by Ken Dryden
Cal Tjader recorded prolifically for Verve during the first half of the 1960s, though this is one of his lesser-known dates. These 1961 sessions with Paul Horn on flute, pianist Lonnie Hewitt, bassist Al McKibbon, plus Latin percussionists Johnny Rae, Wilfredo Vincente and Armando Peraza are a bit of a mixed bag. Two low-key pieces open each side of the disc, the first with a subdued treatment of &Ben Hur (Love Theme)& with Hewitt switching to clavietta (which sounds similar to a harmonica) and Tjader taking over the piano. The leader's more interesting &Triste,& which is highlighted by Horn's warm solo, sounds as if it is played on an alto flute. The remainder of the disc explores standards like &On Green Dolphin Street,& classic jazz (&Misty&) and entertaining originals by several members of the group. While this long unavailable Verve LP falls short of Cal Tjader's best work, it is well worth snapping up if found.