CAL TJADER - A Fuego Vivo (1992) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

For one of his final albums, vibraphonist Cal Tjader leads a septet that includes keyboardist Mark Levine, future bandleader Poncho Sanchez on congas and guest altoist-flutist Gary Foster. The Latinized versions of "The Continental" and "Naima" are most memorable but all of the other selections also have their infectious moments. Typically high-quality Latin-jazz from Cal Tjader, one of the idiom's most important pacesetters. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Serenata 6:55
Leroy Anderson
2     Poncho Con Dos Amigos 7:44
Cal Tjader     
3     Mindanao 7:05
Cal Tjader
4     Tesoro 5:37
Gary Foster
5     Santa Domingo 3:27
Mark Levine
6     Naima 5:53
John Coltrane
7     The Continental 6:12
Con Conrad / Herbert Magidson
Credits :
Bass – Rob Fisher
Congas – Poncho Sanchez
Drums – Vince Lateano
Flute, Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone – Gary Foster
Piano, Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes] – Mark Levine
Timbales – Ramon Banda
Vibraphone – Cal Tjader

CAL TJADER - Cuban Fantasy (2003) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Cuban Fantasy consists of previously unissued selections from two 1977 concerts by Cal Tjader at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco, though this is anything but an example of clearing out tape vaults simply to issue new product. Joined by pianist Clare Fischer, conga player Poncho Sanchez, guitarist Bob Redfield, bassist Rob Fisher, and drummer Pete Riso, Tjader energizes the crowd with his interpretation of Ray Bryant's infectious "Cuban Fantasy," switching over from vibes to timbales to build it to an exciting climax. Fisher contributed the subtle "Guarabe," while the engaging arrangement of Mongo Santamaria's "Tu Crees Que?" would have had the audience on their feet dancing had this been recorded outdoors. This is one of Cal Tjader's best groups, and it is a shame that this music remained hidden for a quarter century. by Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1     Cuban Fantasy 6:40
Ray Bryant
2     Guarabe 11:10
Clare Fischer
3     Tamanco No Samba (Samba Blim) 12:13
Orlann Divo / Elton Medeiros
4     Tu Crees Que? 5:54
Mongo Santamaria
5     Silenciosa 7:27
Mario Ruíz Armengol
6     Descarga Cachao 10:25
Cachao
7     Manuel Deeghit 13:16
Cal Tjader
8     Soul Sauce (Guachi Guaro) 7:31
Dizzy Gillespie / Chano Pozo
Credits :
Bass – Rob Fisher
Congas, Percussion – Poncho Sanchez
Drums – Pete Riso
Electric Guitar – Bob Redfield
Electric Piano – Clare Fischer
Vibraphone, Timbales, Percussion – Cal Tjader
Nota
Recorded by Jim Stern in performance at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco: June 17 (#1, 4, 5) and 18 (#2, 3, 6-8), 1977., during the same sessions as the tracks heard on Here (Galaxy 5121, reissued on Fantasy 24743). The music on this CD is previously unissued.

ARTURO SANDOVAL - L.A. Meetings (2001) APE (image+.cue), lossless

A year before he defected from Cuba, the great trumpeter Arturo Sandoval played with his Cuban band briefly in Los Angeles. A recording session took place that was released for the first time in 2001. Sandoval (who doubles on timbales) is in typically exuberant form with the music (five of the trumpeter's originals and Jobim's "Dindi") ranging from funky to straight-ahead. His sextet includes pianist Hilario Duran (who would become best-known for his work with Jane Bunnett's groups) and the rockish guitarist Jorge Luis Chicoy. A special treat is that Poncho Sanchez sits in on two of the six numbers, fitting in quite comfortably with the Cubans. This historic set (the only recording of Arturo Sandoval's last Cuban band) is full of fire and easily recommended to fans of the funkier side of Afro-Cuban jazz. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Rimsky 7:40
Dizzy Gillespie / Arturo Sandoval
2     Pete King's Heart 7:47
Arturo Sandoval
3     L.A. Meetings 6:11
Arturo Sandoval
4     Mi Lugar 6:05
Arturo Sandoval
5     Libertao Carnaval 7:28
Hilario Durán
6     Dindi 6:04
Ray Gilbert / Antônio Carlos Jobim / Luis Oliveria
Credits :
Bass – Jorge Reyes
Bongos – Poncho Sanchez (faixas: 6)
Congas – Poncho Sanchez (faixas: 1), Reinaldo Valera (faixas: Reinaldo "Pichi" Valera)
Drums – Bernardo Garcia
Guitar – Jorge Luis Chicoy
Piano – Hilario Durán
Timbales, Trumpet – Arturo Sandoval