The mostly obscure material (other than "Nica's Dream") and the time period may make one think that is an overtly commercial release from vibraphonist
Cal Tjader. Although he utilizes the electric piano of
Al Zulaica and electric bassist
Jim McCabe (in addition to
Armando Peraza and
John Rae on percussion),
Cal Tjader's music on the Live at the Lighthouse sessions found on
Plugs In is actually not all that different from his usual infectious brand of Latin jazz. The ensembles swing, there are plenty of heated rhythms, and the melodies are embraced with enthusiasm. The brief playing time (33 minutes) is a small minus, but the music is enjoyable.