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.
Revisiting Needlepoint's latest album, "Remnants Of Light'.
Bjørn Klakegg's fragile vocals combined with the melodic, story-telling approach give "Remnants Of Light" its distinctive and recognizable sound. For fans of the Canterbury scene.
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.
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 !
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.
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 (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.
