Cal Tjader - Monterey Concerts (1959) [1990]

This two-LP set is the definitive early Cal Tjader album and one of the high points of his career. For a Monterey concert that was considered a preview concert for the 1959 Monterey Jazz Festival, Tjader was teamed up with flutist and altoist Paul Horn, pianist Lonnie Hewitt, bassist Al McKibbon, Willie Bobo (on drums and timbales), and percussionist Mongo Santamaria. Their renditions of Latinized jazz tunes along with a few Latin originals practically define the idiom. Highlights include "Doxy," one of the earliest versions of Santamaria's "Afro Blue" (pre-dating John Coltrane's famous rendition by four years), "Love Me or Leave Me," and "A Night in Tunisia." Essential music for everyone's Latin jazz collection.


Tracks:

01. Doxy (8:48)
02. Afro Blue (6:33)
03. Laura (5:20)
04. Walkin' With Wally (10:07)
05. We'll Be Together Again (5:14)
06. 'Round Midnight (6:08)
07. Love Me Or Leave Me (5:59)
08. Tu Crees Que (5:30)
09. S.S. Groove (5:20)
10. A Night In Tunisa (6:56)
11. Bess, You Is My Woman (4:13)
12. Lover Come Back To Me (3:15)
13. Tumbao (4:55)

Personnel:

Cal Tjader (vibes);
Al McKibbon (bass);
Paul Horn (flute);
Lonnie Hewitt (piano, drums);
Willie Bobo (drums, timbales);
Santamaria (congas, bongos, percussion)