"This is one of my all time Tjader favorites. This record is just perfect. Play it over and over... it just gets better. Mongo and Willie Bobo on percusion are tight and not heavy handed. Cal's vibe work is as swinging and great as always. A must for all Tjader and latin Jazz fans."
Cal tjader's latin concert
Steven R. Seim | 03/05/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It is a most important part of my music collection,A a gift from an earlier generation .....About 30 yrs. later,IT HOLDS IT'S PLACE AT THE TOP OF LATIN AND JAZZ........"
The First Is Still The Best
Dennis Riness | SoCal | 08/28/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Cal Tjader put Latin Jazz and himself on the map with this album which remains one of the finest of the genre if not the best ever. Surrounding himself with nothing but headliners, Mongo Santamaria on congas, Vince Guaraldi piano, Al McKibbon bass and Willie Bobo timbales the synthesis is perfection throughout. Every cut is a classic. If you like Latin Jazz, you will love this album."
Tjader in the Pocket!!!
Canuco | New York City | 03/26/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Cal "El Peligroso" Tjader had an uncanny knack and a wonderful natural talent for beautiful music. In this offering he absorbs the Afro-Cuban rhythms and incorporates them with his knowledge of the jazz language to great effect. One has to remember, that this recording was done in the late circa 1959, when the market for "Latin-Jazz" was almost non-exsistent. The main fan base listening to this kind of music were, jazz musicians themselves, merchant marines and mambo dancers. Tjader was always on my father's (a merchant marine) hi-fi. This album, in particular, he enjoyed the most since it has an energy that I believe was reached in only a few other Tjader records, all with Mongo & Bobo on them as well. My passion for this album is pretty much a solid "OH YEAH!", since it rarely leaves my stereo. They're all there: Mongo Santamaria (on congas), Vince Guaraldi (on piano), Al McKibbon (on bass), Willie Bobo (on drums) and Tjader (on vibes). This fantastic band excels in giving us the best latin jazz ever. I would point out two tracks: "Tu Crees Que?" and "Cubano Chant". Do yourself a favor and buy this record!"