Frank Zappa

6CD Box: Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K. / Amazon Canada

1CD Highlights plus "Strictly Genteel": Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K. / Amazon Canada

Frank Zappa's 1981 Halloween concerts at New York's late, lamented Palladium are collected on this new box set from Zappa Records/UMe. The 6-CD set is housed in a costume box with a Count Frankula mask as well as a red and black cape, natch.  It's been produced by Ahmet Zappa and Vaultmeister Joe Travers, while the concerts have been newly remixed from the original 2-inch, 24-track analog masters by Craig Parker Adams.  A 40-page booklet documents the event via liner notes by touring band member Robert Martin, Joe Travers, and super-fan Gary Titone, plus rare photos taken by John Livzey.

A 1-CD "highlights" disc titled Halloween 81: Highlights From The Palladium, New York City will also be released.  It offers performances from all three concerts plus an exclusive performance of "Strictly Genteel" from November 1 which is not included on the box set. It's not yet clear whether the track was excised from the box for timing or other reasons.  The standard jewel-case release has new liner notes by Joe Travers.