New Cal Tjader....

[tranemonk]

https://www.jazzmessengers.com/en/97961/cal-tjader/catch-the-groove

This one I can get behind... Looking forward to it.

[JSngry]

Maybe! 

[felser]

For the right price, I'd jump.

[mikeweil]

You all know I will get me a copy.

These are some of the best live bands Tjader had. Tjader was travelling all over the USA all the time, but live recordings are surprisingly rare, official or private. 

Edited October 2, 2023 by mikeweil

[Big Al]

VERY interested!

[Ken Dryden]

I couldn't announce it before today, there was an embargo. I have the 2 CD set in hand and should listen to it in the next couple of days.

[ghost of miles]

I'm in! Some late-1960s Ahmad Jamal on the way as well.

[Big Al]

Got my copy tonight and spinning it right now. Worth every penny! Only on side 2 right now but I am eating this all up! This might end up being my favorite Cal Tjader live album!

[Teasing the Korean]

How is the sound quality on this?  Does it vary much between dates?

[mikeweil]

My copy was just shipped.

[Big Al]

12 hours ago, Teasing the Korean said:

How is the sound quality on this?  Does it vary much between dates?

So far, phenomenal!

10 hours ago, mikeweil said:

My copy was just shipped.

I can't wait to hear your opinion of this album!

[mikeweil]

On 12/1/2023 at 3:24 AM, Big Al said:

So far, phenomenal!

I can't wait to hear your opinion of this album!

It's here!

Had only time to listen to the first set so far. Sound quaility is very good, no wonder for a recording made for a local radio station by an obviously competent engineer. There is a moment when the vibes are bit low in the mix, but it's a okay. Bill Fitch is only heard on tracks 4 & 5, and the latter is faded out - these were broadcasts limited to about 25 minutes, intended for half-hour time slots.  

The booklet is very good with all the statements from former sidemen, other vibists and even Tjader's children!  Even Gary Burton lists Tjader among the four vibistst, that, in his opinion, inluenced jazz vibes the most before he and Hutcherson entered the scene. My only complaint is that they did neither consult nor mention Tjader's biographer, S. Duncan Reid, who would have had more detailed info to tell about this part of Tjader's career. And I detected a minor mistake: The conga player in the photo in the middle of the opened digipak covered by disc one is not Armando Peraza, but Bill Fitch! I will e-mail them about this.  

Edited December 2, 2023 by mikeweil

[Teasing the Korean]

4 hours ago, mikeweil said:

It's here!

Had only time to listen to the first set so far. Sound quaility is very good, no wonder for a recording made for a local radio station by an obviously competent engineer. There is a moment when the vibes are bit low in the mix, but it's a okay. Bill Fitch is only heard on tracks 4 & 5, and the latter is faded out - these were broadcasts limited to about 25 minutes, intened for half-hour time slots.  

The booklet is very good with all the statements from former sidemen, other vibists and even Tjader's children!  Even Gary Burton lists Tjader among the four vibistst, that, in his opinion, inluenced jazz vibes the most before he and Hutcherson entered the scene. My only complaint is that they did neither consult nor mention Tjader's biographer, S. Duncan Reid, who would have had more detailed info to tell about this part of Tjader's career. And I detected a minor mistake: The conga player in the photo in the middle of the opened digpak covered by disc one is not Armando Peraza, but Bill Fitch! I will e-mail them about this.  

👍

[Big Al]

4 hours ago, mikeweil said:

It's here!

Had only time to listen to the first set so far. Sound quaility is very good, no wonder for a recording made for a local radio station by an obviously competent engineer. There is a moment when the vibes are bit low in the mix, but it's a okay. Bill Fitch is only heard on tracks 4 & 5, and the latter is faded out - these were broadcasts limited to about 25 minutes, intened for half-hour time slots.  

The booklet is very good with all the statements from former sidemen, other vibists and even Tjader's children!  Even Gary Burton lists Tjader among the four vibistst, that, in his opinion, inluenced jazz vibes the most before he and Hutcherson entered the scene. My only complaint is that they did neither consult nor mention Tjader's biographer, S. Duncan Reid, who would have had more detailed info to tell about this part of Tjader's career. And I detected a minor mistake: The conga player in the photo in the middle of the opened digpak covered by disc one is not Armando Peraza, but Bill Fitch! I will e-mail them about this.  

I noticed that mistake on the photo as well. And I have to say I was disappointed with Burton's write-up. Seemed very self-serving with barely a mention of Tjader. 

[mikeweil]

7 hours ago, Big Al said:

I noticed that mistake on the photo as well. And I have to say I was disappointed with Burton's write-up. Seemed very self-serving with barely a mention of Tjader. 

My thoughts as well about Burton's text.

Reminds me of his approach on his tribute disc.

Let me say that this puts Tjader's "Jazz" side into focus, less the Latin Jazz side. That's the way he saw himself, and the way he structured his performances, a set or two of jazz, with the conga player entering the stage for the second or third set.

Have listened to all of disc one now, and Tjader's solos were excellent! Judging by these recordings he was up to par with Bags.

[Brad]

Marc Myers take:

Cal Tjader: Live at the Penthouse, 1963-1967

[kh1958]

Happily, my copy arrived yesterday, along with the Ahmad Jamal.

[Big Al]

4 hours ago, mikeweil said:

My thoughts as well about Burton's text.

Reminds me of his approach on his tribute disc.

Let me say that this puts Tjader's "Jazz" side into focus, less the Latin Jazz side. That's the way he saw himself, and the way he structured his performances, a set or two of jazz, with the conga player entering the stage for the second or third set.

Have listened to all of disc one now, and Tjader's solos were excellent! Judging by these recordings he was up to par with Bags.

Completely agree! I've only made it through side 4 so far and I love how each set/side is a nice mix of Latin and jazz.

[tranemonk]

Just got through listening to the digital release... Very good. I hope there's another set or two in the future. I will say I enjoyed the Les McCann set much more than I expected. Sound quality on both was excellent.