Customer Reviews

Soul Burst

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4 star:		(3)
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With the recent reintroduction of the classic Cal Tjader tune "Soul Sauce"(Wachi Wara) on the excellent Verve Remixed II I decided to give a listen again to some of Tjaders music. I couldn't have been more pleased with the satisfying music that stimulates yet soothes the soul. The rhythmic patterns found on this disc traverse from the Latin syncopations of percussion with jazz sensibilities for a tasty smorgasord. The music can be sizzling hot but like a delectably spicy hors'doeuvre it tantalizes the senses in unusual satisfying ways. This disc is definitely more in the Latin Jazz vein than his debut on Verve entitled "Soul Sauce." He is surrounded with some outstanding musicians well versed in the Latin Jazz idiom. There is a heavy emphasis on the percussion by Victor Pantoga with added timbales and conga players complimented by the steady drum work of jazz veteran Grady Tate. Two things give this disc a soft sound, the inclusion of two flute players who infuse a melodic counterpoint to the gentle sound of the vibraphone or as it best known, vibes. Throw in the mellow piano work by Chick Correa and you have an instant recipe for late night music that keeps the "vibes"going after the buzz and hum of a crowd has thinned to just those special friends. This is the ultimate unobtrusive lounge music. The Oliver Nelson arrangement of "Cuchy Frito Man" results in one of those special songs that is punctuated by the guttural vocals of percussionist Carlos "Pato" Valdez. Nelson conducts and arranges several other songs and Chick Correa lends his talents in arranging his composition entitled "Oran." Other songs of note include "Manteca" that was originally made popular by Dizzy Gillespie and the oh-so-smoooth "Curacao" that is like a soft Caribbean breeze. This Verve recording was originally mastered by Rudy Van Gelder in his studios in New Jersey, need I say more about the sound quality? Originally recorded in 1966 it holds up quite well today. This is one of many good discs available by Cal Tjader and recommended for the Latin Jazz aficionado.

I just listened to a used copy in a music store and instantly had to buy it. For one, you have to respect his version of the classic latin jazz tune, "Manteca." I definitely would play this at a night gathering with friends because I have a good group of friends that enjoy latin music and jazz by themselves, so putting them together as Tjader does makes perfect sense. I disagree that this era didn't ever exist, or maybe the other reviewer doesn't have anything by Willie Bobo, or Mongo Santamaria, though not the same as this album by Tjader, it's a great addition to a collection that includes such artists.

This is great stuff..recorded 40 years ago with some great musicians. It sounds surpringsly fresh still...although it might not have the "heavy groove" that guys like Poncho Sanchez and his group are able to create.
It really like the "Patato" Valdez Conga playing and his crazy comments on some tunes just help to create "that" atmosphere. He has some great conga solos that does function so well together with drummer Grady Tate.
It is a young Chick Corea on piano and his plays so well and with such a nice latin funk feel..his playing here is very reminiscent of early Herbie Hancock.
Cal Tjader's playing is groovy and cookin,, and he is inspired guys like legendary guitarplayer Steve Khan.
Perhaps I would have liked to hear Jerome Richardson to play sax on some tracks to get some more punch on some tune s..but that is just a minor reemark.
The tune "Manteca" is a highlight and "Nao Se Acabou" has just some great playing by all percussion players.
Buy this if you like latinsoulgrooves!!!

This is definitely on the "jazz lite" side of the musical spectrum, but I admit it makes a great late-night soundtrack. Cal is joined by a slick group full of flutes and more (maybe a good subtitle for this record), and while "Cuchy Frito Man" won't exactly get people on the dance floor it does go well with cocktails. It's not an awful embarrasment like Wes' "California Dreaming," it's just a good bit of nostalgia for an era that never really existed. Lay back to the vibes and congas and have yourself a nice time.