LISTEN: "Change, the album," by Fred Kaz

Change, Fred Kaz

"Change, the album" is a fantastic, previously unpublished, collection of soul touching jazz and storytelling by the legendary Fred Kaz.

Earlier this year Fred Kaz passed away. He was 80. He'd had such an incredible life and career. From his youth as a performing musician with some of the biggest names in jazz, to his 30 years as the musical director of Chicago's Second City, or the countless shows he scored, directed or saved during his time in Los Angeles, it comes as no surprise that this fantastic album should arrive now.

The entire album is available for listening free on CDBaby. Feel free to enjoy it.

"Protest," a song Fred wrote during the Viet Nam war, is incredibly poignant this week and I highly recommend you give it a listen. He shows us how respecting freedom and using it can be one and the same. Seems a good listen this week.

I also recommend "Anybody Listenin'?" for a great example of Fred's skill and singularly unique sound as a pianist. I maintain that he plays the piano as if it were a trumpet. The entire album is wonderful. Please enjoy it.

Helen, Fred's wife, tells me there are two more albums to come. He is truly immortal through his music, and the huge influence he had on so many lives.