Search - Cal Tjader :: Good Vibes

A Final Salute!

Robert J. Ament | Ballwin, MO United States | 05/23/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a compilation of various live appearances at Concord's jazz concerts. All of the selections are uptempo as opposed to some of the studio recordings which usually included some ballads. It's a real good program which includes compositions by Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, and Ray Bryant as well as by Cal and pianist Mark Levine. Curiosly, there is one straight ahead jazz selection, "Broadway", done withot the Latin beat( maybe the percussionists were taking a break).The selections are very good with a few having a real infectious beat which stimulated some crowd participation. All of the musicians are in fine form with some characteristically fine performances from Gary Foster and Roger Glenn.In my opinion, Cal Tjader's abilities were underrated. He was more than just a contributor to Latin jazz. He had a great sensitivity with a ballad and could swing on straight ahead jazz with the best of them! I shall continue to miss the anticipation I always felt upon learning that he had released another new cd."