Vibraphonist Cal Tjader was a master of Latin rhythms and in his early career played with Dave Brubeck, Lionel Hampton, and George Shearing. As a bandleader, his output spanned over 50 albums and hundreds of concerts.

Probably more than any other non-Latin musician, Tjader helped to popularize the fusion of Latin and jazz. For his 1978 album Huracán, four overhead microphones and a direct input for the bass were used to capture the immediacy of the studio sessions.

Musicians included percussionists Willie Bobo and Poncho Sanchez, former Frank Zappa sidemen Gary Foster (alto saxophone, flute) and Kurt McGettrick (baritone saxophone), among others.

1. Ritmo Caliente
2. Desposado
3. Bachi
4. Huracán
5. Funquiado
6. Tres Palabras

On what was originally issued as a limited-edition, direct-to-disc LP by the long defunct Crystal Clear label in the late ’70s, Cal Tjader’s Huracán offers a stellar cast of musicians heard with the vibraphonist, and includes brass and reeds in addition to the usual electric piano, electric bass, and congas, with most of the compositions and arrangements by Clare Fischer.

Tjader, long one of the few non-Latin innovators in Latin jazz, is in top form here throughout the session and was obviously well able to work in the demanding direct-to-disc recording environment - which required recording an entire album side of performances without overdubs, splicing, or stopping for very long between selections.

However, solely due to its relatively low profile, this is one of Cal Tjader’s lesser-known releases, but given that it has now been loving taken in hand by Liberation Hall, this well worth acquiring recording is now back; and is looking to entertain a whole new generation of music lovers.

This simply magnificent, melodious album opens on the energetic, and triumphantly driven Ritmo Caliente and the more laid back, lazy porch swing of Desposado, before the rhythms are turned up again on the quietly frenetic Bachi, then comes the playfully flirtatious title track Huracán, the recording rounding out with the solid melodical stance of Funquiado, closing on the slow, ornately-sculpted, late night dance floor swirl and twirl of Tres Palabras.

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