30 Albums For 30 Years (1964-1994)

Jim Josselyn, born in Oceanport, New Jersey is a highly accomplished jazz guitarist, composer and educator. Starting his musical journey at eleven, he has played with jazz greats and studied under legends like Pat Martino and Kenny Barron. Holding a master's degree in music performance. Jim's recent albums include Early and Shape Shifter. His original music has been featured on over forty TV shows and commercials. Jim performs regularly at renowned venues in New York and New Jersey, and he offers booking, master classes, and private lessons. Most recent albums: Early Summer Evening and Shape Shifter https://jimjosselynmusic.com/ musicanddrama.org

Charlie Apicella was voted onto the 84th and 86th DownBeat Readers Poll for Guitar. He studied composition and improvisation with musical titans Yusef Lateef and Pat Martino and was trained as a historian by Archie Shepp and Dr. Billy Taylor. As a young guitarist he met his idol BB King, who offered him advice and shared some stories. He has performed concerts and recorded with jazz legends Dave Holland, Sonny Fortune, John Blake, Jr., and Avery Sharpe as well as contemporary masters Joe Magnarelli, Vic Juris, Dave Stryker, Don Braden, and Jon Herington of Steely Dan. In 2022 he formed The Griots Speak with bassist William Parker, saxophonist Daniel Carter, and percussionist Juma Sultan who is known for his work with Jimi Hendrix. * * * Charlie Apicella is the founder and program director of Blues Alive: the living tradition of the blues He is an Eastman Guitars Featured Artist a Guild Guitars Sponsored Artist and a ZT Amplifiers Official Artist For more on Charlie Apicella go to https://www.ironcity.nyc/

Stanley Clarke is a bass wizard who transformed the electric bass from its accompanying role and showed the world the possibilities of the electric bass as a solo instrument. Additionally, he is a virtuosic double bass player and an accomplished film composer. Clarke is a 5-time Grammy winner, with 15 nominations, 3 for his solo efforts, 1 with the Stanley Clarke Band, and 1 with the groundbreaking, Return to Forever, of which he was a founding member.  In addition to all of his credits and activities, it turns out that Stanley Clarke is a really friendly guy with a great sense of humor, and as a lifelong fan of his music, it was a great honor to interview the legend.

Simon and Garfunkel -  Bookends (Columbia) Released on April 3, 1968,Bookends stands as one of the most concise yet thematically ambitious albums of the 1960s. The album blends folk, pop, and studio experimentation into a unified meditation on aging, memory, and identity. Conceived partly as a song cycle, Side One traces the arc of life—from youthful searching in “America” to mortality in “Old Friends”—framed by the delicate “Bookends Theme.” Inspired by the album-as-art statement approach of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, the record features layered production shaped by engineer Roy Halee. Side Two balances introspection with radio-ready immediacy, including the cultural landmark “Mrs. Robinson,” written for the film The Graduate. Though running under 30 minutes, the album feels expansive in scope, thanks to its orchestration, field recordings, and emotional pacing. Bookends became the duo’s first No. 1 album and helped secure their full artistic control for the even more ambitious Bridge Over Troubled Water. More than a collection of hits, it remains a poignant reflection on time’s passage and the fragile beauty of human connection.(S5-Ep7)

The Zombies Odyessey and Oracle (CBS/ Date Records) Released April 19, 1968 (UK, CBS Records); July 15, 1968 (US, Date Records, a CBS subsidiary).Odessey and Oracle is one of those rare albums that feels delicate and meticulously crafted, yet emotionally direct. Recorded in 1967 as The Zombies were quietly falling apart, it captures a band at peak creative focus. Rod Argent and Chris White’s songwriting leans into baroque pop textures, jazz-tinged harmonies, and gentle psychedelia, while Colin Blunstone’s breathy, vulnerable voice gives the songs an almost dreamlike intimacy. Mellotron, harpsichord, and layered vocals create a chamber-pop atmosphere that feels closer to Pet Sounds than British Invasion rock. Lyrically, the album balances nostalgia (“Beechwood Park”), romantic optimism (“This Will Be Our Year”), and eerie storytelling (“Butcher’s Tale”), all wrapped in elegant arrangements. Its closer, “Time of the Season,” adds a sly, groove-driven edge that became their belated hit. Though overlooked at release, the album’s lush melodies and emotional subtlety have helped it age beautifully, earning its place as one of the most beloved and quietly influential records of the psychedelic era. (The Zombies Odyessey and Oracle (CBS/ Date Records) Released April 19, 1968 (UK, CBS Records); July 15, 1968 (US, Date Records, a CBS subsidiary).Odessey and Oracle is one of those rare albums that feels delicate and meticulously crafted, yet emotionally direct. Recorded in 1967 as The Zombies were quietly falling apart, it captures a band at peak creative focus. Rod Argent and Chris White’s songwriting leans into baroque pop textures, jazz-tinged harmonies, and gentle psychedelia, while Colin Blunstone’s breathy, vulnerable voice gives the songs an almost dreamlike intimacy. Mellotron, harpsichord, and layered vocals create a chamber-pop atmosphere that feels closer to Pet Sounds than British Invasion rock. Lyrically, the album balances nostalgia (“Beechwood Park”), romantic optimism (“This Will Be Our Year”), and eerie storytelling (“Butcher’s Tale”), all wrapped in elegant arrangements. Its closer, “Time of the Season,” adds a sly, groove-driven edge that became their belated hit. Though overlooked at release, the album’s lush melodies and emotional subtlety have helped it age beautifully, earning its place as one of the most beloved and quietly influential records of the psychedelic era. (S6 -Ep 6)

Otis Redding- The Dock of The Bay (Volt/Atco Records) Release Date  (Released February 23, 1968)The Dock of the Bay (1968) is a powerful and poignant posthumous release that captures Otis Redding at both his artistic peak and the edge of a new musical direction. Blending classic Memphis soul with a softer, more reflective sound, the album reveals a deeper introspective side, especially on the landmark title track. “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” became the first posthumous No. 1 single in U.S. history, reshaping soul music by proving it could be gentle, spacious, and emotionally inward. The record balances tender ballads, gritty grooves, playful duets, and blues standards, showcasing Redding’s remarkable range. Backed by the Stax house band, the album preserves the rich Southern soul sound while hinting at creative paths he never got to explore. Its success cemented his legacy as a global icon and made the album one of the most important and influential posthumous releases in popular music history. (S5-EP 5)

Steppenwolf- Self-Titled Album (Dunhill Recordings) Release Date: January 22, 1968 Steppenwolf’s 1968 self-titled debut is a cornerstone of hard rock’s early evolution, blending blues roots with the heavier, riff-driven attack that would help shape proto–heavy metal. Powered by John Kay’s gritty, commanding vocals and Goldy McJohn’s roaring Hammond organ, the album balances raw aggression with social awareness. Signature tracks include the thunderous “Born to Be Wild,” forever linked to biker culture and countercultural freedom, and the dark, cautionary “The Pusher.” Blues covers like “Hootchie Kootchie Man” sit comfortably beside originals that range from boogie workouts to psychedelic-tinged jams. Though occasionally rough around the edges, the record’s energy, attitude, and iconic songs made it a massive success and established Steppenwolf as one of the defining hard rock bands of the late ’60s. (S5-Ep4)

Aretha Franklin - Lady Soul (Atlantic Records)Release Date: Jan 15-1968Aretha Franklin’s Lady Soul (1968) cemented her status as the Queen of Soul, blending gospel, blues, R&B, and Southern funk into a timeless masterpiece. Recorded with the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, Memphis Horns, and backing vocals from The Sweet Inspirations and family, the album features classics like “Chain of Fools,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” and “Ain’t No Way,” showcasing Aretha’s unmatched vocal power, emotional nuance, and interpretive genius. Its tight arrangements, soulful grooves, and concise sequencing created an unbroken emotional arc, dominating R&B charts and crossing over to pop. Beyond commercial success, Lady Soul became a cultural touchstone, symbolizing female empowerment, Black artistry, and social consciousness, setting the blueprint for modern soul and securing Aretha’s lasting influence on American music. (S5-Ep3)

 The Byrds-The Notorious Byrd Brothers  (Columbia Records)  Release Date: January 15, 1968 (U.S.)Released in January 1968, The Notorious Byrd Brothers captures the Byrds at a moment of collapse and creative peak. Recorded amid firings, walkouts, and heavy reliance on session musicians, the album paradoxically emerges as one of their most unified statements. It fuses folk-rock roots with psychedelia, country textures, baroque pop, and early electronic experimentation, including one of rock’s first Moog synthesizer appearances. Despite its brief runtime, the record feels dense and adventurous, featuring complex time signatures, inventive studio effects, and luminous harmonies. Songs like “Draft Morning,” “Wasn’t Born to Follow,” and “Space Odyssey” balance introspection, social unease, and cosmic curiosity. Initially modest in commercial impact, the album’s reputation has grown steadily, now widely regarded as a defining work that documents a band transforming instability into lasting artistic innovation. (S5-Ep2)

Blue Cheer -Vicebus Eruptum (Phillips Records) Released: January 16, 1968,  Recorded: Late 1967.Vincebus Eruptum is Blue Cheer’s ferocious debut and one of rock’s earliest heavy-metal landmarks. Formed in San Francisco by Dickie Peterson, Leigh Stephens, and Paul Whaley, the trio rejected psychedelic delicacy for raw volume, distortion, and blues-based power. Recorded mostly live, the album captured their brutal sound in real time, anchored by the hit “Summertime Blues,” which improbably stormed the charts. Originals like “Doctor Please” and “Second Time Around” pushed rock toward a darker, heavier future with fuzz-soaked riffs and pounding drums. Critics were split, but audiences embraced its unfiltered energy, sending it to No. 11 on the Billboard 200. Though later lineup changes softened the band’s edge, Vincebus Eruptum remains a foundational blueprint for metal, punk, grunge, and stoner rock. (S5, Ep1)

(S$-30) Bob Dylan – John Wesley Harding (Columbia Records) Released: December 27, 1967 Recording Dates: October 17, November 6, and November 29, 1967John Wesley Harding marks Bob Dylan’s striking return in 1967 after his motorcycle accident, showcasing a stark shift from his electric, surreal phase to a stripped-down, country-folk sound. Recorded quickly in Nashville with minimal instrumentation, the album’s sparse arrangements heighten its moral allegories, biblical imagery, and Old West themes. Songs like “All Along the Watchtower” and “I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine” resonate with haunting simplicity, while “Dear Landlord” and “I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight” hint at Dylan’s coming embrace of country. The record’s understated style stood in deliberate contrast to the psychedelic excesses of its time, influencing The Band, The Byrds, and future Americana artists. Dylan’s newfound restraint, poetic songwriting, and subtle musicianship resulted in one of his most cohesive works, earning critical acclaim and commercial success. John Wesley Harding remains a timeless, genre-defining album that helped shape roots rock and alt-country.Signature Tracks: John Wesley Harding, I Went Out One Morning, All Along The Watchtower Full Album: YouTube  Spotify Playlist:   YouTube   Spotify

(S4-Ep 29) The Who - The Who Sells Out  (Decca in US, Track In U.K.) Released December 15, 1967- Recorded May -November 1967  Released in late 1967, The Who Sell Out is a bold, quirky concept album designed to mimic a pirate radio broadcast, complete with spoof commercials and jingles. It captures The Who at a transitional moment—embracing psychedelia, satire, and studio experimentation, while hinting at their future in grander rock narratives. Tracks like “I Can See for Miles” deliver explosive rock energy, while introspective gems like “Sunrise” and “I Can’t Reach You” showcase Pete Townshend’s growing sophistication as a songwriter. The album doesn’t entirely cohere as a concept and can feel uneven, but it’s a daring, inventive work with a uniquely British sense of humor. While inspired by Sgt. Pepper’s, The Who’s take on the format is more subversive, poking fun at commercialization while ironically being caught in its web. Though not a massive commercial hit in the U.S., it’s now regarded as one of their most creative and influential releases.Signature Tracks: "I Can See For Miles,"  "Our Love Was"  "I Can't Reach You"Full Album YouTube  Spotify Playlist: YouTube   Spotify

(S4- Ep 28) The Rolling Stones- Their Satanic Majesties Request (Decca)Released December 8, 1967, Recorded between February 9-October 23, 1967 Their Satanic Majesties Request (1967) is The Rolling Stones’ most adventurous and experimental album, showcasing their willingness to explore new musical landscapes. Embracing the psychedelic spirit of the late 1960s, the band incorporated unconventional instrumentation—such as the Mellotron, dulcimer, and tabla—creating a richly textured sonic experience. Songs like “She’s a Rainbow” and “2000 Light Years from Home” highlight the group’s flair for melody and atmosphere, while Bill Wyman’s “In Another Land” adds a unique and playful touch. The 3D lenticular cover art, designed by Michael Cooper, captures the album’s vibrant, otherworldly tone. With contributions from notable collaborators like John Paul Jones and even uncredited vocals by Lennon and McCartney, the record stands as a collaborative and stylistic milestone. Their Satanic Majesties Request captures a moment of bold creativity in the Stones’ career, offering a colorful, immersive journey that continues to intrigue and inspire listeners decades later.Signature Tracks: "She's A Rainbow,"  "In Another Land,"  "2000 Light Years From Home" Full Albums: YouTube  Spotify Playlist: YouTube, Spotify

(S4 Ep 27) The Jimi Hendrix Experience Axis: Bold as LoveReleased December 1967 and recorded mostly May -June 1967 (Reprise in the USA and Polydor in the UK) Axis: Bold As Love is the Jimi Hendrix Experience’s pivotal second album. Produced by Chas Chandler and engineered by Eddie Kramer, it arrived just seven months after Are You Experienced, showcasing Hendrix’s rapid artistic growth. The album bridges raw psychedelia and the jazz-inflected soul of Electric Ladyland, with standout tracks like “Little Wing,” “Spanish Castle Magic,” and the epic closer “Bold as Love.” Studio innovations—including stereo panning, backward guitar, and flanging—are evident on tracks like “EXP.” Though less commercially successful than its predecessor, Axis is now hailed as a masterpiece. Hendrix's lyrical introspection, technical guitar wizardry, and the trio’s cohesive interplay marked a new direction for rock. The album’s blend of soul, blues, and psychedelia cements Hendrix as one of the most innovative artists of the 1960s, rivaled only by The Beatles.Signature Tracks: "Little Wing,"  "Castles Made of Sand," "Bold As Love" Full Album  You Tube   Spotify  Playlist YouTube  Spotify

(S4 Ep 26) The Beatles -Magical Mystery TourReleased in the US on November 27, 1967, In the UK in December 1967, Recorded April 25 - November 1969 (Parlophone/Capitol) Magical Mystery Tour, released in 1967, is one of The Beatles’ most experimental and imaginative records. Originally a UK double EP tied to their film of the same name, the U.S. version expanded it into a full album by adding iconic singles like “Strawberry Fields Forever” and “Penny Lane.” The record blends psychedelic rock, orchestral pop, and surrealism, continuing the innovative spirit of Sgt. Pepper. Highlights include Lennon’s dreamlike “I Am the Walrus,” McCartney’s nostalgic “The Fool on the Hill,” and Harrison’s hypnotic “Blue Jay Way.” Though initially met with mixed reactions, especially due to the film’s confusing TV debut, the album has since gained recognition for its influence, particularly on the evolution of music videos. It also marked the debut of Apple Corps branding. With vivid songwriting, genre fusion, and rich instrumentation, Magical Mystery Tour captures The Beatles at their creative peak, offering a colorful and surreal snapshot of late-’60s pop experimentation.Signature Songs: "Hello, Goodbye", "Strawberry Fields Forever", "All You Need Is Love" Full Album: YouTube  Spotify Playlist” YouTube Spotify

Pasquale Grasso, an Italian-born jazz guitarist, is celebrated for his virtuosic technique and deep bebop roots. Grasso has captivated jazz audiences worldwide by blending intricate harmonies with a clean, classic tone. Legendary guitarist Pat Metheny praised him in Vintage Guitar magazine, stating, “The best guitar player I’ve heard in my entire life is floating around now, Pasquale Grasso.” This acclaim reflects Grasso’s artistry, showcased on his trio album Fervency (Sony Music Masterworks), which features bassist Ari Roland and drummer Keith Balla. A protégé of Barry Harris, Grasso developed perfect pitch and began playing by ear at a young age. George Benson, Charlie Christian, and Bud Powell influenced him, and he refined his craft in Italy before relocating to New York at the age of 19. In addition to solo work, he collaborates with Grammy-winning vocalist Samara Joy. Named DownBeat’s 2024 Rising Star Guitarist of the Year, Grasso continues to shape modern jazz with reverence for its traditions.

(S4 Ep25) The Doors - Strange Days Released September 25, 1967, Recorded between May-August 1967 (Elektra) Strange Days, The Doors’ ambitious sophomore album, blends dark, poetic themes with groundbreaking production. Opening with the eerie Moog-driven title track—one of rock’s earliest uses of the synthesizer—the album dives into surrealism, alienation, and existential dread. Highlights include hits like “People Are Strange” and “Love Me Two Times,” the experimental “Horse Latitudes,” and the 11-minute epic “When the Music’s Over.” Jim Morrison’s lyrics, often lifted from his notebooks, showcase a maturing vocal performance. At the same time, Ray Manzarek’s keyboards, Robby Krieger’s inventive guitar, and John Densmore’s jazz-inflected drumming create a rich sonic palette. Despite a mixed initial reception, Strange Days is now regarded as a milestone in psychedelic rock, influencing subsequent genres such as gothic and post-punk. The album’s avant-garde cover, atmospheric production by Bruce Botnick, and dense, evocative songwriting confirm The Doors as one of America’s most innovative 1960s bands, far more than just Morrison’s myth.Signature Songs: "Love Me Two Times,"  "People Are Strange,"   "When The Music's Over"Full Album:  YouTube   Spotify Playlist” YouTube Spotify

(S4 EP23) Moody Blues - “Days of Future Past” (Derem Records)Released November 17, 1967. Recorded May 9-Nov 3, 1967 Days of Future Passed (1967) by The Moody Blues is a landmark concept album that fused rock with orchestral music, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of progressive rock. Initially commissioned by Decca Records to showcase stereo sound with a rock adaptation of Dvořák’s New World Symphony, the band instead created an original work that follows a symbolic day from dawn to night. Featuring the London Festival Orchestra and pioneering use of the Mellotron by Mike Pinder, the album blends lush orchestration with introspective songwriting. Highlights include Justin Hayward’s “Nights in White Satin” and “Tuesday Afternoon,” both emotionally resonant and enduringly popular. The album's innovative structure, poetic lyrics, and seamless integration of classical elements redefined the LP as an artistic format. Days of Future Passed remains a foundational piece in the history of progressive music, influencing bands like Genesis and Yes, while solidifying The Moody Blues’ legacy as sonic visionaries.Signature Songs: "Dawn: Dawn is A Feeling", "The Afternoon: Forever Afternoon" "The Night: Nights In White Satin" Full Album: YouTube, Spotify Playlist: YouTube, Spotify

(S4 Ep22)  Cream - Disreali Gears  (Reaction Records) Released November 2, 1967, Recorded May 11-15 (1967) Released in November 1967, Disraeli Gears marked a pivotal moment in Cream’s evolution from a blues-based trio to psychedelic rock pioneers. Recorded in just three and a half days at Atlantic Studios in New York, the album blends surreal lyrics, experimental sounds, and distorted guitar tones into a cohesive and groundbreaking work. Produced by Felix Pappalardi (from Mountain), the record features standout tracks like “Sunshine of Your Love,” with its iconic bass riff, and “Tales of Brave Ulysses,” one of the first songs to feature a wah-wah pedal. The album was a commercial breakthrough, reaching No. 5 in the UK and No. 4 in the U.S., eventually selling over 6.8 million copies worldwide. Its vibrant, psychedelic cover art by Martin Sharp became as iconic as the music itself. Tracks like “Dance the Night Away” and “SWLABR” highlighted the band’s willingness to experiment, while “Outside Woman Blues” and “Take It Back” maintained their blues roots. The synergy of Eric Clapton’s innovative guitar work, Jack Bruce’s powerful vocals and bass, and Ginger Baker’s inventive drumming made Disraeli Gears a defining album of the era. Its legacy is a cornerstone of psychedelic rock and a testament to Cream’s lasting impact on modern music.Signature Song "Strange Brew."  "Sunshine of Your Love," Tales of Brave UlyssesFull Album YouTube Spotify Playlist YouTube  Playlist 

(S4 EP 21) Wayne Shorter’s -Apple Apple (Blue Note)  Released October 1967 - Recorded February 3 and 24, 1966Wayne Shorter’s Adam’s Apple (1967) is a landmark post-bop album that captures the saxophonist at his creative peak. Recorded in 1966 at Van Gelder Studio, the album features Herbie Hancock (piano), Reggie Workman (bass), and Joe Chambers (drums)—a quartet that delivers both lyrical subtlety and rhythmic daring. The record blends blues, modal jazz, Latin grooves, and impressionistic balladry, showcasing Shorter's sophisticated yet accessible compositional voice. Tracks like the iconic “Footprints” and the soulful title track highlight his melodic clarity and harmonic depth. Hancock’s intuitive comping and soloing add dimension throughout, while Workman and Chambers bring texture and flexibility. This was the first recorded version of “Footprints,” later made famous by Miles Davis. Produced by Alfred Lion for Blue Note, Adam’s Apple is one of the finest examples of mid-’60s jazz, balancing structure and exploration. It remains a timeless, essential entry in Shorter’s catalog and the post-bop era..Signature Song: "Adam's Apple," "El Gaucho, “"Footprints"Full Album: YouTube  Spotify Playlist: YouTube