Review: The Original Jazz Classics series makes a triumphant return with the reissue of Cal Tjader's influential 1956 album, Latin Kick. Renowned for blending Afro-Cuban rhythms with mainstream jazz elements, this album highlights Tjader's talented abilities on the vibraphone. The ensemble features brilliant performances from Brew Moore on saxophone, Luis Miranda on congas, Bayardo Velarde on timbales, Manuel Duran on piano and Carlos Duran on bass. Though the album title suggests a Latin focus, the tracks venture beyond traditional Latin music, incorporating elements of the emerging exotica genre. Latin Kick offers a global musical journey, including songs about Paris and Vermont. Despite the absence of traditional Latin brass and fervent rhythms, the album captivates with its downtempo ambiance, dreamy landscapes, and smooth tenor sax infusions. Tjader's signature vibraphone often takes a backseat, allowing the ensemble to create a cohesive, melodious, and enchanting atmosphere. The reissue of Latin Kick reaffirms the series' commitment to preserving jazz history, offering a pristine listening experience that celebrates the timeless artistry of Cal Tjader and his exceptional band.
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