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Vinyl Riffs: Sagittarius’ “Present Tense and the Courage to Create

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Years ago, I remember reading about a hallowed single featuring members of the Wrecking Crew. The song was “My World Fell Down,” credited to a group called Sagittarius. The truth is that Sagittarius was never really a group. It was something more elusive and, in many ways, more meaningful.

Released in 1967, “My World Fell Down” felt like it existed in the same sonic universe as what Brian Wilson was building with The Beach Boys. Think about “Good Vibrations” and the unfolding ambition of SMiLE. The form was shifting. The rules were dissolving. Pop music was becoming something expansive, layered, and deeply expressive.

That single led me, years later in the late 1990s, to track down a CD reissue of Present Tense. That is when I learned that the architect behind Sagittarius was Gary Usher, a collaborator with Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys who co-wrote “In My Room” and produced The Notorious Byrd Brothers. Alongside him was another studio visionary, Curt Boettcher.

What they created together on Present Tense was not just an album. It was a sanctuary.

A Studio Project That Became Something More

Sagittarius was never built for the stage. It was built in the studio, piece by piece, with contributions from elite session musicians and collaborators. It was a collective before that word became fashionable. It was a shared space where ideas could breathe.

At the time, Gary Usher was an in-demand producer at Columbia Records. The expectations were constant. The pressure to deliver was real. The work never stopped.

He created something outside of that system.

Sagittarius became his creative outlet. It became a place to experiment, to reconnect with meaning, and to create without the weight of constant expectation.

There is a story that has stayed with me from those liner notes I read years ago. Usher was hesitant to fully reveal himself as the force behind Sagittarius. He feared that doing so would only bring more demands from the label. More work would follow. More pressure would build. Less space would remain.

He recorded during off hours. Nights and weekends became the canvas.

That tells you everything you need to know about this album.

The Sound of Freedom and Trust

Released in 1968, Present Tense moves across genres with ease:

  • Baroque pop
  • Sunshine pop
  • Psychedelia

It is unified not by category, but by feeling.

You hear it immediately in the opening track, “Another Time.” The harp enters. The harmonies follow. The song feels warm, sublime, and almost otherworldly. It sounds like something beyond the everyday. It sounds like possibility.

Curt Boettcher’s songwriting and arranging shine throughout the record. His work here would extend into The Millennium, another project that stretched the boundaries of what pop music could be.

Across the album, the listener hears:

  • Layered vocal harmonies that feel choral and immersive
  • Studio experimentation including phasing and multi-track recording
  • Orchestral textures that elevate each arrangement

There are also moments of bold experimentation. Usher and Boettcher explored musique concrète, early synthesizer textures, and even incorporated elements connected to The Firesign Theatre. These were not safe choices. They were necessary ones.

This was not about chasing a hit.

This was about making something that mattered.

The Return of Present Tense

That is why this reissue matters so much.

Music On Vinyl has brought Present Tense back into the world with care and intention. This Netherlands-based label is known for its commitment to quality, and it shows here.

This limited reissue of 1000 copies is pressed on 180-gram vinyl. The packaging is thoughtfully reproduced on high-quality cardstock. The sound is pristine.

Every detail comes through:

  • The depth of the harmonies
  • The nuance of the arrangements
  • The studio innovations that defined the original sessions

When I drop the needle on “Another Time,” I hear something that still stops me in my tracks. Those opening notes feel like the sound of heaven.

There is love in this reissue. The same kind of love that went into creating the album in the first place.

You can explore more about their work here:
https://www.musiconvinyl.com/

The Leadership Riff: Protecting the Creative Soul

What compels me most about Present Tense is not just how it sounds. It is why it exists.

Gary Usher needed an outlet.

He needed space to create without expectation.
He needed room to experiment without judgment.
He needed to reconnect with the part of himself that made the work meaningful.

That resonates deeply.

In leadership, in music, and in life, the demands can take over. Expectations can define the work. Output can overshadow purpose.

Present Tense is a reminder that:

  • Space to create is essential
  • Trust in collaborators elevates the work
  • Courage to explore leads to meaning

This album is the sound of freedom.
It is the sound of collaboration.
It is the sound of quiet courage.

It is the sound of someone protecting their creative soul in a world that kept asking for more.

Take Your Present Tense for Present Tense

Every time I return to this album, I am reminded to be present in the work that matters.

To create.
To collaborate.
To trust.

To make space for something meaningful, even if it does not fit the mold.

I would love to hear how this album resonates with you. What do you hear when you listen to Present Tense? What does it bring out in you?

Listen and Subscribe: Vinyl Riffs with Sean Gaillard

This album will be featured in an upcoming episode of Vinyl Riffs with Sean Gaillard. If this resonates with you, I invite you to listen, subscribe, and share the journey.

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@seangaillard3841?si=qQtdTHssmUu3qL8m
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vinyl-riffs-with-sean-gaillard/id1875382603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qZ1Qa79O5ssx10OYFPVKO?si=d05d95748ab54eb8

Call for Guests and Albums to Riff On

I am always looking to connect with others who feel this music deeply.

If you have an album that has shaped you, or if you want to join me for a conversation on Vinyl Riffs, I would love to hear from you.

Please reach out at: sgaillard84@gmail.com

Much gratitude to Gary Usher and Curt Boettcher for creating something timeless.

Much gratitude to Music On Vinyl for honoring that legacy with care.

Much gratitude to you for taking the time to listen, read, and share in this space.

The Art of Going Solo: Why Leaders Need Time Alone

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As I stood in line at Barnes & Noble with a couple of new books under my arm, I was feeling deflated. A recent collaborative project I had spearheaded hadn’t gone as planned. My vision for what it could become was met with challenges and miscommunications—mistakes I take full responsibility for. I found myself yearning for the comfort of a bookstore, a sanctuary where I could immerse in words and ideas, hoping to reset my mindset.

While browsing, the headline of a recent Harvard Business Review article caught my eye: “We’re Still Lonely at Work.” It stopped me in my tracks. Loneliness is an epidemic many of us grapple with, whether we’re school leaders, teachers, or district administrators. The piece reminded me of the isolation that can creep in, even when surrounded by people. As leaders, we often navigate a delicate balance between fostering connection and feeling adrift in our own roles.

The Myth of Constant Collaboration

In our line of work, there is a pervasive myth: that the most effective leaders are always collaborating. We’re encouraged to find our “bandmates,” to build a culture of teamwork and shared vision. And while this is crucial, it’s equally important to recognize when it’s time to take a step back and find our creative solitude.

I’ve had the privilege of being part of incredible collaborations, whether it’s through projects like my podcasts, #PrincipalLinerNotes and #HopeAmplified, or through dynamic partnerships in our school’s Professional Learning Network (PLN). Yet, I’ve also experienced the sting of collaborations gone awry—those moments when trust is broken or communication falters. I’ve had ideas co-opted, projects I thought I’d be part of move forward without me, and connections that simply fizzled out. There was the time I thought I was co-writing a book with someone, only to find out they decided to go ahead without me. Or the time I drafted a conference proposal for a co-presentation with a colleague, only to learn they chose not to include me and took the idea to someone else. These setbacks can feel personal, prompting deep reflection on my own role and contributions.

When those moments happen, I retreat into my own creative space. I turn to music and the stories of artists who dared to go solo, forging their own paths when the band wasn’t quite the right fit anymore.

Solo Albums as Metaphors for Leadership

Paul McCartney’s McCartney, Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska, and Nick Drake’s Pink Moon all come to mind. Each album is a testament to the power of going it alone. McCartney, grappling with the breakup of The Beatles, recorded his first solo album at home. It’s raw, intimate, and features a vulnerability that inspires me. Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska began as a set of demos intended for the E-Street Band. But when the full band recordings didn’t capture the raw emotion of the demos, Springsteen made a bold decision: he released the demos as the album. It’s a haunting, spare record that wouldn’t be the same with a full band.

Joni Mitchell’s Clouds is another beautiful example of solo expression. On this album, Mitchell showcases her introspective songwriting with just her voice and guitar for much of the record. It’s a deeply personal work that highlights the power of stripping back the layers and letting the essence of the music shine through.

Keith Jarrett’s The Köln Concert is a masterclass in solo creativity. This entirely improvised piano performance captures the raw beauty of an artist fully immersed in their own expression. It’s a reminder of the magic that can happen when we trust ourselves enough to follow our instincts, even without a plan.

These albums remind me that sometimes, we need to embrace our own creative solitude. It’s okay to be a solo act. In fact, it can be essential for recharging our spirits and clarifying our vision as leaders.

Gratitude for Collaborative Partners

As much as I value these solo pursuits, I am equally grateful for the collaborative partners who have taken a chance on me and embraced the spirit of shared creation. I owe a deep sense of gratitude to the few incredible educators who have been true bandmates on this journey. They’ve shown me the power of trust, shared vision, and authentic connection. Their willingness to join forces has renewed my belief in the possibilities of collaboration and reminded me of the joy that comes from making music together.

Four Ways Leaders Can Embrace Solo Creativity

Here are four actionable steps for leaders to carve out solo time and tap into their own creative wellspring:

  1. Write It Out: Start a blog, write a journal entry, or even pen a letter to your future self. Writing is a powerful tool for reflection and can help you process your thoughts and emotions. It’s your own form of “audio journaling,” much like Springsteen’s Nebraska.
  2. Record a Podcast Episode: If you’re feeling inspired, create a solo podcast episode. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just hit record and share your thoughts. This process can be cathartic and help you find your voice, much like McCartney did on his solo debut.
  3. Go for a Solo Walk or Run: Physical exercise can clear your mind and offer a fresh perspective. Leave the headphones at home and listen to the rhythm of your own thoughts. It’s a form of active meditation that can spark new ideas. Outdoor space is good for inspiration and introspection. You can even take Joni Mitchell’s album, “Clouds” with you on a solitary walk.
  4. Create an Art Piece: Whether it’s painting, drawing, or playing an instrument, creating something with your hands can be a wonderful way to express yourself. Like Keith Jarrett’s improvisations, let it be unstructured and free-form. See what emerges when you follow your instincts.

Conclusion: Finding Hope in Solitude and Connection

Leadership is about fostering a sense of belonging and connection for the people we serve, but it starts with us. It starts with acknowledging the times when we need to go solo, to reflect and create on our own terms. By stepping away from the noise of constant collaboration, we strengthen our ability to be present and authentic in our partnerships. We need both the band and the solo album to thrive.

As you reflect on your leadership journey, I encourage you to find your own version of “Walden Pond.” (Thoreau’s Cabin is pictured in the blog graphic for a reason.) Seek out those moments of quiet solitude to recharge your creative energy. It’s in these moments that we build the core of who we are as leaders. By doing so, we can return to our collaborations with renewed clarity, a sense of purpose, and the resolve to foster true connection and belonging.

Let’s embrace our solo efforts, find hope in our quiet moments, and continue building a sense of community for the bandmates who share this leadership journey with us. The interlude into solo pursuits can serve as the antidote for combatting work loneliness and inviting others into the band.

Momentary Awareness: Leadership Riffs for Belonging

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The other day, I had a text conversation with a friend who was transitioning to a new job opportunity. While my friend was leaving on good terms, it saddened me to hear that the departure went unacknowledged—no farewell, no simple goodbye. This person, whom I hold in high regard, experienced a silent exit. It struck me deeply and reminded me of the power of moments in our professional lives.

As a principal, I believe in the significance of building intentional bookends in service to others. These bookends, moments that begin and conclude a journey, are crucial in creating a tapestry of experiences that resonate. I developed this habit from my days in a band, where I would help arrange setlists to craft an experience for the audience. We’d start strong, set the tone, and build to a powerful conclusion that lingered long after the final note. I carried the same approach into my lesson planning as an English teacher.

As leaders, we are called to foster a culture of belonging for the people we serve. One key to building that sense of belonging is being mindful of the moments. How we welcome our people is just as important as how we conclude things. In the midst of the day’s chaos—meetings, deadlines, hurried communications—it’s easy to lose sight of this. But nothing is more important than investing time in making sure moments are meaningful for those we serve.

Whether we’re creating an upbeat orientation for new team members or wishing someone well as they move on to a new opportunity, it’s essential to be intentional. These interactions should be personal and meaningful, honoring the role that person played in our organization. We want them to leave with a positive narrative about their experience. More importantly, as leaders, we want to be decent, kind, and supportive.

Several years ago, I was captivated by The Power of Moments by Chip Heath and Dan Heath. The book emphasizes the impact of meaningful experiences in organizations, making it a must-read for any leader. One quote that resonates with me is, “Our lives are measured in moments, and defining moments are the ones that endure in our memories.” As school leaders, we must invest in creating moments that will echo in the lives of those we serve, ensuring that our teachers and students walk away from our schools feeling connected and a true sense of belonging. How we welcome is just as important as how we bid farewell.

Here are four ways school leaders can build meaningful moments that serve as bookends for the teachers and students they serve:

  1. Morning Meetings: Start the day with intention by hosting Morning Meetings. This time can be used to set a positive tone, share goals, and build a sense of community. It’s a moment where everyone can feel seen and heard, setting the stage for a productive and connected day.
  2. #CelebrateMonday: Kick off the week with #CelebrateMonday. This initiative is about starting each week on a positive and inviting note for all stakeholders. Recognize achievements, share uplifting stories, and set the tone for the days ahead. It’s a simple yet powerful way to create an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated.
  3. Closing Meetings for Students: As the school day ends, hold a Closing Meeting for Students. This is an opportunity to reflect on the day’s successes, address any challenges, and leave students with an empowering message. It ensures that they leave on an uplifting note, carrying that positive energy into their homes and communities.
  4. Personalized Farewells: When someone leaves your school, whether a student, teacher, or staff member, make it a point to acknowledge their departure in a meaningful way. A personalized farewell, whether it’s a small gathering, a handwritten note, or a simple but sincere goodbye, honors their contributions and ensures they leave with a sense of closure and appreciation.

Moments are intentional moves that must align with the vision and mission but must also resonate with the hearts of the people we get to serve and support. As leaders, let’s commit to creating those defining moments that will endure in the memories of those we lead