Cal Tjader - The Classic Fantasy Collection: 1953-1962 (2018)

The Very Best Of Cal Tjader's Releases On Fantasy Records!

Cal Tjader was the most successful non-indigenous Latin musician of all time, and is often credited as influencing Latin rock and acid jazz. He explored many jazz genres during his career that spanned five decades.

This collection, spanning over five hours of music on four discs, collates nine of the finest records made during his initial stint with Fantasy Records.

With a vibrant, eclectic career that spanned five decades, Cal Tjader was the most successful non-indigenous Latin musician of all time. Although working largely within the idioms of Latin American, Cuban and Caribbean music during his lifetime, he also explored many other jazz genres, and is often credited as influencing Latin rock and acid jazz. A multi-instrumentalist, Tjader was primarily known as a vibraphonist, but also excelled at piano, drums, bongos, congas and timpani. Having spent much of his early career as sideman to musicians from a variety of cultural backgrounds, Tjader's best work was displayed on albums on which he performed as bandleader and, of these, the records he made for Fantasy Records between 1953 and 1962 contain his finest work. This collection, spanning over five hours of music on four discs, collates nine of the finest records made by Cal Tjader during his initial stint with Fantasy Records. Faithfully remastered from the original recordings, this set will not only introduce a new generation to the musical skill and dexterity of Tjader, but will act too as a welcome reminder for those already familiar with the work of this legendary musician.