --, bandcamp) – 2026 06 19
      (2026, cd, USA, cosmic myth records) = "East Two + 7"
      (2026, lp, USA, cosmic myth records) - retitled “East Two + 5”

Released in June, earlier this year, but it took some time for the CD to arrive.
An excellent archival release !

Great music, beautiful package and extremely detailed liner notes.

The album kicks off with 'East Two' and has 7 additional tracks, hence the album title.
The LP only has 5 additional tracks.
But also available as a download from Bandcamp as "East Two + 7".

Give it a listen over at Bandcamp !

TORY SLUSHER - - - AMNERIKA

Frank Zappa's 'Amnerika', performed by Tory Slusher

-- info: Dirk Verschaeve

BEAT, PERFORMING THE MUSIC OF KING CRIMSON

 

DOUBT - NEVER PET A BURNING DOG

douBt's "Never Pet A Burning Dog" got released on CD on the MoonJune Records label in 2010 ! 

It featured some amazing music by

• Alex Maguire: Fender Rhodes electric piano, Hammond organ, Mellotron, synthesizers
• Michel Delville: electric guitar, Roland GR-09
• Tony Bianco: drums
  and special guest:
• Richard Sinclair: vocals (Tracks 1 & 5), electric bass (1, 2)

More recently, it has been made available as a digital download / streaming album on the Off record label.

FLAB - THE BLUE MONK

•  Flab: The Blue Monk
      (2026, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)
      (2026, cd, --, --)

Flab features Wolfram Klug and Matthias Zimlich.

In previous years, Wolfram Klug released “Burt The Nerd” (2020) and “Speaking To Ray” (2022), both presenting some Frank Zappa compositions. 

The Bandcamp liner notes for “The Blue Monk” mentioned:

The album explores adventurous auditory landscapes deeply inspired by the playful, boundary-pushing spirit of pioneers like Frank Zappa and Brian Eno.

ORSON CLAEYS - OTHELLO

Belgian pianist and composer Orson Claeys has just released his first album.
It's out on Sdban Records and you can give it a listen over at Bandcamp.

Cinematic contemporary jazz spiced with hip-hop and middle eastern flavours.

THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION - FREAK OUT - 60TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

No surprise. The Japanese edition of the "Freak Out" box is on SHM CDs:

5 shm-cd + blu-ray

TWO NEW BOOKS ABOUT FRANK ZAPPA

Two new books, but unfortunately with miserable AI generated cover artwork.

THE IKE WILLIS MEMORIAL BARBECUE AT THE MOSAE ZAPPA FESTIVAL

In about a month, the MOSAE ZAPPA Festival will take place in Heerlen, NL.

It will be the tenth edition already!
https://mosaezappa.wordpress.com/

As a special event, MOSAE ZAPPA will feature The Ike Willis Memorial Barbecue, where Roddie Gilliard and Co de Kloet will share some of their memories, moderated by Tim op het Broek.

Looking forward to it.

 

Let me share three of my Ike Willis moments with you.

My favourite one happened when I was queuing to get enter some club in Delft, NL, to catch a concert by Cuccurullo Brillo Brullo, a fine Frank Zappa tribute band. And on this occasion, Ike Willis would be featured as special guest.
October 2006.
So I’m in line, or I just bought my ticket, and I hear someone explaining to the counter clerk that he is Jeff Hollie and that he’s a friend of Ike Willis. If someone could fetch Ike.
By coincidence, I had just been updating the United-Mutations website with Jeff’s whereabouts (Jeff was performing with Wicked Jazz Sounds and had been living in The Netherlands for some years at the time) so when some of the Cuccurullo Brillo Brullo band members came down to check out this tall, dark fellow, I could explain who he was and they called for Ike.
My mind can be blurred a bit, but I remember it as a touching moment when Ike and Jeff finally saw each other again in person after quite a number of years.
I was happy to be invited to join them at their table while they were reminiscing.
And, yes, Jeff had brought his saxophone and performed a couple of tunes with the band…
What a night.
And it was Jeff’s re-entry into the Zappa world.

The most impressive memory happened at Zappanale #22 in 2011 (if my notes are correct). As those who have attended Zappanale know, Zappanale is a very ‘open’ festival. There are great opportunities to chat with everyone.
Anyway, Doctor Nerve performed at Zappanale in 2011 and at a certain moment, and I don’t recall how this came about, I’m standing next to Nick Didkovsky and Ike Willis.
Nick explained to Ike how he joined the Zappa band on stage during a certain show, as some sort of audience participation, and Ike not only remembered this but started adding details to that story with his infectious enthusiasm, but above all with an incredibly impressive memory.
Loved it.

The most bizarre memory took place in Eeklo, Belgium, when Ike was touring with The Muffin Men. I don’t remember the year.
We were there well in advance and we were not the only ones.
A couple of Dutch guys came in, searched for Ike, and they left together with Ike.
When the concert was about to start, no one knew where Ike was. He had disappeared and only returned much later. He did have issues at the time…

Anyway, November 21, Heerlen will be the place to be.
And add November 20 as well if you’re up for a pre-party with Project Z.

CAN - LIVE IN ARLES 1975

• Can: Live In Arles 1975
      (2026, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)
      (2026, cd, --, spoon records)
      (2026, lp, --, spoon records)

Overseen by Irmin Schmidt, the last surviving founding member of Can, "Live In Arles 1975" is the seventh volume in a series of Can live albums.

• Michael Karoli – Guitar, Vocals
• Irmin Schmidt – Keyboards
• Holger Czukay – Bass
• Jaki Liebezeit – Drums, Percussion

What makes the Arles concert so extraordinary—and widely considered by the band members themselves to be one of their absolute finest live hours—is how it highlights Can's supreme mastery of instant composition. These aren't just extended, loose jams or simple rehashes of studio tracks; they are fully realized, living sonic architecture constructed on the fly.

From the opening minutes, the band locks into that uncanny, hypnotic synchronicity. Liebezeit’s rhythms aren't just keeping time—they are sculpting space, providing an immovable foundation that allows Karoli's jagged, soaring guitar lines and Schmidt's atmospheric, sometimes confrontational keyboard textures to collide and spark. Czukay pulls it all together with heavy, pulsating bass loops that feel forward-thinking even by today's standards.

Beautiful.

-- info: Danny Mathys

ROBEONE

Keyboardist and composer Robeone's new instrumental album, “If You Don’t Know What It Is, It Must Be Jazz,” is out on Transglobal Records. The seven‑track album blends progressive rock, jazz fusion, electronic textures, and playful experimentation. 100% of the album’s proceeds will support The Bob Moog Foundation, continuing Robeone’s long relationship with the organization.

MARBIN - - - MAESTRO PART 1 (SET 2)

From the "Spicy Noodles" VIP package.

"Spicy Noodles"

TREY GUNN & DAVID FORLANO - SUBPLANE 16

"Subplane 16"
a live recording by Trey Gunn and David Forlano that has just been released through Bandcamp.

I guess that the album title could be interpreted as a musical and spiritual journey to the next level (of existence) but I don't really know about that. I can only say that I like it a lot.

NUBIYAN TWIST - HOMECOMING

A bit of Afrobeat...
If this doesn't get you in a good mood...

 

GOV'T MULE

Gov’t Mule takes over The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY for two nights on December 28 & 29, with special guest Audley Freed joining the band for both shows. 

These two nights kick off the Mule Year’s Eve run, leading all the way to the big night in Boston on December 31. And if you know Mule, you know there’s no better way to close out the year than a few nights of music, friends and a whole lot of rock ’n’ roll.

HARDY FOX - DEAD CREATURE

• Hardy Fox: Dead Creature – Original Soundtrack
      (2026, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)
      (2026, cd, Austria, klanggalerie)

Catching up in The Residents' related section, I'm overwhelmed by Hardy Fox' 'Dead Creature' album.

Hardy Fox’s posthumous release, "Dead Creature", is an eerie, yet beautiful minimalistic album.
Released by Austrian record label Klanggalerie, this project stands as the primary composer and co-founder of The Residents' last ever full album, submitted just days before his tragic passing in 2018.

Subtitled as an "Original Soundtrack," the record represents Fox entirely unmasked. Having shed his long-running "Charles Bobuck" moniker and the eyeball-headed anonymity of his former band, "Dead Creature" strips experimental electronica down to its bare, haunting bones.

The album functions through minimalist arrangements built out of simple, repeating numerical track titles ("Four One," "Two Four," "Threw For Four," "Four Is Four").
Melancholic, mechanical, but also deeply personal. It carries the DNA of classic Residents vaudeville futurism but isolates it into a quiet, nocturnal chamber.
It balances the thin line between a creepy, abandoned laboratory soundtrack and a deeply touching farewell.

Essential listening !

PRINCE LIVE ALBUM ANNOUNCED FOR RECORD STORE DAY BLACK FRIDAY

Prince 3121 Las Vegas Live / Live In Las Vegas 2007 Black Friday Record Store Day 2026 Edition

The CD “3121 Las Vegas Live,” released by Sme Us, documents recordings from Prince’s acclaimed 3121 residency in Las Vegas. The concert series took place at the Rio Hotel & Casino from November 11, 2006, through April 29, 2007, combining Prince’s recent work with the extensive repertoire of his career.

“3121 Las Vegas Live” will be released as a CD edition as part of Record Store Day Black Friday 2026. The release makes a previously unreleased live show from Prince’s 3121 era available in physical form for the first time; a vinyl version has also been announced.

The concert recordings themselves take center stage: Prince presents himself as a singer, multi-instrumentalist, and bandleader in the distinctive atmosphere of his extended Las Vegas performances. The 3121 residency was not a standard tour stop but a specially developed concert series that took place regularly over several months at Club 3121. As a result, “3121 Las Vegas Live” represents a focused document of the period when Prince permanently relocated his stage work to Las Vegas.

With “3121 Las Vegas Live,” Sme Us is releasing a Prince concert recording previously known in connection with the residency as a standalone live document. The title combines the recording’s time period with the name of the concert series and expands the artist’s official live discography with material from 2006 and 2007.