Monterey Jazz Fest
2008
The Best Of Cal Tjader: Live At The Monterey Jazz Festival 1958-1980
About This Album
Cal Tjader became one of the foremost performers in the world of Latin jazz, even though he was a Swedish-American by birth. After serving with honor in the military during World War II, he was a member of Dave Brubeck's experimental octet and drummer in the pianist's trio before going out on his own as a leader. This compilation of Monterey Jazz Festival performances includes the vibraphonist's complete set from 1958 (the inaugural year) with pianist Vince Guaraldi, bassist Al McKibbon, and percussionist Willie Bobo. Guest clarinetist Buddy DeFranco joins the quartet for a bluesy, extended workout of "Summertime" and lively long rendition of "Now's the Time." Conga great Mongo Santamaria appears on the rest of the 1958 set, including Ray Bryant's infectious "Cubano Chant" and Tjader's intricate, rhythmic, Afro-Cuban descarga "Tumbao." Moving ahead to 1972, Tjader is joined by bassist John Heard, drummer Dick Berk, conga player Michael Smith, and teenaged electric pianist Michael Wolff (a recent addition to the group). The highlight of the long jam on this Afro-Cuban favorite are the solos by Tjader and the two guest trumpeters, composer Dizzy Gillespie and Clark Terry, with McKibbon and conga player Armando Peraza as additional guests.
Track List (try tracks 2,3,4,5,6 and 7)

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.