Search - Cal Tjader :: Fuego Vivo

The Greatest Proponent Of Latin Jazz

Robert J. Ament | Ballwin, MO United States | 05/21/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Truly, I am surprised at being the first to write a review of this cd, both because it was recorded and released in 1981 and because I'm sure that there are many more fans of Cal Tjader out there besides myself.To me, despite all of the various recordings Cal made on the Fantasy and Verve labels, his best seemed to be his recordings with Concord. He always seemed to attract good sidemen and this recording is no exception. The playing of Gary Foster throughout is exceptional......but then I've other recordings by Gary and so I'm well acquainted with his talents. Mark Levine on acoustic piano reminds me slightly of some aspects of Chick Corea. He has a fine touch with the Fender Rhodes as well......catch him on "Tesoro". As For the percussionists, well "Poncho Con Dos Amigos" says it all.......a special showcase for the three of them. As for Cal, I think as a vibist that he was terribly under rated. He was certainly the best in Latin jazz but what many critics seemed to overlook was that he was a terrific straight ahead jazz player who, in my opinion, didn't have to take a back seat to anyone.My favorites among the seven cuts are "Serenata", a beautiful Leroy Anderson composition with great Foster alto, "Mindanao" a very contemporary Tjader composition with Foster on soprano, "Naima", the beautiful John Coltrane composition, and "Tesoro" written by Gary Foster.Bottom line, if you like Tjader, or Latin jazz, or you are familiar with Gary Foster's playing, this is for you!.........and even if you've never really listened to any of these, you might do yourself a big favor by listening to this."