(S4 Ep 20) Love -Forever Changes (Electra)

Released Nov 1967- Recorded June 9-Sept 25 1967

Love’s Forever Changes, released in 1967, is a psychedelic rock masterpiece and one of the most hauntingly beautiful albums of its era. Fronted by Arthur Lee, Love was a groundbreaking, racially integrated band that fused folk-rock, orchestral pop, and surreal lyricism. Though not a commercial hit at the time, Forever Changes later earned acclaim for its lush arrangements, introspective themes, and emotional depth. Songs like “Alone Again Or” and “You Set the Scene” highlight the album’s fusion of poetic melancholy and orchestral grandeur. Recorded during a period of personal turmoil and cultural upheaval, it captures both the hope and anxiety of the late 1960s. Internal conflicts and drug use soon fractured the band, but the album's legacy endured, eventually earning recognition from the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Library of Congress. Forever Changes stands as a timeless artistic statement and a high point of the psychedelic era.

Signature Songs Alone Again Or “Maybe the People Would Be the Times or Between Clark and Hilldale”. Live and Let Live

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Sam Sadigursky is widely recognized as one of the most talented clarinetists and reed doublers of his generation. He has released eleven acclaimed albums as a leader and appears on over sixty recordings as a sideman, including numerous Grammy-nominated and Grammy Award-winning projects. A member of the Philip Glass Ensemble, he has also toured and recorded with Brad Mehldau, David Byrne, Bruce Hornsby, Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society, the Mingus Orchestra, and U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky. From 2017 to 2019, Sadigursky was the onstage clarinetist in the Grammy, Tony, and Emmy Award-winning Broadway production of The Band’s Visit, and he has performed in over twenty other Broadway productions.

Blending Jewish spiritual and Klezmer music with post-minimalist classical, jazz, and elements of American folk, Sadigursky and accordionist/multi-instrumentalist Nathan Koci recently released Volumes IV and V of The Solomon Diaries on Adhyaropa Records. This five-album series reflects on the Borscht Belt—the once-thriving Jewish resort region that helped shape 20th-century American culture—while also exploring contemporary experiences of immigration and Jewish identity.

The Solomon Diaries Volume IV .⁠https://open.spotify.com/album/6aueHALAzKJf0eDoo048ek?si=LVmkM3hhQiSBUJJBb1egAw⁠

The Solomon Diaries Volume V

⁠https://open.spotify.com/album/6dkN03M2qai0xXNC38VTSa?si=bBjX0IVXQQyJO4J1hjKtVA⁠

Buffalo Springfield -Again (Atco)

Released October 30, 1967, and Recorded January 9-September 18

Buffalo Springfield Again is a landmark album that captures both the brilliance and dysfunction of one of rock’s most influential short-lived bands. Recorded during a turbulent period marked by Neil Young’s departures, Bruce Palmer’s deportation, and rising tensions within the group, the album still delivers remarkable artistry. Each member shines: Stephen Stills’ dynamic guitar work and songwriting drive tracks like “Bluebird,” Neil Young brings depth and experimentation with “Mr. Soul” and the ambitious “Broken Arrow.” At the same time, Richie Furay adds warmth and a country-rock flavor with “A Child’s Claim to Fame” and “Sad Memory.” Despite its fragmented nature, the album’s eclectic sound helped define the era. Though it only reached #44 on the charts, its critical reputation has grown over time. Following the release of the album, internal struggles led to the band’s breakup, but its members went on to shape the folk and country rock genres through groups like CSNY and Poco. This record remains a vital, underrated piece of 1960s rock history.

Signature Songs: "Mr Soul," "Bluebird" "Broken Arrow"

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(S4 Ep18) The Real McCoy (Blue Note) with guest Steve Myerson

October 1967, Recorded April 21, 1967

The Real McCoy (1967) is a landmark album by jazz pianist McCoy Tyner, marking his first solo release after leaving John Coltrane’s legendary quartet. With a stellar lineup featuring tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson, bassist Ron Carter, and drummer Elvin Jones, the album showcases Tyner's unique modal jazz style, blending African rhythmic influences and his signature wide interval voicings. The album’s compositions, all written by Tyner wrote, demonstrate his incredible range as a pianist and composer, with tracks like "Passion Dance" and "Contemplation" now regarded as jazz standards. The interplay between the musicians is dynamic, with Henderson's fluid solos, Carter's solid bass work, and Jones's explosive drumming providing a perfect backdrop for Tyner's improvisations. The album balances uptempo tracks, like "Four by Five," with slower, more meditative pieces, such as "Search for Peace," highlighting Tyner’s ability to navigate diverse moods and textures. The Real McCoy is widely praised for its deep emotional resonance and technical brilliance, solidifying McCoy Tyner as one of his generation's most influential jazz pianists.

Signature Tracks: "Passion Dance", "Contemplation", "Four By Five"

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Endea Owens is a jazz talent known for her unique bass playing, compositions, and dynamic performances. She has gained widespread recognition as a member of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert band, where her versatile bass playing has captivated a broad television audience. Her 2023 debut album, Feel Good Music, blends intricate arrangements with an accessible, feel-good vibe, appealing to casual listeners and jazz critics.

Owens' roots in Detroit and her diverse musical background inform her distinct style, which blends jazz with other genres like house music and soul. She has collaborated with major artists such as Jon Batiste and Juicy J, and her work with Batiste’s band earned her Grammy recognition.

Beyond her musical success, Owens is also committed to philanthropy. In 2020, she founded the Community Cookout project, which provides meals and connects with underprivileged communities. Looking ahead, Owens will perform new material at venues like the South Orange Performing Arts Center, continuing to push the boundaries of jazz while deepening her community impact.

(S4 Ep 17) Nina Simone- Sings the Blues (RCA)

Released 1967, Recorded December 19-January 5, 1967

Nina Simone Sings the Blues is a powerful, emotionally raw album that marked a significant shift in Nina Simone's career. Her first release with RCA Victor showcases her deep connection to the blues tradition, drawing influence from legends like Bessie Smith and Billie Holiday. With tracks like "Do I Move You?" and "Backlash Blues," inspired by Langston Hughes, Simone’s music captures the racial tensions and personal struggles of the 1960s. Although it didn’t chart highly, the album’s authenticity and emotional depth solidified her place as one of America’s greatest musical voices. The album blends jazz, blues, gospel, and soul, with Simone’s poignant piano work and powerful vocals leading the way. Tracks like "I Want a Little Sugar in My Bowl" and "Real Real” showcase her mastery of the genre and her unapologetic, bold musical style, influencing future artists like Amy Winehouse and Lauryn Hill.

Signature Tracks: "My Man's Gone Now," "Backlash Blue," "I Want A Little Sugar In My Bowl."

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(S4-Ep16) Big Brother and Holding Company (Mainstream)

Release August 23, 1967, and Recorded December 12-14, 1967

Big Brother and the Holding Company’s debut album is a fascinating glimpse into the early rise of Janis Joplin as a powerhouse vocalist. Although the album initially received mixed reviews due to its cleaner, more restrained production than the band’s psychedelic live performances, it remains an essential piece of the 1960s San Francisco music scene albums. Joplin’s unique voice stands out, adding depth and emotion to tracks like “Down on Me” and “Women Is Losers,” though the album doesn’t fully capture the wild energy of their live shows. Standout moments include “Intruder” and the experimental “All Is Loneliness,” showcasing the band’s bluesy, psychedelic influences. Despite its lackluster commercial reception, the album helped establish Big Brother as a key figure in the psychedelic movement and introduced Joplin’s legendary vocal talent. While it’s not as polished as their next release, Cheap Thrills (1968), The album holds significant historical value, paving the way for their future success and marking the beginning of Joplin’s short but remarkable career.

Signature Tracks “Bye, Bye Baby," "Call on Me," "All Is Loneliness"

Full Albums: YouTube, Spotify

Playlist: YouTube, Spotify

Dan Pugach, an Israeli-born composer, drummer, and bandleader, is pushing the boundaries of big band jazz with his Grammy-winning album Bianca Reimagined: Music for Paws and Persistence. The album, inspired by Pugach and his wife Nicole Zuraitis' love for rescue animals, combines personal stories with a tribute to their late dog Bianca. Pugach's unique journey from rock drummer to big band leader has shaped his innovative style, which blends influences from jazz greats and rock music. His Grammy Award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble places him alongside legendary jazz figures, and his compositions reflect both personal and cultural narratives. Pugach's drumming and leadership in big band music reflect his deep understanding of rhythm and tradition. As he continues to write and perform, Pugach is dedicated to pushing the genre forward and staying connected with his audience, performing regularly in New York and worldwide with his big band and nonet.

Website - https://www.danpugach.com/

Dan Pugach Big Band: Bianca Reimagined: Music For Paws and Persistence - https://youtu.be/hGX65TdtkGQ?si=FHQKEO6s2tcQc4iB