The Monkees-More of the Monkees

(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" Full Album YouTube Spotify  Playlist     YouTube  Spotify

9 Apr 20251h 25min

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.

4 Apr 202527min

(S4 Ep 17) Nina Simone- Sings the Blues (RCA)Released 1967, Recorded December 19-January 5, 1967Nina 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." Full Albums YouTube  Spotify Playlists      YouTube Spotify

2 Apr 202510min

(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

26 Mar 202516min

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

24 Mar 202554min

(S4 Ep15) Pink Floyd-Pipers at The Gates of Dawn with guest Mark BlakeReleased August 4, 1967, Recorded February 21-May 2, 1967 (EMI)  Piper at the Gates of Dawn (1967) is Pink Floyd’s debut album, largely shaped by Syd Barrett's visionary, whimsical songwriting and experimental approach to psychedelia. Combining surreal lyrics with complex musical arrangements, the album became a defining work of the British psychedelic scene. Tracks like "Astronomy Domine" and "Interstellar Overdrive" showcase the band’s innovative use of studio effects and improvisation. At the same time, songs such as "Lucifer Sam" and "Matilda Mother" blend folk influences with dreamy, eccentric storytelling. The album's experimental nature and Barrett's increasing mental instability, worsened by heavy drug use, marked the band’s transition from a psychedelic force to something more expansive. Despite its initial mixed reception, Piper is now a cornerstone of rock history. It reveals the early creativity of a band destined for greatness but also foreshadows the tragic unraveling of Barrett's role, paving the way for Pink Floyd's future with David Gilmour. Signature Tracks: "Astronomy Domine," "Lucifer Sam,"  "Flaming"Full Album: YouTube, Spotify Playlist  YouTube, Spotify

19 Mar 202553min

(S4 Ep14) The Temptations- With a Lot o' SoulReleased July 17, 1967, Recorded between 1966-1967  (Gordy)With a Lot o' Soul, The Temptations’ fifth studio album for Motown, showcased the iconic lineup of David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams, Melvin Franklin, and Otis Williams. The album blends Motown's classic pop-soul with experimental arrangements, including lush strings, intricate horn sections, and emotional themes. The Temptations' trademark harmonies shine, with Ruffin dominating many tracks. At the same time, other members take lead on songs like Paul Williams on “No More Water in the Well” and Eddie Kendricks on “You're My Everything.” The album features four hit singles like “(I Know) I’m Losing You” and “All I Need” and solidified the group's place in soul music history. Produced by Norman Whitfield, the album marks the beginning of the Temptations’ evolution toward psychedelic soul, setting the stage for future groundbreaking work. Signature Tracks: "I Know I'm Losing You," "All I Need,"  "You're My Everything" Full Album: YouTube, Spotify Playlist: YouTube , Spotify

12 Mar 202515min

(S4-Ep.13) Otis Redding -Live In Europe with guest Rob Bowman Released July 10, 1967 and Recorded March 1967 and Volt/Atco (Stax) Otis Redding's Live in Europe is a landmark live album that captures the soul legend at the peak of his powers. Recorded during his 1967 European tour, the album showcases Redding's incredible stage presence and raw emotional depth, bringing a vibrant energy to the tracks. The album features classic songs like "Try a Little Tenderness" and "I Can't Turn You Loose," with Redding's dynamic vocals and impassioned delivery shining through. The European audience provided a perfect backdrop for Redding's electrifying performance, emphasizing his ability to connect with listeners worldwide. The album also highlights his impeccable backing band, Booker T and M.G.’s, who play with precision and soul. Live in Europe became one of Redding's most cherished records, offering fans a glimpse into his legendary live shows and solidifying his place as one of the greatest soul performers ever.Signature Tracks: "Respect" "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction"  "Try A Little Tenderness" Full Album:  YouTube, SpotifyPlaylist YouTube, Spotify

5 Mar 202549min