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