Frank Zappa catalogue out on digital for the first time

Back home, where it belongs, the music of Frank Zappa is now back in the hands of the Zappa Family Trust.

In celebration, the estate has signed a global license and distribution deal with Universal Music Enterprises to release 60 of the composer's recordings. The entire catalogue will launch worldwide on July 31st with 12 recordings, followed by another dozen recordings to be released monthly through to the end of 2012. It is also the very first time that these recordings have been made available digitally.

"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 artist and composer, Frank Zappa, is one of the most important and influential artists in music history with his prolific body of work, including his breakthrough rock 'n' roll concept albums. We are honored that Gail Zappa and the Zappa Family Trust have entrusted us with his legacy. We intend to honor him and bring high quality releases, digital and physical, for his new and longtime fans", said Bruce Resnikoff, President/CEO, Universal Music Enterprises (UMe).

The UME deal encompasses the entire Zappa catalogue, as it appeared on Frank Zappa's own independent label, Barking Pumpkin Records and many of the original analogue masters have been re-mastered.

The first 12 releases scheduled for release are as follows:

1. Freak Out! (1966)
2. Absolutely Free (1967)
3. Lumpy Gravy (1968)
4. We're Only In It For The Money (1968)
5. Cruising With Ruben & The Jets (1968)
6. Uncle Meat (1969)
7. Hot Rats (1969)
8. Burnt Weeny Sandwich (1970)
9. Weasels Ripped My Flesh (1970)
10. Chunga's Revenge (1970)
11. Fillmore East, June 1971 (1971)
12. Just Another Band From L.A. (1972)