TODD RUNDGREN ANNOUNCES SPRING 2027

From Glass Onyon PR

Todd Rundgren Announces Spring 2027 Tour Dates

Legendary producer/songwriter/guitarist Todd Rundgren is expanding his 2026 Damned If I Do Tour into 2027 with a major slate of newly added dates! This new leg of the tour includes new locations across the United States!

This tour promises to include plenty of fan favorite songs. Says Todd, “It’s always a challenge for me because my audience is so diverse, I never know what they’re in the mood for. I want to make sure we have all the musical ammunition we need to satisfy the spectrum.”

This new leg commences March 20th at The Plaza Live in Orlando, FL and ends April 19th at The Ryman in Nashville, TN! The fan presale for the new dates begins at 10 AM ET on November 11th [PW: VICTORY26]. Local presales begin at 10 AM local time on November 12th, and tickets go on sale for the public at 10 AM local time on November 13th.

Todd’s band for the Damned If I Do tour features Gil Assayas (Keys), Bruce McDaniel (Guitar), Prairie Prince (Drums), Bobby Strickland (Horns), and Kasim Sulton (Bass).

TODD RUNDGREN “DAMNED IF I DO” TOUR

• November 10, 2026 – Denver, CO – Paramount Theatre
• November 12, 2026 – Phoenix, AZ – Celebrity Theatre
• November 13, 2026 – Las Vegas, NV – ZOUK
• November 15, 2026 – Boise, ID – Egyptian Theatre
• November 16, 2026 – Spokane, WA – Bing Crosby Theater
• November 18, 2026 – Seattle, WA – Neptune Theatre
• November 19, 2026 – Portland, OR – Aladdin Theater
• November 21, 2026 – Salt Lake City, UT – Capitol Theatre
  
  
• March 20, 2027 – Orlando, FL – The Plaza Live
• March 22, 2027 – Ponte Vedra Beach, FL – Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
• March 24, 2027 – Annapolis, MD – Rams Head On Stage
• March 25, 2027 – New Haven, CT – Shubert Theater
• March 27, 2027 – Bensalem, PA – Parx Casino
• March 30-31, 2027 – New York, NY – NYC City Winery (Two Shows)
• April 2, 2027 – Derry, NH – Tupelo Music Hall
• April 3, 2027 – Woodstock, NY – Bearsville Theater
• April 5, 2027 – Boston, MA – The Wilbur
• April 7, 2027 – Huntington, NY – The Paramount
• April 8, 2027 – Easton, PA – State Theater Center for the Arts
• April 10, 2027 – Kent, OH – The Kent Stage
• April 11, 2027 – Joliet, IL – Rialto Square Theatre
• April 13, 2027 – Waukee, IA – Vibrant Music Hall
• April 14, 2027 – Kansas City, MO – The Midland Theatre
• April 16, 2027 – Memphis, TN – Graceland Soundstage
• April 18, 2027 – Knoxville, TN – Bijou Theatre
• April 19, 2027 – Nashville, TN – The Ryman

TODD RUNDGREN

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Rundgren began playing guitar as a teenager, going on to found and front The Nazz, the quintessential `60's psychedelic group. In 1969, he left the band to pursue a solo career, recording his debut offering, the legendary Runt. But it was 1972's seminal Something/Anything?, on which he played all the instruments, sang all the vocal parts, and acted as his own producer, that catapulted Todd into the superstar limelight, prompting the press to unanimously dub him 'Rock's New Wunderkind'. It was followed by such landmark LPs as The Hermit of Mink Hollow and the above mentioned A Wizard, A True Star, as well as such hit singles as I Saw The Light, Hello It's Me, Can We Still Be Friends, and Bang The Drum.

In 1974, Todd formed Todd Rundgren’s Utopia (renamed and reconfigured in 1976 as Utopia), an entirely new approach to the concept of interactive musicianship, and embarked on an extensive round of touring and recording. Standout Utopia offerings included Oops! Wrong Planet, Adventures in Utopia, and Oblivion. Along the way, Todd Rundgren’s Utopia combined technical virtuosity and creative passion to create music that initially, for millions, defined the term "progressive rock”, and subsequently, as Utopia, the term “powerpop”.

THE NEW ED PALERMO BIG BAND ALBUM IS OUT ON BANDCAMP

Check out the new Ed Palermo Big Band album:
"It's An Ed Palermo Christmas! God Bless Us, Everyone!"

SUN RA AND HIS OUTER SPACE ARKESTRA - A FIRESIDE CHAT WITH LUCIFER

• Sun Ra And His Outer Space Arkestra: A Fireside Chat With Lucifer
      (2026, lp, USA, modern harmonic)

Re-release of the 1983 album, on nebula blue vinyl !
Due out on 2026 11 13.

WIRE & WOOD - - - THE GUITARS OF STEVE VAI

A message from Wire & Wood Book

Wire & Wood: The Guitars of Steve Vai is finally here!

Beautifully packaged in a premium slipcase featuring the floral pattern made famous by the classic Ibanez JEM77FP, Wire & Wood is a massive two-volume photo book showcasing Vai’s best-known guitars from the studio, stage, and screen — all depicted in detailed high-resolution images spread across a combined 1,080 luxurious heavyweight pages.

Beyond the best-known axes lurking within Vai’s Harmony Hut backyard studio, author/photographer Michael Mesker managed to track down many classic guitars that had been given away, sold, or stolen — in one case recovering the infamous “Swiss Cheese” guitar, which appeared in the “Yankee Rose” music video before being purloined in 1986.

Guitars once glimpsed only in grainy 1980s music videos are examined in high detail, revealing their peculiarities, blemishes, configurations, and modifications.

Accompanying the high-quality photography are meticulously researched histories of each guitar, plus an information block listing nitty-gritty specs such as body and neck woods, pickups, neck measurements, and weight. The book’s deeper storyline follows the guitars that led to the development of the Ibanez JEM, and 7-string Universe charting the prototypes and experiments conducted over many years.

Wire & Wood is available in three different editions/sizes, and ships from the UK.
https://www.wireandwoodbook.com/collections/frontpage
Note: To ensure timely delivery before Christmas, please place your order before December 12.

ARTCHIPEL ORCHESTRA PLAYS FRANK ZAPPA

ARTCHIPEL ORCHESTRA PLAYS FRANK ZAPPA - JAZZMI 2026

"Halloween Afternoon Concert" - ADI Design Museum Milano

IAN ANDERSON BOX SET

IAN ANDERSON – 8314 BOXED – SEVEN ALBUMS EXPLORING THE SOLO WORK OF THE JETHRO TULL FRONTMAN

7CD, 96-PAGE HARDBACK BOOK EDITION • INCLUDES LIVE COLLECTION ‘ROAMING IN THE GLOAMING’

Originally released as a 10LP collection in 2024, 8314 Boxed now arrives on Madfish as a 7CD 96-page hardback book edition. Set for release on 4th December, the new set brings together six studio albums spanning 1983–2014 alongside the spanning live collection "Roaming in the Gloaming".

DWEEZIL ZAPPA TOUR (UP)DATES

Dweezil Zappa

Upcoming Tour Dates (November – December 2026)

• Nov 11, 2026: Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre, Count Basie Center — Red Bank, NJ
• Nov 12, 2026: Keswick Theatre — Glenside, PA
• Nov 13, 2026: Chevalier Theatre — Medford, MA
• Nov 14, 2026: State Theatre — Portland, ME
• Nov 15, 2026: Palais Montcalm — Québec, QC, Canada
• Nov 17, 2026: Théâtre St-Denis — Montreal, QC, Canada
• Nov 18, 2026: Danforth Music Hall — Toronto, ON, Canada
• Nov 19, 2026: Agora Theatre — Cleveland, OH
• Nov 20, 2026: MegaCorp Pavilion — Newport, KY
• Nov 21, 2026: Old National Centre — Indianapolis, IN
• Nov 22, 2026: The Pageant — St. Louis, MO
• Nov 24, 2026: National Hispanic Cultural Center — Albuquerque, NM
• Nov 27, 2026: The Magnolia — El Cajon, CA
• Nov 28, 2026: Orpheum Theatre — Los Angeles, CA
• Nov 29, 2026: Castro Theatre — San Francisco, CA
• Dec 1, 2026: Neptune Theatre — Seattle, WA
• Dec 2, 2026: Casino Vancouver / Great Canadian Casino — Coquitlam, BC, Canada
• Dec 3, 2026: Revolution Hall — Portland, OR
• Dec 4, 2026: Grand Sierra Resort & Casino — Reno, NV
• Dec 5, 2026: House of Blues — Las Vegas, NV

JAPANESE RECORD LABEL VIVID SOUND TO RELEASE TWO FRANK ZAPPA RELATED ALBUMS

Scheduled for a December 9 release.

FRANK ZAPPA - Cucamonga years 1962-1964 - The Early Works Of Frank Zappa
Vivid Sound
VSCD3318

PRAŽSKÝ VÝBĚR & FRANK ZAPPA - Adieu CA
Vivid Sound
VSCD3319

AN UPDATE FROM NAPOLEON MURPHY BROCK

Hello everyone!! COMING SOON -- New Releases!!

Allow me to introduce you to Andreas Mertens -- celebrated musician extraordinaire, colleague, long-time friend, and someone I consider to be a "brother from another mother!" Our association and friendship goes back many years, and I feel extremely blessed by that. Due to the current wars, our plans to work together again have been delayed, but now that most of my fellow Americans have voted for a shift in political leadership, we are making plans to reschedule our collaboration for Early 2027.

My latest personal efforts include my upcoming book release about my formal colleagues in one of the most unique versions of "Frank Zappa's Mothers of Invention." I am now projecting that publication of this book should also be forthcoming in 2027. Many of you have been inquiring about how soon you can get copies of that book, so Coming Soon!!

I'd like to share with you some of Andreas' extraordinary talents on display and projects that we and other colleagues will be creating & producing to mirror the release of my upcoming book!! Until then, please watch for updates, and here's praying that you and all those that you love are safe, healthy, happy, and celebrating the love and many things that we are grateful for, as we enjoy additional days on this planet!!

All my Best!! ~ NMB

PRINCE - - - 3121 EXPANDED EDITION

Announced for early December, Prince's "3121 Expanded Edition" will present the "3121" album, bonus material, and a recording of the 2007 Las Vegas concert.
It will be released as a 3 LP + blu-ray set, and as a 2 CD + blu-ray set.

And Record Story Day will see a (very limited) separate release of the Las Vegas concert.

Here's a picture of the upcoming "3121 Expanded Edition":

-- info: Harald Haering

ZAPPA ATMOS MIXES

STICK MEN - 20260930 LA ROSA, TUCSON, AZ

Check out this Tucson, AZ concert recording by Stick Men !

• Tony Levin: Chapman Stick, Voice
• Markus Reuter: Touch Guitars® U8 Deluxe, Live Looping, Voice
• Pat Mastelotto: Drums, Loops, Samples

-- info: Harald Haering

THE GODESS COMPLEX - ATHENA'S JUNIOR RECITAL

The Godess Complex has just released "Athena's Junior Recital (Live)".
It includes Athena's (and the band's) performance of 'Black Napkins' (F. Zappa)

PRINCE - CALABAMA

 New Prince EP announced.

FRANK ZAPPA - WIND UP WORKIN' IN A GAS STATION (ALTERNATE VERSION)

Clock in for an alternate take on the Zoot Allures opener. “Wind Up Workin’ In A Gas Station (Alternate Version)” offers another trip through one of Zappa’s more peculiar career paths, newly unearthed for the Zoot Allures 50th Anniversary Edition.

A MESSAGE FROM J.M. SMIG

"Mentagerie" has been revised with updated track names and a new Keyboard Improper Session. Special November Blue price.

-

MIKE KENEALLY / STEVE VAI - VAI PIANO REDUCTIONS VOL.1

Enjoying the Bandcamp release of this 2004 album.
(on Bandcamp Friday !!)

JEROEN VAN HERZEELE & STEPHANE GALLAND

Stéphane Galland: Drums
Jeroen Van Herzeele: Tenor Saxophone

Recorded and mixed at Mercury Studio, Brussels, on November 4, 2026 by Jeroen Van Herzeele & Stéphane Galland

FRANK ZAPPA - LUMPY MONEY OMORP

• Frank Zappa: Lumpy Money OMORP
      (2009, cdr, USA, zappa records #85.5)

In 2009, Zappa vaultmeister Joe Travers compiled "Lumpy Money OMORP", a CDR promo for the, at that time, upcoming "Lumpy Money" 3 CD set.

It presented an excellent selection :

1. Lumpy Gravy (Primordial): Mvt I - Sink Trap – 02:38
2. Absolutely Free (1968 Mono Mix) – 03:25
3. Lumpy Gravy (Excerpt - 1984 UMRK Digital Remix) – 02:59
4. Lonely Little Girl - The Single – 02:44
5. Section 8, Take 22 – 02:38
6. Concentration Moon (1968 Mono Mix) – 02:21
7. "What's Happening Of The Universe" – 01:36
8. Mother People (1984 UMRK Digital Remix) – 02:30
9. The Idiot Bastard Son (Instrumental) – 02:47
10. Flower Punk (1984 UMRK Digital Remix) – 03:04
11. Creationism – 01:10
12. Lumpy Gravy (Promordial): Mvt IX - Teen-Age Grand Finale – 03:30

JILL YAN - G.N.A.

• Jill Yan: G.N.A.
      (2021, download / streaming, --, digital music platforms)

Guitarist Jill Yan’s career spans over two decades of independent releases, highlighted by Zappa-esque technical complexity and dense rhythmic structures. His 2021 instrumental progressive fusion 5-track mini album "G.N.A." features the virtuosic drumming of Marco Minnemann and muscular bass foundations by Ivan De Luca. The five-track release navigates complex, odd-meter arrangements and high-speed unison lines that blend modern prog rock with jazz fusion.

-- info: Harald Haering

CABALLERO REYNALDO

It looks like Caballero Reynaldo is preparing to perform at Zappanale next year.

FRANK ZAPPA - A TOKEN OF MY EXTREME

• Frank Zappa: A Token Of His Extreme
      (????, dvdr, ??, dripping cow records d.c.r.04)

I recently got hold of this nice little artefact from bygone times.
A DVDR recording of the "A Token Of My Extreme" special.

Apparently, sold as a bootleg years ago.
I don't have a clue when this got released or if there are any other releases out on the Dripping Cow Records label...

A TEASER FOR THE NEW ED PALERMO BIG BAND ALBUM

'Nut Rocker' from the upcoming ""It's an Ed Palermo Christmas! God Bless Us, Everyone!" album.

DEUS - KEPTMAN

dEUS will be releasing 'Keptman' on coloured vinyl 12" in January.
It will have an exclusive B-side: 'Great White Shark'.

BRUNO VANSINA - NO FUTURE

• Bruno Vansina: No Future
      (2026, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)
      (2026, lp, Belgium, private release) – ltd edition of 100 copies

Bruno Vansina released "No Future" on Bandcamp in August.
Earlier this week, he announced that the album will be made available on LP as well.

Featuring Louise van den Heuvel on bass and Teun Verbruggen on drums.

BRIAN TARQUIN & HEAVY FRIENDS

Brian Tarquin & Heavy Friends Release “Tyranny of Tone”

“Tyranny of Tone” is the 2026 powerhouse release from Brian Tarquin & Heavy Friends, a guitar-driven instrumental album that unites Tarquin’s analog craftsmanship with an extraordinary roster of world-class players. Recorded at Tarquin’s Jungle Room Studios and mastered by David Glasser at Airshow Mastering, the album blends fusion, rock, cinematic textures, and deep musical camaraderie all in service of a cause that matters. Most importantly, the album supports the California Fire Foundation www.cafirefoundation.org, helping families of fallen firefighters and communities recovering from catastrophic fires. Tarquin’s Heavy Friends projects have long centered on giving back — and Tyranny of Tone continues that legacy with heart, intention, and world-class musicianship.

1. Tyranny of Tone feat. Joe Satriani
2. IG-NITE feat. Steve Hackett
3. Out of the Ashes feat. Gary Hoey, Joe Deninzon & Hal Lindes
4. Dead Reckoning feat. Gus G
5. Atom Smasher feat. Bumblefoot & Stu Hamm
6. Intergalactic Burn feat. Bruce Kulick
7. Übermensch feat. Doug Rappoport
8. Visions of the Eternal Flame feat. Karen Briggs
9. Phoenix Rising feat. Carl Verheyen

STEVE VAI / MIKE KENEALLY - VAI - PIANO REDUCTIONS VOL. 1

"Vai Piano Reductions Vol. 1", performed by Mike Keneally, goes on sale this Bandcamp Friday, November 6! 

Originally released on CD in 2004 as part 6 of Steve Vai's "The Secret Jewel Box".

https://mikekeneallymusic.bandcamp.com/

FRANK ZAPPA - LIVE IN PARIS 1980

• Frank Zappa: Live In Paris
      (2008, dvd bootleg, Australia & New Zealand, umbrella music david1478)

I recently got hold of the "Frank Zappa - Live In Paris 1980" DVD.
Released in Australia and New Zealand in 2008.

It features a selection from a 1980 broadcast on French TV.
Re-broadcast in 2007.

It's a nice little thing (34 minutes) but the real deal (= the entire concert) is up on YouTube !!

LITTLE FEAT - RIPE TOMATOS VOL. ONE

• Little Feat: Ripe Tomatos Vol. One
      (2002, 2cd, USA, hot tomato records)

Little Feat’s "Ripe Tomatos Volume One" got released in 2002.
It's a 2 CD compilation spanning 30 years of unreleased live archives from 1971 to 2001. 

Curated by band members Bill Payne and Paul Barrere, the release offers a a nice view at the group's evolution across both the Lowell George / Roy Estrada era and subsequent formations.

2 FOOT YARD - BORROWED ARMS

2 Foot Yard

Featuring Carla Kihlstedt (Sleepytime Gorilla Museum !!), Marika Hughes, and Shahzad Ismaily.

"Borrowed Arms".

Released in 2008 !

Carla Kihlstedt had already recorded an album entitled "2 Foot Yard" in 2003. Also with Marika Hughes and Shahzad Ismaily.
She continued the project in 2008, calling the band 2 Foot Yard.

THE BEASTS OF BOURBON - SOUR MASH

The Beasts Of Bourbon's "Sour Mash" album is getting a vinyl re-issue on the Italian Radiation record label.

On standard black vinyl, but also on translucent pink vinyl.

Originally released in 1988, the album includes 'Hard Work Drivin' Man', a song that was recorded by Captain Beefheart for the "Blue Collar" movie in 1978.

JOE TAYLOR

Joe Taylor's "Last Boat Home" features Ray Marchica en Paul Adamy, whom we know from The Ed Palermo Big Band.

Quite different from the big band sound the produce from time to time.

--info: Jan van Kemenade

EIDON - YUME (夢)

A new piece by Eidon.

DWEEZIL ZAPPA - - - LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON - - - 2026 10 23 - - - RIALTO THEATER, TUCSON

An audience video recording of the complete Dweezil Zappa 2026 10 23 showed up at DimeADozen and on YouTube.

 

Purple Guitar * Stink‐Foot * Andy * Cruising for Burgers * Wowie Zowie * Let's Make the Water Turn Black * The Adventures of Greggery Peccary (snippet only) * Any Way the Wind Blows * Peaches en Regalia * Cosmik Debris * Status Back Baby * Stuff Up the Cracks * Wild Love * Eat That Question * Electric Hoedown
Encores:
City of Tiny Lites * I'm the Slime * Muffin Man

ANOTHER ZAPPANALE SPECIAL ON THE MUSIC ACROSS RADIO SHOW

The MUSIC ACROSS radio show !
Every first Monday of the month at 21h00 at RADIO ORANGE - ORANGE 94.0 

https://o94.at/de/sendereihe/413/music-across

https://cba.media/podcast/music-across

Produced by Gernot Friedbacher

Episode 141 – Zappanale 2026 – #3 – Music Outside the Norm

Girl Power, France & more – 2 November 2026, 9.00 pm!

From 16 to 19 July 2026, the 35th Zappanale took place in Bad Doberan on the Baltic Sea.
‘Music Across’ was there once again and conducted interviews with all the musicians; these can be heard in four ‘Music Across’ shows, alongside live recordings from the concerts.

In this third of four shows on the 2026 Zappanale, you can once again hear interviews and live recordings from two bands, ‘Brique’ from France and ‘HALA’ from the Netherlands, in which fantastic female frontwomen once again wowed the audience. Also noteworthy were the performance and interview with the French band ‘Mentat Routage’, featuring jazz musician and vocal artist Médéric Collignon, who won over the audience with their infectious enthusiasm and plenty of humour. This show also features the ‘Filthy Brillos’, comprising musicians from Germany, the UK and Chile. 

FYI, the first two MUSIC ACROSS radio specials on the Zappanale 2026, broadcast on 7 September and 5 October 2026, can be listened to in the Cultural Broadcasting Archive at cba.media under the ‘Music Across’ series.

Gestaltung, Am Mikrofon, Tontechnik & Produktion: Gernot Friedbacher

https://o94.at/de/sendereihe/413/music-across/sendung/58638/zappanale-2026-3-music-outside-the-norm-frauenpower-frankreich-more

ORANGE 94.0 dem Freien Radio in Wien:
im Radio: Frequenz UKW 94.0 MHz – im gesamten Großraum Wien
über Telekabel: Frequenz 92.7 MHz – in Wien
über Internet Live Stream: http://o94.at (oben auf Live Stream (grünes Dreieck) klicken) – weltweit

Sendungen können nach der Erstausstrahlung auch im Cultural Broadcasting Archive des Verbandes Freier Radios Österreich nachgehört werden unter
https://cba.media/podcast/music-across

MOONJUNE FESTIVAL BROCHURES

Leonardo Pavkovic is making the 2023, 2024 and 2026 MoonJune Festival Brochures available through Bandcamp.

https://moonjunefestival.bandcamp.com/merch/moonjune-festival-brochures-2026-2024-2023-signed

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