UMe To Reissue Zappa Catalog

MOTHER OF INVENTION: The Zappa Family Trust, which once again controls the Frank Zappa catalog, has signed a global licensing and distribution deal with Universal Music Enterprises to release 60 of the iconic composer’s recordings, 12 of them starting July 31, with another dozen to be released monthly through the end of the year. Said wife Gail Zappa: “They made us the offer we couldn't refuse—for all the right reasons. It is a win-win for all of us, but mostly for Frank Zappa. Long may his baton wave.” The UME deal is for the entire Zappa catalog as it appeared on Frank’s own independent label, Barking Pumpkin Records. Many of the original analog masters have been re-mastered for this occasion. The initial batch of 12 includes Freak Out! (’66), Absolutely Free (’67), Lumpy Gravy (’68), We’re Only in It for the Money (’68), Cruising with Ruben & the Jets (’68), Uncle Meat (’69), Hot Rats (’69) Burnt Weeny Sandwich (’70), Weasels Ripped My Flesh (’70), Chunga’s Revenge (’70), Fillmore East, June 1971 (’71) and Just Another Band from L.A. (’72). (6/11p)