Kill Ugly Radio: Frank Zappa & Elsewhere

I just received my copy of Jimmy Carl Black’s “Stick Man For Ever!” in the mailbox from Cafepress. Except for lacking the appropriate ID3 tags to the mp3 tracks when I uploaded the CD onto my computer, and the non-existent liner notes (a playlist would have been helpful, too), which I chalked up to the obvious hurry to get this limited edition CD out and available so as to aid Black with imminent medical bills.

Thanks, Barry, for sending me the playlist:

* Blonde Haired Woman
* Stick Man
* Low Ridin Man
* Lady Queen Bee
* Ocean and Love
* Thank You, Come Again
* Teenage Credit
* 59 Chevy
* Freedom Jazz Dance
* Black Limousine
* Indian of the Group
* Chief Old Fox

Some have suggested that there are “no FZ influences” on this CD, but I suggest they need to listen a little closer, and also recall both the beginnings of the Mothers of Invention as a basic blues band, and the style and tone of music being performed in and around those beginnings. Almost all the tracks on Stick Man are full of killer blues riffs which remind me of early Mothers recordings found on various Zappa CD’s (think of the presence of saxophone, bass, guitar and drums) such as “Memories of El Monte” on Cucamonga, “Original Mothers At The Broadside (Pomona)” on Mystery Disc, and various individual tracks on Joe’s Corsage and Xmasage. I am also struck by the familiar Zappa themes such as the relationship between males and cars, boys and girls, teen culture, and L.A. cultural references which are also found on Stick Man.

Indeed, sometimes the influences are not as obviously “in your face” as on other CD’s by Zappa alumni, but they are there. And if you’re also a Grandmothers fan like me, this CD is a must have from one of the most endearing members of the early Mothers. That it’s helping him pay his medical bills in his fight against cancer, makes it all the more worthwhile. Pick up your copy here today.

Posted in Miscellany, Music | 17 Comments »

I guess by now you know that Jimmy Carl Black is battling a nasty cancer, and has been confronted with very heavy hospital bills in attempting to do so. To help out, a benefit concert is in the works. The gig is to take place on Sunday November 9 at Bridge House II, London, UK.

Confirmed bands at this point:

• The Thurston Lava Tube
• The Muffin Men
• Mick Pini
• That Legendary Wooden Lion
• Ben Watson
• Fraz Knapp

Special guests shall be announced shortly. Be sure to keep an eye out here.

Obviously, the banner above is free for copy/pasting. Spread the word!

Posted in Community, Frank Zappa, Music | No Comments »

Last week, Jimmy Carl Black had an operation to remove a tumour on his lung. Now, the tumour has turned out to be cancerous. Idiot Bastard Son, who spoke with Jimmy last Thursday writes:

He sounded fairly chipper, but they say they can now only treat him with more chemotherapy. He comes out of hospital on Monday (1 September) and will soon start his treatment as an out patient. To help Jimmy pay his mounting medical bills, there’s a special limited edition CD (Stick Man For Ever!) and some nifty apparel and other stuff available to buy here. Please do what you can to help the dear old Mother.

Cancer is a treacherous bitch. Do place an order if you can…

Picture courtesy of antaladriaanse

Posted in Community, In The News | 5 Comments »

A few months back Just a week ago, Andrew Greenaway did an interview with Jimmy Carl Black. Despite health problems, Jimmy’s in good spirits, performing with The Muffin Men and recording with various other artists across Europe. Just one project he’s worked on:

The CD is called The Jimmy Carl Black Story. It is due out anytime. I basically went into the studio one night and told my life story. It took me about one and a half hours to do it. He [Jon Larsen - ed.] then used some blues players from Oslo and also some of the guys from the Strange News CD for the background music.

Jimmy won’t make it to Zappanale this year, but has already set his mind on next year’s edition. Which is cool, since Sharl and I won’t be able to make it there either this year, for reasons that we may well expound upon at a later date. Read the whole article here.

Posted in Frank Zappa, In Writing, Interview, Music, Personal | 11 Comments »

Dated October 12, 1980 and recorded in Albuquerque at Johnson Gym. October 12, 1980. The clip shows “Harder Than You Husband” with Jimmy Carl Black, and “Bamboozled By Love” with Ike Willis.

Jimmy Carl Black was living in Albuquerque at the time of this concert. This video was personally authorized by Frank Zappa, it was shot to document Jimmy’s performance.

Check it out. A higher res version can be found over at Zappateers.

Posted in Frank Zappa, Music, YouTubery | 5 Comments »