Zalman Yanovsky

Zalman Yanovsky (also known as Zally) was a Canadian musician and founding member of the influential folk rock group, The Lovin’ Spoonful, which was active from 1965 to 1969. Yanovsky was known for his flamboyant sense of humor and adventurous guitar playing, which helped to define the group’s upbeat sound.

In 1967, Yanovsky was arrested in San Francisco for possession of marijuana and cocaine. The arrest had significant consequences for Yanovsky and the band.

Yanovsky’s arrest led to his departure from The Lovin’ Spoonful. The other members of the band were concerned that Yanovsky’s drug use would harm their reputation and negatively impact their career. Yanovsky was replaced by Jerry Yester, and the band continued to perform and record without him.

Yanovsky’s drug arrest also had legal consequences. He was charged with possession of narcotics and faced a potential prison sentence. However, Yanovsky cooperated with authorities and provided information that led to the arrest of other drug dealers. As a result, he was granted immunity and avoided a prison sentence.

After leaving The Lovin’ Spoonful, Yanovsky continued to perform and record music independently and as a session musician. He passed away in 2002.

I found this as a remaindered discard amongst a horde of records in the back of a lighting store in 1974.

I found a review of his first solo album ‘Alive and Well in Argentina’  (Buddah Records BDS 5019) on rateyourmusic.com. The reviewer gave it a low rating and described it as “kind of a bizarre mix of country-pop/rock and pop covers” with nothing heavy about it¹

Another review on allmusic.com describes the album as “a surreal composite of Psychedelic Pop and wry piss-taking” that remains a vital artifact of its time and place²

I like the latter.