Cal Tjader's Fans

[Conclave]

Mikeweil:

Here is a web site that has the best discography of Cal that I've seen.

www.allmusic.com. It has 79 records listed. There're also some pictures,

a mini bio etc. I'll list the ones I don't have and ones I have that aren't

listed. ( That will save me a lot of typing. )

I don't have; 1 thru 4, 20 thru 23,32,33,35,65,77,78,79.The rest I have.

I have the following that are not listed;

Latin for Dancers- Fantasy F8014 Blue

Last Bolero in Berkeley- Fantasy F9409

With Strings- Fantasy F9482

Time for 2 -Verve V8472

Huracan -Crystal Clear 12" 45 RPM White

I also had a Fantasy Blue Latin album, that I lost at a party, that I've

never seen listed anywhere. It had two songs,one each side, about 20

minutes long. I can't remember the title, but the players were Cal,Vince,

Willie, Mongo and Al or Victor.

I've been listening to Cal for over 45 years,so I think I can go out on a limb

and list what I think are his absolute best six albums in descending order.

These are albums that I believe personify his legend:( This is not easy)

Ritmo Caliente - Fantasy 3-216

Cal Tjader Quintet Latin -Fantasy 3232

Jazz at the Blackhawk- Fantasy 8096

In a Latin Bag - Verve V6 8419

Soul Sauce -Verve V8614

A Fuego Vivo - Concord CJP 176

Keep the faith,

Conclave

[mikeweil]

Last Bolero in Berkeley- Fantasy F9409

With Strings- Fantasy F9482

Thanks a lot - I know AllMusic, but they are often lacking in details or are inaccurate. I have all of what they list, but I try to take it on to a more scientific level.

Would you mind sharing details on those two LPs:

Last Bolero in Berkeley- Fantasy F9409

With Strings- Fantasy F9482

Tracks, timings, personnel (incl. arrangers on the strings date)?

Thanks again!

[Conclave]

"With Strings" is actually also subtitled "Last night when we were young"

It was recorded late 1974 and early 1975 and the strings were arranged

by Frank Strazzeri. It has all lush ballads and no latin beats.

Side1; I can't get started 6:08, Emily 5:06,Why did I choose you 5:25,

What'll I do 2:46.

Side2; Last night when we were young 2:39,A child is born 4:12,

A house is not a home 3:17,For all we know 7:52.

Personnel: Frank S. Piano, Eddie Duran Guitar, Harvey Newmark Bass,

Dick Burk Drums, plus seven strings.

Last Bolero in Berkeley-Recorded in 1973. It has a six minute version of

Ravel's Bolero that's interesting. The album is neither Jazz or Latin but more

eclectic pop with a little touch of all genres.

Side1;Gary's Theme7:00, Don't let me be lonely tonight3:38,Charisma 4:03,

Never can say goodbye 3:01.

Side2;Bolero 6:03, Cloudburst 3:02,Curtain call 3:04,Where is the love 3:05,

I want you back 3:44.

Personnel are too numerous to mention, with about twentyfive different studio

musicians in various mixes.

I hope this useful.

[mikeweil]

Thanks a lot!

Looks like I'll have to hunt for used LP copies - just scored a rare Verve LP on Ebay.

[tjobbe]

Thanks a lot!

Looks like I'll have to hunt for used LP copies - just scored a rare Verve LP on Ebay.

You know Mike, I will not go for any Tjader on ebay before I know that you have everything

Cheers, Tjobbe

[baryshnikov]

Rob, lovely to here from you. My name is Paul Tjader, no relative of course, but i have been promoting your dads music for years here in the uk. I changed my name to yours because everybody used to call me tjader during the heady days of the london jazz scene. I hope you dont mind that a crazy Englishman has your surname, it was not intended to offend.I will play Tokyo Blues from several Shades Of Jade, a great big band tune with the tightness of a small combo. I recently gave two cds of your dads to a friend in Mauritius, they love it apparrently? So Cals music spans the globe, as well it should. keep in touch, welcome to the board, paul

[mikeweil]

Thanks a lot!   

Looks like I'll have to hunt for used LP copies - just scored a rare Verve LP on Ebay.

You know Mike, I will not go for any Tjader on ebay before I know that you have everything

Cheers, Tjobbe

... what shall I say?

You can bid on CDs - all I still need has not yet been on CD, so LPs is all I will try to get.

Edited April 25, 2005 by mikeweil

[GA Russell]

Today's the day!

Now listening to Soul Burst, with Chick Corea.

[vibes]

Have played "Plugs In" and "Soul Burst" today, and will play more.

[GA Russell]

Now listening to Jazz 'Round Midnight, a Verve compilation.

[chris olivarez]

Cal Tjader is on the list this day and every day.

[GA Russell]

Now listening to Cuban Fantasy.

This was a Fantasy release of about a year and a half ago, of previously unreleased live recordings of a two night engagement in San Francisco in June of '77. Good stuff!

(available at yourmusic.com)

[sheldonm]

....Black Orchid and Soul Sauce!

[GA Russell]

Now listening to The Best of the Concord Years, a 2-CD set which I believe has nearly half of his entire Concord output.

[mikeweil]

Didn't have much time - a friend's 40th birthday brunch at the Mainz theatre bistro, on top of the theatre with a great view over town, and then off to three performances of a theatrical production at Wiesbaden - standing ovations after the last.

But before we left in the morning, it was the repeat button pressed to listen to my current Cal Favourite, "Cal's Bluedo" from "The Prophet" - about ten times in a row.

[GA Russell]

Now listening to Plugs In, a Skye album.

(available from dccblowout.com)

[GA Russell]

Now listening to The Best of, a 1969 Verve LP.

[Conclave]

Listened today to the albums In a Latin Bag; Davito and Green Dolphin Street

and Bamboleate; Guajira Candela and We've Loved before. What can I say ?

Just too much........He was years ahead of his time. His approach captured

the essence of less being more by getting his message across without garnish

and frills.

Viya Cal

[mikeweil]

Listened today to the albums In a Latin Bag; Davito and Green Dolphin Street

That's a very good album - perhaps the most beautiful of Cal's Cuban Jazz LPs. An excellent example for Cal's "no frills" approach you point out! He can a melody with taste without embellishments and it still sounds jazz.

It's a shame Verve has not yet reissued this on CD, except for six of the ten tracks scattered over three different compilations!

There's an LP copy on ebay right now!

[SonnyBoy]

Wow! How great that so many opened their hearts and stereos.....I myself turn on PRIMO w/ Charlie Palmieri en los blancos y los negros and Tito Puente on Tanga both doing arrangements...thanks everybody.............I miss you Dad

[mikeweil]

We all miss him!

Somehow I do not look forward to the day when my Tjader collection will be complete ...

[Big Al]

D’oh!!! A day late!!! Making up for it by spinning, at random, Los Ritmos Calientes, Black Orchid, Latino, and Soul Bird (Whiffenpoof)!

Thanks for the great music, Senor Tjader!

[Cali]

Did anyone mention this favorite of mine? Played over and over yesterday.

Tracks are:

MANILA

KEY LARGO

TUMBAO

BLUDAN

CHISPITA

SEPTEMBER SONG

CAL'S PALS

PARA TI

MAMBLUES

Edited May 6, 2005 by Cali

[Big Al]

Did anyone mention this favorite of mine? Played over and over yesterday.

Tracks are:

MANILA

KEY LARGO

TUMBAO

BLUDAN

CHISPITA

SEPTEMBER SONG

CAL'S PALS

PARA TI

MAMBLUES

Yup! Them's on the Fantasy two-fer Latino, which I've been spinning today! Love those Cano big band charts!

[Big Al]

Wow! Wish that cover had been on the Fantasy two-fer! B-)