Cal Tjader

Cal Tjader is one of those artists who's records I always pick up. He played and performed from the 50's all the way up to the 80's and worked with such heavy hitters as Donald Byrd, Chic Corea, Poncho Sanchez, and Eddie Palmieri. His biggest hit was "Soul Sauce" which was actually a song composed by Dizzy Gillespie that Tjader had been fooling around with since the 50's until the 60's when his reinterpretation became a hit. It was first called "Guachi Guara" then it became "Wachi Wara" and finally it ended up as "Soul Sauce." Personally, I like the earlier version especially when those congas come in. No matter what, if you pick up a Cal Tjader you'll be assured some great Latin rhythms, drums, and vibes. Not bad for a Swedish dude from San Mateo. So, today I share with you a few of my favorite tracks from my collection of Cal Tjader records.

RIP Buddy Miles. Expect a dedication post soon.

Guachi Guara by Cal Tjader from Tjader Plays Mambo
Soul Bird by Cal Tjader from Soul Bird: Whiffenpoof
Cuchy Frito Man by Cal Tjader from Soul Burst
Manuel Deeghit by Cal Tjader from Puttin' It Together

Peruvian Disco

Sorry for taking a whole month off. It's not like I've got a job, or am busy or anything. I picked up this record by Santiago Silva y Hnos. at the Goodwill two weeks ago. How could I have passed on a record with a huge Arp sythesizer on it? When I put the needle on the record I was pretty surprised. In fact, I actually stopped the turntable and double checked that I had the record that went with the cover.

The first song I'm sharing with you is actually a medley of three American disco songs: Kool and the Gang's "Celebration", The Reddings' "Remote Control", and "The Sound of the City" from the Village People's film "Thank God It's Friday." I can't get enough of that old school electronic drum sound. Clearly they couldn't either.

The second song I'm sharing is called "Margarita" and I can't get enough this either. I've forced everyone who's walked into my apartment to listen to this song at full volume. That nasty synth line and those disco drums are mind blowing to me. With at least five completely different parts to the song it kind of reminds me of the best of Bollywood. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do.
Disco Medley by Santiago Silva y Hnos. from ...la cosa es con Santiago
Margarita by Santiago Silva y Hnos. from ...la cosa es con Santiago