CD review: Cal Tjader Quintet – Ritmo Caliente! 2019: Video, CD cover

Cal Tjader was undoubtedly the most famous non-Latino leader of Latin jazz bands, an extraordinary distinction. From the 1950s until his death, he was practically the point man between the worlds of Latin jazz and mainstream bop; his light, rhythmic, joyous vibraphone manner could comfortably embrace both styles.

His numerous recordings for Fantasy and Verve and long-standing presence in the San Francisco Bay Area eventually had a profound influence upon Carlos Santana, and thus Latin rock. He also played drums and bongos, the latter most notably on the George Shearing Quintet’s puckishly titled “Rap Your Troubles in Drums,” and would occasionally sit in on piano as well. ©

Label – RTrunk Records (Compilation)

Tracks

1. Cubano Chant
2. Goza
3. Panchero Mambero
4. Alegres Timbales
5. Mambo Moderno
6. Afro Corolombo
7. Ritmo Caliente
8. Lamento De Hodi
9. Mambo Inn
10. Buhuto (Nanigo 68)
11. Alegres Congas
12. Mueve La Cintura
13. Bernie’s Tune
14. Perdido
15. Armando’s Hideaway
16. Cuco On Timbales
17. Tumbao
18. Ritmo Rumba
19. Big Noise from Winnetka
20. Poinciana Cha Cha
21. Mongorama
22. Ritmo Africano
23. Perfidia Cha Cha

Cal Tjader – Vibraphone, Timbales
Jerome Richardson – Flute (A1,A4-A6,B3,B5)
Richard Wyands – Piano, Maracas (A1,A4-A6,B3,B5)
Eddie Cano (A2,A3, B1,B3,B6), Manuel Duran (A1, B2, B4) – Piano
Al McKibbon – Bass, Congas
Armando Peraza – Congas, Bongos