Black Orchid

Performer: Cal Tjader
Artist: Vince Guaraldi; Willie Bobo; Mongo Santamaria
Distributor: Ryko Distribution

Notes: Personnel: Cal Tjader (vibraphone); Vince Guaraldi (piano); Eugene Wright, Al McKibbon (bass); Mongo Santamaria (congas, percussion); Willie Bobo (timbales, percussion); Jose "Chombo" Silva, Paul Horn, Lonnie Hewitt, Manuel Duran, Carlos Duran, Luis Kant, Luis Miranda, Bayardo Velarde. Recorded between 1956 and 1959. This CD has all of the music originally on the two LPs Cal Tjader Goes Latin and The Cal Tjader Quintet. Since each album had two sessions apiece, the CD does a fine job of giving one a sampling of the influential vibraphonist's popular Latin jazz groups of the era. Among the key sideman are flutist Paul Horn; Jose "Chombo" Silva on tenor; pianists Lonnie Hewitt, Vince Guaraldi, and Manuel Duran; and Mongo Santamaria and Willie Bobo on percussion. The music (a mixture of Latinized standards and newer originals) is quite appealing, showing why this infectious blending of bop with Latin rhythms has always been one of the most accessible styles of jazz. ~ Scott Yanow

Because he was a crossover success, vibraphonist/percussionist Cal Tjader received his share of derision from both sides of the jazz/Latin fence. However, his sincere interest in Latin rhythms and their potential for blending with cool jazz led to a groundbreaking fusion of the two, and a genuine hit with the tune "Soul Sauce" in 1965. An important conduit between the two styles, he helped bring percussionists Mongo Santamaria and Willie Bobo to a much wider audience. With practically a life lived on tour, it's almost fitting he was on the road (in the Phillipines) when he passed away at 56 in 1982.

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