Elemental Music Vinyl & CDs

Review: During the 1960s, jazz marimba maestro Cal Tjader performed at Seattle's Penthouse Jazz Club countless times, with many of these performances - made with various quintets and a dizzying array of sidemen, sidewomen and guest performances - being recorded for posterity. This superb double-disc set showcases these atmospheric, often lively recordings for the first time. Tjader is naturally the star throughout, dizzying the audience with mazy and mind-blowing Marimba solos, but at various points he steps back and lets his musical collaborators share the spotlight. For the most part, the tracks are energetic and up-tempo, giving the whole thing a giddy, celebratory feel that's always alluring.