Vibraphonist
Cal Tjader is heard leading five different groups throughout this set, but the identities of the flutists, bassists, and pianists are less important than knowing that
Tjader,
Willie Bobo (on drums and timbales), and the great conga player
Mongo Santamaria are on every selection. The music really cooks, with torrid percussion, inspired ensembles, and occasional solos from the sidemen (which sometimes include pianists
Lonnie Hewitt or
Vince Guaraldi, bassist
Al McKibbon, and flutist
Paul Horn). Highlights include Latinized versions of "Key Largo" and "September Song," "Night in Tunisia," "The Continental," and a definitive version of
Santamaria's "Afro Blue." This is Latin jazz at its finest. ~ Scott Yanow