(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 Ulysses

Full Album YouTube Spotify

Playlist YouTube Playlist

(S4 EP 21) Wayne Shorter’s -Apple Apple (Blue Note)

Released October 1967 - Recorded February 3 and 24, 1966

Wayne 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