Cal Tjader's era-defining mixture of Afro-Cuban rhythms and mainstream jazz solos undergoes a bit of a horizontal expansion in these 1956 sessions. The tracks are often longer than on previous albums, finally taking advantage of the logistics of the LP, and as a result, both the Latin and jazz elements benefit. Tenor saxophonist
Brew Moore gets extended chances to blow in an easy-grooving
Getz-like manner on several tracks, and on "I Love Paris,"
Luis Miranda (congas) and
Bayardo Velarde (timbales) engage in some spirited percussion battles over the vamping of the brothers
Duran (
Manuel on piano and
Carlos on bass). Everything cooks in a bright yet disciplined manner, and
Tjader's elliptical, swinging vibes preside genially over the ensemble. ~ Richard S. Ginell