by Scott Yanow
This CD reissue gives one a pretty good sampling of vibraphonist Cal Tjader's influential Latin-jazz of the 1950s. With pianist Vince Guaraldi, bassist Al McKibbon, Willie Bobo on timbales and drums and the congas of Mongo Santamaria, Tjader's impressive unit performs four of his catchy originals and two by Santamaria in addition to Latinized versions of &The Continental& and Ray Bryant's &Cubano Chant.& This highly rhythmic music is difficult to dislike.