What We Cannot Know: Explorations

Depending on what track you’re listening to, “Spirit of the Moment” (Telarc) is presenting one of three big ideas. There’s Latin jazz as we know it. There’s jazz as we know it that is unmistakably informed by the cultural backgrounds of his new trio: a Dominican pianist (Michel Camilo), a Cuban bassist (Charles Flores) and a Cuban drummer (Dafnis Prieto). And there is the contemplative, rubato ballad, which reflects no particular identity or place. Each idea could generate a whole album, and it would be good to hear this fleet band make any of those records.

Cal Tjader - Jazz At The Blackhawk (1957) {Fantasy OJCCD-436-2 rel 1990}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 248 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 105 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (png) -> 30 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1957, 1990 Fantasy Records | OJCCD-436-2
Jazz / Cool / Bop / Vibes

Latin jazz collectors note: the title emphatically is Jazz at the Blackhawk, and even the most determined listener will not find an iota of Cal Tjader's explorations of Latin rhythms here. In its place, we get a sturdy set of bop-flavored workouts by Tjader's expert quartet, recorded live in San Francisco's famous long-defunct nightspot. Tjader himself often sounds like Milt Jackson as he handles the mallets fluidly through a set of standards, a pair of originals by himself and his wife, and – appropriately enough – a witty Baroque-like tune by his pianist Vince Guaraldi called "Thinking of You, MJQ." Eugene "The Senator" Wright (bass) and Al Torre (piano) make up the bop rhythm section, and as long as you know what you're getting, a good time can be had.