JON KIEBON - - - INSIDE OUTSIDE NOW

 

CHARLES MICHAEL - CROSSED OUT

• Charles Michael: Crossed Out
      (2026, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)

Charles Michael's most recent album, "Crossed Out", presents a set of 20 cover versions, recorded between 2019 and 2026.
It includes Charles Michael's version of Frank Zappa's 'Baby Snakes'.

Check it out, right after 'Making Plans For Nigel' !!

GLUELEG - A COLOSSUS WITH CLAY FEET

• Glueleg: A Colossus With Clay Feet
      (2023, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)
      (2026, cd ep, UK, elastic stage)

Originally released on digital music platforms in 2023, Glueleg's "A Colossus With Clay Feet" has now been released on CD.
It includes ‘Peaches En Regalia’ (F. Zappa).

MONDO HOLLYWOOD

• Mondo Hollywood
      (2008, dvd, France, chalet pointu) 

2008 saw the DVD release of "Mondo Hollywood", the 1967 movie by director Robert Carl Cohen.
Released in France. In English with the option for French subtitles.

Not exactly a movie as such, but more a collection of fragments, introducing various people who live(d) in Hollywood.

Feat. Bobby Jameson and his girlfriend at the time Gail Sloatman, and the L.A. freaks / dancing group with Vito Paulekas, Szou, and Carl Franzoni.
It also briefly shows Frank Zappa and Jimmy Carl Black.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mondo_Hollywood

NEEDLEPOINT - REMNANTS OF LIGHT

Revisiting Needlepoint's latest album, "Remnants Of Light'.

Bjørn Klakegg's fragile vocals combined with the melodic, storytelling approach give "Remnants Of Light" its distinctive and recognizable sound.
For fans of the Canterbury scene.

Beautiful.

THE SPACELORDS - URANUS OMNIBUS SANCTUS

• The Spacelords: Uranus Omnibus Sanctus
      (2026, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)
  

German psychedelic rock trio The Spacelords are back.
Havin enjoyed their 2023 "Nectar Of The Gods" album, I'm very happy their brand new "Uranus Omnibus Sanctus".

Delivering heavy, hypnotic space rock, the album presents four expansive, long form instrumental tracks spanning roughly 45 minutes.
The Spacelords managed to find the perfect balance between structured progressive rock and gravity defying, sci-fi jam excursions.

Recommended listening !

IVO PERELMAN, MATTHEW SHIPP, WILLIAM PARKER, BOBBY KAPP - SYNESTHESIA

• Ivo Perelman, Matthew Shipp, William Parker and Bobby Kapp: Synesthesia
      (2026, cd, --, defkaz records)
      (2026, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)

In an attempt to get my brain and mind prepared for some upcoming John Coltrane tributes (Flat Earth Society, but also Aka Moon), I submerged myself into the latest Ivo Perelman, Matthew Shipp, William Parker and Bobby Kapp collaboration, "Synesthesia".

Sure, "Synesthesia" is not a tribute to the music of John Coltrane, but it's a fine example of intense and spontaneous improvisations. Characteristics that can also be found in John Coltrane's music.

Five extended modern jazz tracks. Great interplay. Beautiful.
"Synesthesia". The album title does the music justice !

EIDON - GIOCO A QUATTRO

'Gioco a quattro'
by Eidon

DWEEZIL ZAPPA & JOSH SMITH, TALKING BLUES GUITAR

Really good interview / discussion. Lots of technical details.

& Josh Smith is playing his signature Ibanez FLATV2-MSN guitar.

WARREN CUCCURULLO - THEY'RE EVIL

Former Zappa, Missing Persons (and Duran Duran) guitarist Warren Cuccurullo.

 

ASAF SIRKIS' SOLO PIANO ALBUM IS OUT ON BANDCAMP

As a drummer and percussionist, Asaf Sirkis has performed and recorded with several bands (including Soft Machine !).
The fact that he is releasing a solo piano album was quite a surprise. But a very nice one.

Check it out at on Bandcamp:

NEW ALBUM BY RACHEL FLOWERS

"All That", new album by Rachel Flowers.

Bandcamp download / streaming release, but also out on CD.

Rachel is currently gearing up for her appearance at ProgStock with Estronaut! Estronaut is the first all-female progressive rock band and includes Durga McBroom, Julie Slick, Jane Getter, and Camille Gainer! They will be performing on Friday, October 9th, at 4:30 pm.

Rachel will also be playing some flute at ProgStock, first with incredible guitarist Andy Graziano (who you may know from Jon Anderson's backing band, The Band Geeks) and with the band Nektar! Both of these performances will take place on Thursday, October 8th. 

JEF NEVE - KEY ENERGY

• Jef Neve: Key Energy
      (2026, cd, --, blue keys productions)

Belgian jazz pianist and composer Jef Neve is best known for his expressive, cinematic style blending jazz and classical influences, his work with the Jef Neve Trio, and his award-winning film and television soundtracks.
His latest release, the "Key Energy" solo piano album, presents 11 melancholic and moving pieces.

From Jef's website:

For me, the origin of every composition goes back to a fantasy, a dream image that I often cannot put into words, but where the combination of melody, harmonic colors, and emotional depth points the way to giving the music a life of its own in the most natural way possible. My life is a sum of highs and lows, surprises and disappointments, answered and unanswered life questions, loves and disillusionments. Just like everyone's life, really. Music helps me process things.

On my first solo album, "One," I wrote about how vulnerable or naked I felt, fully responsible for the final musical result. Well, that was 12 years ago: I dare say I have overcome that fear. With that in mind, and with a total of 25 years on stage, traveling the world, and meeting incredible people and places all over the globe, the title of this album came to mind. Embark yourself on a journey where my music and my piano will tell you more than ever, without words.

-- info: André Oomen

JOHN MAYALL - - - 1970 09 11 CHICAGO

A recording of John Mayall's 1970 09 11 Chicago concert recently turned up on the guitars101 dot com website.

Featuring John Mayall (Electric Guitar, Harmonica, Vocals), Harvey Mandel (Electric Guitar), Larry Taylor (Electric Bass), and Don "Sugarcane" Harris (Electric Violin), the concert got broadcast on FM radio at the time.

https://www.guitars101.com/threads/john-mayall-1970-09-11-chicago-il-fm-flac.167342/

-- info: Jan van Kemenade

WARREN HAYNES - - - THE MAKING OF "DREAMS & SONGS"

Warren Haynes' new album will be called "Dreams & Songs".
It features Warren Haynes, The Asheville Symphony Orchestra, and a nice number of collaborators.

Recorded in Warren Haynes’ hometown of Asheville, North Carolina, Dreams & Songs captures a special night of music alongside the 64-piece Asheville Symphony Orchestra. Spanning 16 tracks, this symphonic journey brings new dimension to Warren’s songs while celebrating the place that has shaped so much of his musical life.

The album features a stellar lineup of special collaborators, including Oteil Burbridge, John Medeski, Jeff Sipe, Greg Osby, Edwin McCain and Jasmine Muhammad, with the Asheville Symphony bringing these songs to life on a grand scale.

Available as a limited-edition 3-LP peach vinyl and in CD format, Dreams & Songs is a special piece of Warren’s story and a must-have for any fan.

 

KISS FROM A ROSE

Martin Miller Session Band & Lari Basilio

Vadé 

SATCHAI - - - 2026 05 28 BEACON THEATER NEW YORK

SatchVai
Beacon Theater New York City May 28, 2026 Surfing With the Hydra Tour

JOE SATRIANI & STEVE VAI TO RELEASE THEIR "SATCHVAI - THE SEA OF EMOTION" IN NOVEMBER

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RE#ENCOUNTER - ANGELS & DEMONS AT PLAY

W.E.R.F. records just announced Angels & Demons At Play by re#encounter.

The title track from the ensemble's upcoming album is a fine tribute to Sun Ra !

FROM SAND TO STARDUST

From Sand To Stardust is a French heavy psychedelic rock band.
The trio released an EP and 2024 and is now back with a new single: 'Carving Stone From Space'.

-

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NEW ALBUM BY JOHN TABACCO

"Sans Lyrics Vol. 4"
by John Tabacco

J.M. SMIG - 9 OJO 6 (2023 REMASTER)

'9 ojo 6 (2023 Remaster)'
from "Hiss In Vinegar [10th Anniversary Remaster]"

by J. M. Smig

ARTIFICIAL (AI) ZAPPA PLAYS PHISH

I know, I know.
But I do think it's funny.
(although I haven't listened to everything yet).

Artificial (AI) Zappa Plays Phish

I started my session by checking out the encore (Phish playing The Dead's 'Terrapin Station' in an arrangement by AI Zappa).

Set I

Set II

Set III

The Encore

FRANK ZAPPA - - - VINTAGE VINYL

In 1981, a U.S. bootlegger released "20 Years Of Frank Zappa", a 12 LP bootleg vinyl box set.
People who were subscribed to Society Pages magazine at the time were the first ones to be informed.

The box got released with two different album covers.

and

All of the 12 LP's also got released separately in silver album covers, hence the name: "the silver edition". Released in a limited edition of 25.

-

-

In 2022, all the material that was presented in the "20 Years" box set got re-released on CD:

For collectors, as all of the material has been made available (for free) through Zappateers.

UTOPIANISTI - HENKI

• Utopianisti: Henki
      (2026, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)
      (2026, 12”, Finland, --)

Utopianisti is Markus Pajakkala’s project. He has just released "Henki", a collection of six intimate and cinematic pieces, performed by Utopianisti & the Tampereen Ihankaikkinen Kuninkaallinen Tuomiokuoro Choir.

Beautiful.

Utopianisti meets a 22-member choir in this 6 song entity. True to its name, "Henki" (spirit) reaches for something hard to put into words. Tightly composed material coexists with improvisation, and the soulful music not only moves across the boundaries of different traditions but also evades genre definitions altogether. The result is a work that is at once delicate and massive: fragile, beautiful moods occasionally grow into hair-raising climaxes, with just the right amount of cacophony mixed in.

Out on Bandcamp and on vinyl.

HARDY FOX - - - DEAD CREATURE - ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK

Released on CD and now also out on Bandcamp:

"Dead Creature - Original Soundtrack" by Hardy Fox, the (late) composer for The Residents.

ZAPPA PODCAST AND PLAYLIST ON VRIJE GELUIDEN

In the (Dutch) series "How so, jazz ?", Kika Sprangers en Koen Graat dive into the jazz corner of FZ's musical universe.

https://www.vpro.nl/vrije-geluiden/artikelen/frank-zappa-en-de-geur-van-jazz

The podcast kicks off with the Wizards Of Ooze. Can't get a better start than that.

NEW ALBUM BY PANZERPAPPA

• Panzerpappa: Exercises In Style – Volume 2
      (2026, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)
      (2026, cd, Norway, private release / panzerpappa)

Drummer and multi-instrumentalist Trond Gjellum's Panzerpappa project will be releasing "Exercises In Style - Volume 2" later this month.

Bandcamp and CD release.
Highly recommended.

ISRAEL STROM - THE BLACK PAGE

 

DWEEZIL ZAPPA'S TOUR UPDATE

 

TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND PERFORMED FZ'S 'WILLIE THE PIMP' YESTERDAY

live at HHC Amphitheater, Bridgeport, CT

Check out Derek Trucks' roaring guitar notes at the start of his solo !!

ZAPPANALE SPECIAL ON THE MUSIC ACROSS RADIO SHOW ON SEPTEMBER 7

 September 7 will see another Zappanale special on the "Music Across" radio show.

MUSIC ACROSS

Jeden 1. Montag im Monat um 21 Uhr
RADIO ORANGE - ORANGE 94.0

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

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

Folge 139 – Zappanale 2026 – #1
Frauenpower im Zappa-Universum
Pamela des Barres, Tante Tofu & VKB
07.09.2026, 21 Uhr

Eine detaillierte Inhaltsbeschreibung mit Playlist ist hier zu finden:

https://o94.at/shows/413/music-across/episode/58636/zappanale-2026-1-frauenpower-im-zappa-universum-pamela-des-barres-tante-tofu-vkb

MY HUMAN DIGS ME BLUES - CATS FROM NOW TO THE 23RD CENTURY

A couple of years ago, I mentioned the excellent "ZZAJ - Jazz From The 23rd Century" compilation album.
It was the first of three proposed "various artists" releases in the series “23rd Century Music”.

Well, the second volume has just been announced / released.
"My Human Digs Me Blues - Cats from NOW to the 23rd century"

FRANK ZAPPA - - - MORE VINTAGE VINYL

Just for fun: more vintage vinyl

• Frank Zappa Safe Muffinz
   (LP, TAKRL)
•  Zappa / Mothers / Captain Beefheart: No Bacon For Breakfast Vol. 1
   (LP, NBB)

YUVAL RON - LIVE AGAINST THE VIRUS

"Live Against The Virus", the streaming concert by Yuval Ron Trio from back in the Covid lockdown times, is now available as its own release on Bandcamp.

GOOSE - 2026 09 02 DILLON AMPHITHEATRE, DILLON, CO

Another fine Goose show is up at Bandcamp.

MASSIVE ATTACK / TOM WAITS - BOOTS ON THE GROUND

Massive Attack / Tom Waits - 'Boots on the Ground'

Out on 12".

The proceeds go to charities that campaign for freedom.

THE WRONG OBJECT'S "PLATFORM ONE" OUT ON BANDCAMP

Released on CD by the Jazzprint label in 2007, The Wrong Object's "Platform One" got a digital platform release on the Off Records label earlier this week

Just look at this line-up !!

• Michel Delville: Guitar, Guitar Synthesizer, Electronics
• Annie Whitehead: Trombone
• Harry Beckett: Trumpet, Flugelhorn
• Jean-Paul Estiévenart: Trumpet
• Fred Delplancq: Tenor Saxophone
• Yves Dellicour: Soprano Saxophone, Bass Clarinet
• Frank van der Kooij: Baritone Saxophone
• Damien Polard: Bass, Electronics
• Laurent Delchambre: Drums, Percussion

Icing on this digital cake are the two Zappa pieces.

-- info: Jan van Kemenade

ALAN JENKINS AND THE KETTERING VAMPIRES

Alan Jenkins :

This is a compilation of all the nicest pop songs by Alan Jenkins and the Kettering Vampires. If you listen to this you will tap your feet and feel compelled to hum. There is an, only very slightly different, alternative universe where you hear these songs whenever you go shopping.

A NEW PIECE BY EIDON

'Limen II'
by Eidon

A variation on "Limen I", this second piece is scored for two marimbas and percussion, and also inspired by the book I mentioned in my previous message (Carmen Blacker's "The Catalpa Bow"). Both pieces are meant to be performed sequence-wise, back-to-back, so I invite you to listen to them as a connected pair.

Hope you enjoy!

DARKO THE SUPER - HOW TO PLAY BASKETBALL IN THE RAIN...

Title track from the new Darko the Super self produced album "How to Play Basketball in the Rain and Not Get Wet" out everywhere October 20th, fresh for opening night of the 2026-27 NBA season.

MIKE KENEALLY'S "WINE AND PICKLES" UP ON BANDCAMP

Mike Keneally  just released "Wine And Pickles" on Bandcamp.

It includes a bonus track compared to the original 2008 release.

FRANK ZAPPA - - - MORE VINTAGE VINYL

More vintage vinyl.
Just for fun.

• Zappa: Punky's Whips
  (7", International)
• Frank Zappa: Redunzl / Inca Roads
  (7", Artles - blue vinyl)
• Frank Zappa: Redunzl / Inca Roads
  (7", Artles - red vinyl)

• Frank Zappa: My Name Is Fritz
  (7", ATR 001 - red vinyl)
• Zappa: The Talking Asshole
  (7", Safe Records)
• Frank Zappa: Live In New York
  (7", Safe Records)

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AN ED PALERMO UPDATE

GOOSE - 2026/09/01 RED ROCKS AMPHITHEATER, MORRISON

The third Red Rocks concert by Goose is also up on Bandcamp.

https://www.westword.com/music/photos-goose-closes-out-three-nights-at-red-rocks-40930069/

CANDY DULFER - WE NEVER STOP

• Candy Dulfer: We Never Stop
      (2022, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)
      (2022, cd, --, mascot)

Every now and then, we have to talk about pure, uncut funk. When we do, we inevitably look toward Minneapolis and its absolute ruler, Prince.

Candy Dulfer's "We Never Stop" (released via Mascot Label Group) proves that the groove did not freeze in 2016.
This is superb !!

Here's a complete concert from 2023, including a guest appearance of her dad (and jazz legend) Hans Dulfer.

-- info: Harald Haering

ALLAN HOLDSWORTH'S "TALES FROM THE VAULT AND BEYOND" MADE AVAILABLE AS HIGH-RES DOWNLOAD

The 2 CD set that recently got released by JMCC Media Group, presenting material that was previously available only to pledgers of the 2017 Tales from the Vault PledgeMusic campaign, has now been made available as a download:

https://jmccmediagroup.gumroad.com/l/allanholdsworth

SECRET CHIEFS 3

Secret Chiefs 3 just launched their Kickstarter project

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/secretchiefs3/secret-chiefs-3-act-iii

PRINCE - TIMELESS

• Prince: Timeless
      (2026, cd, --, npg records / sony)

NPG Records has just released "Timeless", which is an album title that raises certain expectations.

Is it a timeless album? One of the best albums ever released by Prince (or NPG Records)?
I guess not, but it does present a fine selection of songs from Prince's entire career, including a superb live version of 'How Come You Don't Call Me Anymore', recorded March 2016, only weeks before his passing.

FRANK ZAPPA'S FORMER HOLLYWOOD HILLS HOME

-- info: Zjakki Willems

FRANK ZAPPA - - - VINTAGE VINYL

 

Vintage vinyl !

* Frank Zappa: Hot Rats At The Olympic
(t.m.o.q. - green vinyl)

* Various Artists: Schischgebab (Wino Man)
((bm1020)

PANZERBALLETT CROWDFUNDING

a message from Panzerballett 

Dear qB fans,

our crowdfunding campaign for the Panzerballett feat. Virgil Donati live album has now been running for three weeks, and we’ve just passed the 20% mark!

A huge thank you to everyone who has supported us so far. ❤️

In less than four weeks, we’ll be heading out on tour with Virgil, and we want to professionally record these shows and turn them into an official Panzerballett live album.

But we still need your help to make it happen, and our crowdfunding campaign has only 13 days left.

Besides the digital live album and the CD, there are several rewards that are only available through this campaign. You can become part of the music yourself by joining the Ode to Joy Chaos Choir, introduce a Panzerballett song live in front of the audience as an Official Song Announcer, or get your hands on one of the strictly limited Alien Hip Hop Score Editions.

And for musicians and composers, the Private Composer’s Workshop gives you the opportunity to spend two hours with me working exclusively on your own music.

If you’ve been thinking about supporting the project, now would be a great time to join us. And if none of the rewards are for you, simply sharing the campaign with others helps us enormously as well.

https://www.startnext.com/en/panzerballett-live-album

NEEDLEPOINT - OUTSIDE THE SCREEN

• Needlepoint: Outside The Screen
      (2012, cd, --, bjk music)

If you have a weak spot for the warm, sun-drenched whimsy of late-60s Canterbury prog or the looser, exploratory boundaries of psychedelic jazz fusion, then Norway’s Needlepoint needs to be on your radar immediately.

It has been a couple of years since I've listened to Needlepoint, and it was lovely to rediscover them.

Released on the BJK Music label, this record feels less like a modern product and more like a long-lost tape found tucked away in a 1971 recording studio cupboard. It strikes a perfect balance between highly structured, melodic pieces and fluid, free-flowing instrumental jams.

-- info: Philippe Lamoot

GROS COEUR - GROS DISQUE

• Gros Coeur: Gros Disque
      (2023, cd, Belgium, jauneorange records)
      (2023, lp, Belgium, jauneorange records)

Gros Coeur is a psychedelic rock band from Belgium.
Shifting song structures, exotic flavours, high energy alternating with almost pop songs,...

The band was founded by Adrien Chapelle (former bass player for the notorious Belgian punk outfit Cocaine Piss) and three musicians from diverse musical backgrounds.

• Adrien Chapelle – Frontman, Producer
• Jimmy Geers – Guitar
• Julien Trousson – Bass
• Alexandre De Bueger – Drums

"Gros Disque" was the band's first album, released in 2023.
In the meantime, they have added another album to their discography: "Vague Célérate", released in 2025.

This is nice !

Out on Bandcamp, but also on LP and on CD.

Recommended listening !

-- info: Philippe Lamoot

THE LOVE SUBSTITUTES

Previously only available on CD, Jezus Factory Records will be re-issuing the two albums by The Love Substitutes on vinyl.

Featuring Rudy Trouvé, Craig Ward, Mauro Pawlowski and Bert Lenaerts, four musicians from one of the richest and most eccentric corners of the Belgian underground, bringing together decades of experience across dEUS, Kiss My Jazz, Evil Superstars, Dead Man Ray, Gore Slut, iH8 Camera, A Clean Kitchen Is A Happy Kitchen and a bewildering network of solo projects, collaborations and experimental groups.

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GOOSE - 2026/08/28 RED ROCKS AMPHITHEATER, MORRISON, CO

As one might have noticed, I've been listening to the concert recordings that Goose is putting on Bandcamp.
Not necessarily to the entire concert, but I like to listen to the first couple of songs and then pick out the special tracks.
For this Red Rocks show, I can recommend the stretched jam versions of 'Burn The Witch' (Radiohead) and 'Can't Get You Out Of My Head (Kylie Minogue).

TERRY BOZZIO

Flashback to April 8th 2001, when Dutch TV show 'Vrije Geluiden' featured Terry Bozzio !!

ZILBATRAR - OUTTAKES

• Zilbatrar: Outtakes
      (2021, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)

Montreal, Québec-based Zilbatrar released a set of demos through Bandcamp in 2021. Track 8 was an instrumental version of FZ’s ‘Wowie Zowie’.

EDDIE JOBSON - - - U.K. REVISITED TOUR DATES

From GlassOnyon PR

EDDIE JOBSON - U.K. REVISITED - 2026 U.S. DATES ANNOUNCED

Legendary musician Eddie Jobson, the co-founder of ’70s progressive-rock supergroup ‘U.K.,’ is returning to the U.S. for just three concerts in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York. Performing the music of U.K. for the first time in almost a decade, he will be joined by Marc Bonilla (CTA, Keith Emerson); Alex Machacek (U.K., Brand X); and Marco Minnemann (U.K., Hans Zimmer, The Aristocrats). Jobson has stated that these could be his final ‘U.K.' concerts in North America. His son, Chris Jobson will perform a short opening set in his U.S. solo debut.

The confirmed dates are:
Oct. 5th The Roxy Theatre, West Hollywood  [on sale 10am PDT Monday August 31st]
Oct. 7th Reggie's, Chicago  [on sale 12pm CDT Monday August 31st]
Oct. 10th ProgStock, Rutherford, NJ

Tickets for Los Angeles and Chicago go on sale on Monday August 31st.

Though best-known as the first violinist inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and as one of the top keyboard players in the progressive-rock genre, having played with Curved Air, King Crimson, U.K., Yes and Jethro Tull, Jobson has actually spent the majority of his career as a cross-genre composer and producer. A child prodigy violinist and young classical composer and pianist, he first came to international attention replacing Brian Eno as synthesist in the influential art-rock band Roxy Music at the age of 18; going on to becoming Frank Zappa’s keyboardist and electric violinist at the age of 21, and forming U.K. at 22 with Allan Holdsworth, John Wetton and Bill Bruford. Leaving the rock world and international arena touring at the age of 25, Jobson became a multi-award-winning composer for television and film, scoring over 100 TV dramas, working on several movies, and focusing on a diverse range of recording projects for his own international label Globe Music, before briefly reforming U.K. in 2014.

Regarded by many as the consummate musician, Jobson’s live performances have received accolades worldwide for their musical power and for the band’s unparalleled virtuosity.

THE BROTHERS C. BERRY - HOT PINK !

• The Brothers C. Berry: Hot Pink ! (And Other Unlikely “Hits”)
       (2020, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)

Brothers John and Dave Seabury recorded "Hot Pink !" as The Brothers C. Berry.

It's rock 'n' roll, baby !!

And they included a super version of FZ's 'My Guitar Wants To Kill Your Mama'.

PSYCOTIC PINEAPPLE - CAN'T ESCAPE FROM THE ROCK

• Psycotic Pineapple: Can’t Escape From The Rock
      (2024, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)

Berkeley, California-based punk band Psycotic Pineapple started making music in the 1970's. They were considered the first punk band from the Bay Area.

February 2024, ten years since their previous release, Psycotic Pineapple released "Can't Escape From The Rock" through Bandcamp.
The album included a fine version of FZ's 'Duodenum'.

HUNT RENNO - DROPOUT BOOGIE / BEHIND THE WALL OF SLEEP

• Hunt Renno: Dropout Boogie / Behind The Wall Of Sleep
      (2025, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)

A Beefheart tune, a Black Sabbath one, and FZ's ‘My Guitar Wants To Kill Your Mama’ (F. Zappa),.

The Zappa cover was previously released on the “Wowie Zowie – A Frank Zappa Tribute" album in 2022.

PAUL ROLAND - BRIGHTON ROCK

• Paul Roland: Brighton Rock
      (2026, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)
      (2026, cd, --, dark companion records up 011)

I really enjoyed Paul Roland's most recent album, "Brighton Rock".
The small print said that the album is an adaptation of Graham Greene's classic 1938 book of the same name.
Despite that I have not read the book (although I may have seen the movie adaptation), I will most definitely give "Brighton Rock" another listening session.

-- info: Danny Mathys

NEW ALBUM BY BRUNO VANSINA

Belgian saxophone player Bruno Vansina has just released "No Future".

For the moment, it's a Bandcamp-only release.

TOM PENAGUIN - TOM PENAGUIN II

• Tom Penaguin: Tom Penaguin II
      (2026, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)
      (2026, cd, --, amarxe)

The modern torchbearer of the French Canterbury Scene explosion, Tom Penaguin, has done it again. Following his stunning 2024 debut and his archival "Beginnings" collection, "Tom Penaguin II" arrives as a massive, fully autonomous statement of creative intelligence. Conceived, composed, performed, and mixed entirely by Penaguin himself over a four-month period of isolation, this album completely bypasses digital convenience in favor of glorious, tube-warmed analog tape.

The listener is instantly submerged in a sonic world that feels entirely authentic to the early seventies. Complex rhythmic shifts, soaring organ textures, fluid, fuzz-drenched guitar lines,... It's all there.

The highlight might well be 'The Ornamental Hermit Suite'. Across these four movements, Penaguin shifts effortlessly between reflective, jazzy piano passages and explosive, high-energy progressive rock tension. The interplay between his crisp, retro drum tracking and the unmistakable grit of the Hammond and Fender Rhodes organs is nothing short of breathtaking.

"Tom Penaguin II" is more than just a nostalgic throwback; it is a vital, living piece of art that shows a multi-instrumental master operating at an absolute peak. If you love complex time signatures, warm vintage tones, and intricate melodies that stay with you long after you've enjoyed the album, do not miss this.

Essential listening.

-- info: Danny Mathys

PAUL ROLAND - LIVE AT RAINDOGS HOUSE

• Paul Roland: Live At Raindogs House
      (2025, cd, --, dark companion records up 014)

A little while ago, I mentioned "Light Of The World", the fine collaboration between Astral Magic and Paul Roland.
Thanks to a couple of digital downloads I received, I'm happy to dive into Paul Roland's discography.

Last year, Paul Roland And His Rockin Teenage Combo (yes, that's what it actually says on his bandcamp page) released a very first official live album. It's Paul Roland's 40th album !!

Cut straight to tape, this album delivers raw, punchy, and entirely authentic rock 'n' roll.
Zero overdubs, technical wizardry, or studio polish.

Next to Paul Roland (guitar & vocals), the band featured Christian Castelletti (guitar), Annie Barbazza (bass & vocals) and Alex Canella (drums).

Lovely !
Definitely worth exploring !

-- info: Danny Mathys

ARSONISTS - PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE

• Arsonists: Past, Present And Future
      (2001, cdr, USA, private release)
      (2001, cdr, USA, asf records) – different artwork

Hip hop group The Arsonists sampled Frank Zappa’s ‘Po-Jama People’ in ‘Fat Laces’.
The track could already be found on a 1999 sampler entitled “Defenders Of The Underworld” and was the opening track on this “Past, Present And Future” release.

The original, limited edition release was distributed exclusively through the HipHopSite website. It carried no label and featured black and white artwork.

The later, standard edition of the album got released on the ASF Records label and had a different and full colour album cover.

CAPTAIN BEEFHEART - OUT-TAKES

• Captain Beefheart: Out-Takes
      (2014, lp, --, rhino)

Browsing the Captain Beefheart section in a record shop, I came across a shrink-wrapped version of "Out- Takes", album #4 in the 2014 "Sun Zoom Spark" box set.
I don't know if this album was made available separately, but I did find it kind of strange that it was shrink-wrapped. As if it was a separate release.

Anyway, I decided it would look better on my shelves at home than stacked away in a record shop...

BLINDHEAD - REPLICATES

• Blindhead: Replicates
      (2023, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)

New York City-based Blindhead (real name Bryan Pocius) released a set of cover version on his 2023 “Replicates” album.

It featured FZ’s ‘My Guitar Wants To Kill Your Mama’ next to pieces by Jimi Hendrix, Townes Van Zandt, Willie Dixon, and even Edgard Varèse !!

"ZAPPA - THE HARD WAY" BY ANDREW GREENAWAY

Andrew Greenaway's "Zappa The Hard Way" book arrived yesterday (after I slipped Belgian customs 30 euros for handling & import fees...).

Revised and expanded edition !!
https://www.wymeruk.co.uk/webshop/books/rock/frank-zappa/zappa-the-hard-way-revised-and-expanded-2026-edition/

Recommended reading, as is the "FZ 88 - A Visual Documentary" book.

If you live on the Yuripean mainland and want to avoid customs handling, order it from Amazon.

BRAND X - THEORY OF NOTHING

• Brand X: Theory Of Nothing
      (2026)

Kicking off the day with Brand X: "Theory Of Nothing".

Recorded live in 1977.
High-energy style of instrumental jazz-rock fusion mixed with progressive rock.

I've listened to bits and pieces of Brand X in the past, but this was my first in-depth / full album listening session  and I'm blown away.
This is superb !

Released on the MoonJune Records label.

https://officialbrandx.bandcamp.com/merch/brand-x-theory-of-nothing-2cd-limited-edition-2nd-pressing-pre-order

MADLIB SAMPLED GEORGE DUKE

Madlib sampled George Duke's 'Feel' on his 'Mind Touch' track.
Released on Madlib's "Beat Konducta Vol.0 Earth Sounds" (2000).

Read all about it here:
https://insearchofmedia.com/2018/02/11/madlib-samples-8-george-duke-feel-1974-mps/

'Feel'

'Mind Touch'

GOOSE IS CATCHING UP

Goose is catching up and has released a show from ten days ago:

2026/08/18 Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, BC, Canada

BRIAN TARQUIN'S NEW ALBUM WILL FEATURE SOME NOTABLE GUESTS

Brian Tarquin & Heavy Friends’ “Tyranny of Tone” To Benefit Los Angeles Firefighters Out September 18

VOMIT FIST - DEEP SPAWN

Nick Didkovsky's Vomit Fist has released a 7" entitled "Deep Spawn".

“This is the new Vomit Fist record, "Deep Spawn". We think it's a huge step forward in sheer brutality and mutated mayhem, and the red splatter 7" vinyl came out GREAT! Guitar TAB is included with the digital download, as are the Guitar Pro files. Super proud of this!”

If you're familiar with Doctor Nerve, expect something quite different.

SECRET CHIEFS 3 IS LAUNCHING A KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN

Secret Chiefs 3: ACT III
Ambitious waves of new music are coming. Help us make it happen right!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/secretchiefs3/secret-chiefs-3-act-iii

PETE ROTH TRIO TOUR DATES

Pete Roth Trio featuring Bill Bruford, Mike Pratt and Pete Roth - live dates.

This Saturday in Bran, Romania at Jazz at Bran Castle Festival, in a double headline bill with Soft Machine.

AUG 29 - Bran, Romania (Jazz at Bran Castle)
SEPT 25 - Walton-On-Thames, UK (Riverhouse Barn)
OCT 08 - Stuttgart, Germany (BIX Jazz Club)
OCT 09 - Rüsselheim, Germany (das Rind)
OCT 11 - Hamburg, Germany (Nica Jazz Club)
OCT 12 - Berlin, Germany (Zig Zag)
OCT 23 - Liverpool, UK (The Capstone Theatre)
OCT 24 - Durham, UK (The Sir Thomas Allen Theater)
NOV 08 - Manchester, UK (Band on the Wall)
JAN 27 - Leek, UK (Foxhole Arts Center)
JAN 28 - Sheffield, UK (Crookes Social Club)
JAN 29 - Kingston Upon Hull, UK (Wrecking Ball Music & Books)
JAN 30 - Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK (Gosforth Civic Theater)
FEB 04 - Verviers, Belgium (SPIRIT OF 66)
FEB 06 - Utretch, Netherlands (Tivoli Vredenburg)
FEB 08 - Copenhagen, Denmark (Hotel Cecil)
FEB 17 - Cardiff, UK (Acapela Studios)
FEB 23 - Pordenone, Italy (Capitol)
FEB 24 - Rezzato, Italy (Teatro CTM)
FEB 25 - Milano, Italy (Spazio Teatro 89)
FEB 26 - Torino, Italy (Piazza dei Mestieri)

NEW GOOSE SHOW UP ON BANDCAMP

2026/08/24 Kettlehouse Amphitheatr, Bonner, MT

SOFT MACHINE TOUR DATES

Soft Machine tour dates;

Feat. John Etheridge, Fred Thelonious Baker, Asaf Sirkis, and Theo Travis

29 Aug - Bran, Romania (Bran Castle)
10 Sep - London, UK (PizzaExpress W1)
26 Sep - Scarborough, UK (Scarborough Jazz Festival)
27 Sep - Barnoldswick, UK (Music & Arts Centre)
03 Oct - Hastings, UK (Hastings Jazz Festival)
10 Oct - Cambridge, UK (Corn Exchange)
16 Oct - Tilburg, Netherlands (Paradox)
17 Oct - Aachen, Germany (Musikbunker)
18 Oct - Hamburg, Germany (Nica Jazz Club)
20 Oct - Vienna, Austria (Porgy & Bess)
22 Oct - Budapest, Hungary (Off Kultur)
24 Oct - Munich, Germany (tbc)
25 Oct - Furth, Germany (Kofferfabrik)
27 Oct - Passau, Germany (MuseumsCafé)
30 Oct - Chur, Switzerland (Streaming Hall)
31 Oct - Wintertur, Switzeraind (Kulturzentrum Gaswerk)
01 Nov - Russelheim, Germany (das Rind)
18 Nov - Bristol, UK (The Jam Jar)
19 Nov - Worcester, UK (Huntington Hall)
20 Nov - Leek, UK (Foxhole Arts Center)
25 Nov - Stroud, UK (Subscription Rooms)
26 Nov - Bilston, UK (Robin 2)
27 Nov - Luton, UK (The Bear Club)
28 Nov - Sutton, UK (Sound Lounge)
29 Nov - Lyme Regis, UK (The Marine Hall Theatre)
03 Dec - London, UK (Cadogan Hall)
04 Dec - Hertford, UK (Corn Exchange)
02 Feb - London, UK (Jazz Café)
12 Feb - Sheffield, UK (Greystones)
14 Feb - Chelmsford, UK (HotBox)
19 Feb - Canterbury, UK (Gulbenkian Theater)
20 Feb - Fletching, UK (Trading Boundaries)
21 Feb - Portsmouth, UK (The Lens Studio at Guildhall)
25 Feb - New Milton, UK (Forest Arts Center)
26 Feb - Aldershot, UK (West End Center)
05 Mar - Hull, UK (Wrecking Ball Arts Center)
06 Mar - Otley, UK (Courthouse)
07 Mar - Milton Keynes, UK (The Stables)

MARKUS REUTER IN CONVERSATION WITH ADRIAN BELEW

“Hey, Markus here. I had the pleasure to talk to Adrian Belew about his involvement in the production of Mike Oldfield's Earth Moving album. Enjoy the interview!”

GOOSE 2026 08 22

Another Goose concert has been released on Bandcamp.

The second night at the Hayden Homes Amphitheater in Bend, OR.
2026/08/22 Hayden Homes Amphitheater, Bend, OR

 

THE MAYNARD HIGH SCHOOL SYMPHONIC AND STAGE BANDS - 1974

• Maynard Evans High School Symphonic And Stage Bands: Maynard Evans Symphonic And Stage Band 1974
      (1974, lp, USA, private release)

Another rare release arrived at the UM Headquarters recently.
As the album title explains, this record presented recordings from the Stage and Symphonic bands at Maynard Evans High School in Orlando, Florida.

It included the Stage Band’s rendition of FZ’s ‘Chunga’s Revenge’.

VARIOUS ARTISTS - SILKE ARP BRICHT SAMPLER 93

• Various Artist: Silke Arp-Bricht Sampler 93
      (1993, lp, Germany, n.ur kult releases)
      (????, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)

The n.UR-Kult record label was managed by the German club / artist collective Silke Arp Bricht.
Their tenth release presented artists that were linked to the n.UR-Kult club and included a recording of Frank Zappa’s ‘Who Are The Brain Police?’ by Spector.

The LP got released in 1993.
I recently acquired a copy of the LP (at the Zappanale festival) and only discovered today that it has also been made available on Bandcamp.
Check out the excellent version of 'Who Are The Brain Police?' !

BILLY JAMES - NECESSITY IS

Billy James published his "Necessity Is..." book in 2001.
I recently got hold of the 2005 re-issue. (See the above picture)
It will look good alongside to the original edition.

Another revised re-issue that I'm looking forward to is Andrew Greenaway's "Zappa The Hard Way".
If you want to avoid additional custom handling costs, you should be able to order it locally. Or order it from a company that takes care of the IOSS import taxes.

PETER STUART - PROPELLER

• Peter Stuart: Propeller
      (2001, cd, Germany, ulftone music)
      (2001, cd, USA, loud mouse music)

You might wonder how a melodic, pop record by former Dog's Eye View frontman Peter Stuart lands on the radar here at United Mutations. The answer, as always, lies in the family tree. Flipping over the liner notes of Stuart’s 2001 solo debut, Propeller, reveals a familiar name tucked neatly into the backing vocal credits: Moon Unit Zappa.

Released a bit over twenty years ago...

VARIOUS ARTISTS - SXSW LIVE VOL. 2

• Various Artists: SXSW Live Vol. Two
      (1994, cd-promo, usa, sxsw sx002cd9)

The "SXSW Live Vol. 2" promotional CD presented live recordings from 14 different artists.

The liner notes say:

“This CD is dedicated to the memory of Frank Zappa”
(FZ had passed away a couple of months before the release of this CD)

CABALLERO REYNALDO'S NEW ALBUM INCLUDES A FRANK ZAPPA PIECE

 Caballero Reynaldo (Luis González) is celebrating his 64th birthday by releasing an album entitled "64".

Download / streaming from Bandcamp, but also out on CD.
Next to the original tunes, "64" presents 'When I'm Sixty-Four' (Lennon, McCartney) and 'Let's Make The Water Turn Black' (F. Zappa).

JUNE TYSON - SATURNIAN QUEEN OF THE SUN RA ARKESTRA

• June Tyson: Saturnian Queen Of The Sun Ra Arkestra
      (2019, download / streaming, --, bandcamp)
      (2019, cd, USA, modern harmonic mhcd-014)
      (2019, lp, USA, modern harmonic mh-8014)

It is no secret that June Tyson was the glowing, celestial heart of the Sun Ra Arkestra. While Herman Poole Blount (Sun Ra himself) and John Gilmore provided the cosmic philosophy and foundational acoustic fire, Tyson gave the Arkestra its human—and superhuman—voice. Released by the archival wizards at Modern Harmonic, "Saturnian Queen Of The Sun Ra Arkestra" is the definitive, multi-vinyl/CD retrospective that Tyson has long deserved.

For the United Mutations community (and seasoned Ra collectors), this compilation is an absolute treasure trove. It spans her incredible tenure with the Arkestra from 1968 until her passing in 1992. It is not just a best-of compilation; it is a meticulously curated testament to a vocalist who could pivot from standard big-band jazz phrasing to avant-garde space chants in the blink of an eye.

What makes this Modern Harmonic release essential is the inclusion of rare, unreleased takes and live recordings where Tyson’s presence is palpable. Her performance on 'Enlightenment' is a masterclass in cosmic theater, showcase-singing alongside John Gilmore with a chemistry that sounds as vibrant today as it did decades ago.

As expected from Modern Harmonic, the packaging is top-tier. It features gorgeous, rare archival photographs of June in her full, magnificent Arkestra regalia—looking every bit the Saturnian Queen. The extensive liner notes provide crucial historical context, detailing her entry into the Arkestra via Marshall Allen and her evolution into the band's wardrobe designer, choreographer, and multi-instrumentalist (her violin work on select tracks is a haunting bonus).

Saturnian Queen Of The Sun Ra Arkestra is a mandatory addition to the Sun Ra shelf. It rescues June Tyson from the margins of liner notes and rightfully places her on the throne as the matriarch of Afrofuturism.

The album was difficult to get hold of when it got released in 2019. I'm glad that I finally caught up and got hold of the CD recently.

Highly recommended. Space is still the place, and June Tyson is our guide.