Cal Tjader, a Swedish-American born in Missouri, was an unexpected icon of the Afro-Cuban jazz scene during the fifties and sixties. He was a widely respected musician throughout the Americas, though was occasionally panned by jazz critics for pandering to popular tastes. Despite the criticism, Tjader found an abundance of popularity throughout Latin America and played with many great Latin artists, including Candido and Eddie Palmieri. Though he was a multi-instrumentalist, he gravitated toward the vibraphone and its metallic, yet ethereal, sound.
Latin Kick was released in 1956, one of Tjader’s many releases of the era. The album blends traditional jazz with Afro-Cuban rhythms to create a feel good, lounge mood that transports to any smokey, underground jazz club or dark, sultry cocktail lounge. The tracks themselves call out to their geographic inspiration, with I Love Paris bringing a particular French sensibility and Moonlight in Vermont exuding that moonlight reflecting off the lake energy. The album itself is full, dipping between slow and steady to quick, uptempo beats. Latin Kick is Dinner Music at its finest.
Enjoy.
Latin Kick - Cal Tjader
Pair this album with:
Saffron and Cardamom Lemonade. A traditional summer cooler from India and a great beverage for those of us trying to be good on a Tuesday.
Coconut Chickpea Curry. In the spirit of regional inspiration, this chickpea curry is a flavorful, excellent weekday option. It’s vegan, it’s gluten-free, it’s good. However, I’m not gluten-free, so I’ll be making butter garlic naan on the side.
Thank you, thank you.