30 Albums For 30 Years (1964-1994) – Details, episodes & analysis

Summary 

Brian Bromberg, a virtuoso bassist, honors the legacy of Scott LaFaro with his latest album, LaFaro, and a series of live performances. LaFaro, who tragically died at 25, was a groundbreaking bassist with the Bill Evans Trio, inspiring Bromberg's tribute. Initially reluctant to take on the project due to the pressures of honoring a jazz legend, Bromberg eventually embraced it after realizing LaFaro's profound influence on his playing. Bromberg also shares personal connections to jazz greats like Stan Getz, with whom he played, and Bill Evans, a missed opportunity from his youth. His career spans collaborations with top artists and an eclectic solo catalog ranging from traditional jazz to contemporary styles. Known for his versatility on upright and electric bass, Bromberg defies genre boundaries, seeking to deliver heartfelt, high-quality musicianship in every project. His performances and music continue to celebrate innovation and jazz's rich history. https://njjs.org/magazine/

Mike Torres is a guitar student of host Jay Sweet and a Vietnam veteran (Air Force). In this discussion, Mike talks about the impact of music during the war and the songs that meant the most to him.

Mike's List of Songs:  

1. Sky Pilot The Animals

2. After the Gold Rush.  Neil Young

3. Longer Boats.  Cat Stevens (In memory of my good friend Tom Pat Widmer

RIP)

4. Miles From Nowhere.  Cat Stevens

5 Pride of Man.  Quicksilver Messenger Service

6 Stairway to Heaven.  Led Zeppelin

7. Easy Livin. Uriah Heep

8. Any Eagles or Pink Floyd

9. Money. Pink Floyd

10. Smoke on The Water -Deep Purple

11. We're an American Band. Grand Funk Railroad

12. As Long as I Can See The Light. CCR

13. Free Bird. Lynyrd Skynard

14. Radar Love. Golden Earring. (This was our shop's standard)

15. My Woman From Tokyo. Deep Purple

#24-The Monkees-Self-Titled  (Colgems Record) 

Released October 10 and Recorded July 5-25

Formed in 1965 by television producers inspired by The Beatles' "A Hard Day's Night," The Monkees—Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork, and Davy Jones—became a cultural phenomenon. Despite criticism for their prefabricated nature and reliance on studio musicians, their debut album, The Monkees, released on October 10, 1966, achieved commercial success. Featuring hits like "Last Train to Clarksville" and "(Theme From) The Monkees," the album showcased catchy pop-rock tunes that captivated a young audience. Blending humor and music, the Monkees' TV show further cemented their popularity. Despite internal tensions and the desire for creative control leading to changes and eventual disbandment in 1971, the group's legacy endured, with reunions and enduring fan appreciation. Notable tracks on the album include the folk-rock blend "Papa Gene's Blues" and the experimental "Sweet Young Thing."

#23- Otis Redding-Complete & Unbelievable: The Otis Redding Dictionary of Soul (Stax)

Released October 1966, Recorded May-September 1966 

Complete & Unbelievable: The Otis Redding Dictionary of Soul, recorded at Stax Recording Studios in Memphis, is a seminal work in Otis Redding's career and soul music. Produced by Jim Stewart, Isaac Hayes, and Booker T. Jones, the album features legendary Stax studio musicians like Steve Cropper, Donald "Duck" Dunn, Al Jackson Jr., Booker T. Jones, and the Memphis Horns. It includes standout tracks such as the iconic "Try a Little Tenderness," "Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)," and "My Lover’s Prayer " along with covers like "Day Tripper" and "Tennessee Waltz," each showcasing Redding's dynamic vocal range and the band's tight, soulful arrangements. The album received critical acclaim, reaching #5 on the Billboard R&B chart and #73 on the Billboard 200, solidifying Redding's legacy as a master of soulful expression and musical innovation.

Full Album on YouTube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn1E4mv4x-I4oNQ0qlroeWXxa4lDD4Lj9&si=6SlxhnkIL8UdM3Ms

Full Album on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/album/25uNcuL4dAoV62eKmr8Q0Y?si=hK3DknToSX2TkN_3ggWDiA

Curated 1966 Playlist Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7I6dzYc5UJfko8unziRMWf?si=a07e4d1e27944d00

Mindi Abair Interview Mindi Abair is a Grammy-nominated saxophonist and vocalist renowned for her dynamic blend of contemporary jazz, rock, and blues. Raised in a musical family, her early influences included her saxophonist father and opera-singer grandmother. After studying at Berklee College of Music, she moved to Los Angeles, where she played with high-profile acts like the Backstreet Boys and Aerosmith before launching a successful solo career. Known for her energetic performances and collaborations with artists like Booker T, Greg Allman and Joe Perry, Abair also co-runs WineandJazz.com with her husband, combining her passions for music and wine through unique events. https://www.mindiabair.com/

(S3-EP.22)The Animals- Animalization (MGM)  Released August 1966. Recorded Jan 9, 1966 -July 4, 1966 Animalization by The Animals is a seminal album that exemplifies their blend of blues rock and R&B. Released during the British Invasion, it features Eric Burdon's powerful vocals, Hilton Valentine's distinctive guitar work, and Dave Rowberry’s skills on piano and keyboards. The album's raw sound and impactful tracks like "Don't Bring Me Down" and "Inside Looking Out" contributed to its commercial success, reaching number 20 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart. Notably, the album saw lineup changes, with Barry Jenkins replacing John Steel on drums and producer Mickie Most giving way to Tom Wilson, known for his work with Bob Dylan and The Velvet Underground. Tracks like their rendition of "See See Rider" and the soulful "Gin House Blues" highlight the band's dynamic interpretations of blues classics. "Animalization" remains a testament to The Animals' significant role in shaping the era's rock music landscape with their electrifying performances and blues-infused style.

Don Braden Interview

Don Braden, is a distinguished jazz saxophonist, flutist, composer, and educator. A Harvard graduate, Braden quickly became a sought-after sideman in New York, playing with legends like Betty Carter and Wynton Marsalis. As a bandleader, he has released numerous acclaimed albums, such as The Fire Within and Earth Wind and Wonder. Known for his rich tone and melodic inventiveness, Braden also excels as an educator, teaching at institutions like Harvard and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, significantly contributing to the jazz world through both performance and education.

Guitarist James Popik brings a unique touch and repertoire to his music. From Acoustic Jazz to electrified Fusion Jams, classical Brazilian music and American songbook masters to reworked rock anthems, James has forged a unique voice. In this conversation James discusses his newest record Sourland Symphony and much more.

Originally a duo in 2012, 9 Horses, a New York City chamber jazz group featuring mandolinist Joe Brent, violinist Sara Caswell, and bassist Andrew Ryan, has evolved into a critically acclaimed trio. Their 2015 debut album, Perfectest Herald, established their sound: Brent's original compositions intertwined with the group's improvisational fire. Known for pushing boundaries, they explore the frontiers of chamber jazz. Their latest release, Strum (2024), joins in showcasing their genre-bending experimentation and emotionally rich music.

Giorgi Mikadze Interview Giorgi Mikadze, a Georgian pianist and composer, blends his cultural heritage with diverse musical experiences. Born during the Soviet Union's collapse, he began playing piano at four and trained classically at Tbilisi State Conservatoire. His discovery of jazz, through a composition teacher, led him to Berklee College of Music and later the Manhattan School of Music, where he refined his jazz skills. Mikadze has collaborated with artists like Wang Leehom and Roy Hargrove, and was the first Georgian to perform at the Newport Jazz Festival. His projects often integrate Georgian folk music with jazz, showcased in albums like "VOISA" and "Georgian Microjamz." His latest album, "Face to Face (Vol.1)," recorded in Paris, received critical acclaim. Now an associate professor at Berklee, Mikadze is committed to promoting Georgian music worldwide, celebrating the freedom that jazz offers.