The Frank Zappa Family Trust, headed by Zappa’s widow Gail Zappa, have signed a global license and distribution deal with Universal Music to release 60 of the iconic composer’s recordings.
The campaign begins on July 31 with 12 recordings, with another dozen recordings to be released monthly through the end of 2012.
“The ink is not yet dry on The Zappa Family Trust’s worldwide deal with Universal Music Enterprises,” says 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. We are so ready to go.”
The Universal deal is for the entire Zappa catalogue as it appeared on Frank Zappa’s own independent label, Barking Pumpkin Records. Many of the original analog masters have been re-mastered. The albums scheduled for release on July 31 are:
Freak Out! (1966)
Absolutely Free (1967)
Lumpy Gravy (1968)
We’re Only In It For The Money (1968)
Cruising With Ruben & The Jets (1968)
Uncle Meat (1969)
Hot Rats (1969)
Burnt Weeny Sandwich (1970)
Weasels Ripped My Flesh (1970)
Chunga’s Revenge (1970)
Fillmore East, June 1971 (1971)
Just Another Band From L.A. (1972)