Cal Tjader

Latin music's most influential non-Latin bandleader, Cal Tjader had an uncanny ability to concoct genuine Afro-Cuban dance fever. Although he was not necessarily a virtuoso, Tjader played the vibes (and, occasionally, the timbales) with impeccable feeling and precision, and his bands created a sophisticated combination of cool jazz and simmering Afro beats. Tjader's output is distinguished by a...