2 generations of work from vibist Cal Tjader – a session recorded in the 50s, and a session from the 70s – back to back on a single CD! First up is the landmark Cal Tjader Trio album from 1951 – one of Cal's first dates ever, and a sublime little set with piano from
Vince Guaraldi! Even though the work is early for Cal, it's got an inherently rhythmic quality that really points towards his later Latin years – a quality that comes through on the first track, which features Tjader on bongos – and which keeps on strongly through the set, as Cal's vibes and
Vince's piano really have a lively, percussive sense of interplay. The group's completed by Jack Weeks on bass – and titles include "Chopsticks Mambo", "Vibra Tharpe", "Lullaby Of The Leaves", and "Ivy". Breathe Easy is an overlooked 70s session from Cal Tjader – one that's definitely in the mellower mode of the spectrum, but in a way that's still plenty darn nice! The style here is part of Cal's move away from funkier work at the end of the decade – almost a return to tradition, but not a tradition that Cal ever had – as the overall approach is more spacious than before. The group features Allen Smith on trumpet, Monte Budwig on bass, and Shelly Manne on drums – plus Hank Jones on piano, playing electric keys on about half the record, with a slow, spun-out quality that's really great! Titles include "Just Friends", "Goodbye", "Tangerine", "If You Could See Me Now", and "When Lights Are Low" – all in long takes!