6/1/2023 0 Comments Cal tjader black orchid albumThe unique selling point of this album – which at first seems to deliver more of the same Asian craze that is so commonplace in the Exotica genre – is the unique blend of the East with the West. While Cal Tjader plays the vibes, arranger Stan Applebaum plays the celesta, George Duvivier provides the bass, Johnny Rae performs on the drums, Jerry Dodgion comes up with wonderful flute tones, the legendary Dick Hyman pushes his organs to the max, Lonnie Hewitt is on the piano, and finally, Willie Bobo brings in an arsenal of percussion, both exotic and jazzy. Speaking of the band: Cal Tjader leads a septet on this release, which results in a richer sound, vivid interplays, convivial warmth and just the right dose of mystery and tranquility whenever these moods are needed. Eleven colorful tunes are collected on here, and please note that I'm writing about tunes, not renditions, for the majority of the included material comes directly from the mind of Tjader and his band mates. One of Tjader's key strengths has always been the carved-out main melodies which are delicately accentuated by swirling organs, making his music the forerunner of the Lounge genre that survived to this day. Released in early 1964, it presents a successful fusion of Cool Jazz, Easy Listening… and Exotica. One of my favorite vibraphonists? Cal Tjader (1925–1982)! One of my favorite tonalities in music? Clichéd Far Eastern sequences! Enter Breeze From The East, one of Tjader's hallmarks recorded in 1963, three days after the assassination of John F.
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