A classic Cal Tjader multi-genre release gets a sonic upgrade…
Cal Tjader – Amazonas – OJC/Craft Recordings # CR00847 – 180 gm vinyl – 1976 – ****1/2
(Cal Tjader – vibes, marimba; David Amaro – electric and acoustic guitar; Dawilli Gonga (George Duke) – electric keyboards; Egberto Gismonti – acoustic piano, synthesizer; Luis Alves – bass; Roberto Silva – drums, percussion; Hermeto Pascoal – flute (“Mindoro,” “Xibaba,” “Cahuenga”) ;
Raul de Souza – trombone (“Noa Noa”); Aloisio Milanez – acoustic piano “Tamanco no Samba”)
To call the great vibes player, Cal Tjader, simply a master of musical genres, would be a great disservice. For over three decades (before his passing in 1982), Tjader explored with vibrancy probably more musical expressive idioms than almost anyone of his period. Whether it be Latin, funk, acid jazz, fusion, Asian, or straight ahead jazz, Cal was leading the way. Described often as the best non- Latin band leader of Afro-Latin music, Tjader helped bring his talents to a wide audience during his lifetime.
One of his most acclaimed albums, Amazonas, from 1976, has now received a major sonic boost from Craft Recordings, as part of their Jazz Dispensary Top Shelf Series. Pressed on 180 gm vinyl at RTI from lacquers cut from the original master tapes by Kevin Gray at Cohearant Audio, this release covered a period in which Cal blended Brazilian rhythms with fusion, electronics, and a healthy dose of funk. This is its first new vinyl release in nearly fifty years.
The OJC label went first class, using Airto Moreira as the producer, and George Duke as arranger. Probably due to contract obligations, Duke used the pseudonym of “Dawilli Gonga” for his playing of electric keyboards, but there is no hiding of Duke’s talents here. With Airto handling production, and using George’s arrangements, there is a contagious groove that just won’t let up.
Tjader alternates between vibes and marimba. Though no track exceeds six minutes, it’s a musical stew that percolates and bubbles. It is easy to see why Cal has been “sampled” well over 200 times by contemporary musicians to set a mood conducive to dance floor celebrations.
The title track has Tjader on marimbas, and is funk central. Flautist Hermeto Pascoal, is featured on “Mindoro,” “Xibaba,” and the closer “Cahuenga,” and he adds a hypnotic “spaciness” that ranges from mellow to exuberant.
“Xibaba,” written by Airto, but more well known from Donald Byrd’s version, has a mellow opening before David Amaro’s electric guitar adds a psychedelic rock feel. George Duke’s “Corine” begins as an entrancing mellow jam before the keyboards, and Cal, go off in new directions.
“Noa Noa” from Sergio Mendes, has Raul de Souza’s trombone adding a welcome lift to this track. “Cahuenga” closes this marvelous release with Pascoal’s soothing flute setting the mood, before the energy kicks in big time, bringing the tune to a climax where the piano, flute, and vibes trade off.
Fans of Mr. Tjader’s inimitable talents will find lots to love here, Cal was truly a man of all musical seasons. A sonic upgrade of this album makes it hard to resist…
—Jeff Krow
Cal Tjader – Amazonas
Tracklist:
Side A:
Amazonas, Xibaba, Mindoro, Flying
Side B:
Corine, Noa Noa, Tamanco no Samba, Cahuenga
