Callen Radcliffe Tjader, Jr. died
on May 5, 1982.
on May 5, 1982.
He was better known as Cal Tjader.
I know I'm over a month late posting this tribute to him but better late than never.
Cal Tjader was an American Latin jazz musician, known as the most successful non-Latino Latin musician. He also explored various other jazz idioms but never abandoned the music of Cuba, the Caribbean, and Latin America, performing it until his death.
Huracán
This is a pretty special album in so many ways. First, it is a 12", 45 RPM record with only four songs on it. Second, it is a direct-to-disc album. Third, it is on White Vinyl. I have it for sale on Discogs (link below).
Cal Tjader ~ Huracán
White Vinyl 45" RPM, side 1
photo by Styrous®
Of course, the music is something special.
Cal Tjader ~ Huracá
White Vinyl 45" RPM
cover painting by Peter Balin
album design by David Singer
photo by Styrous®
White Vinyl 45" RPM
cover painting by Peter Balin
album design by David Singer
photo by Styrous®
As with every album I have ever owned, there is always one track that is my very favorite. Tres Palabras is the one that makes it on this one. The song was written by Osvaldo Farrés, a Cuban Song writer. Farrés was born in 1903 in the small city of Quemado de Güines, Las Villas, Cuba. He was unable to read or write music but he became a prolific and world-renowned composer. He died in West New York, New Jersey, in 1985.
Cal Tjader ~ Huracán
White Vinyl 45" RPM
back cover
back painting by Peter Balin
album design by David Singer
photo by Styrous®
White Vinyl 45" RPM
back cover
back painting by Peter Balin
album design by David Singer
photo by Styrous®
Tres Palabras has to be one of the most romantic and sappy songs ever, EVER written. It is spectacular! Everyone imaginable has played or sung it. There are lyrics to the song by Luis Miguel but on this album Tjader and his group do an instrumental interpretation of it that is out of this world. His vibraphone performance on it is sublime and the sax by Gary Foster is short but sweet (links to versions on YouTube below).
Other songs by Farrés include, Quizás, Quizás, Quizás, Acercate Mas, Toda Una Vida and his favorite, Madrecita, written in honor of his mother and sung to this day in Latin
America on Mother's Day.
The album was issued on Crystal Clear Records, which the album says was made in San Francisco but I could find no info on the company. All I have to go on is the catalogue that came with the album.
Crystal Clear Records mailing envelope back
photo by Styrous®
photo by Styrous®
The inner sleeve for the record is a bit yellowed with age.
Cal Tjader ~ Huracán
White Vinyl 45" RPM, side 2
photo by Styrous®
Cal Tjader ~ Huracán
White Vinyl 45" RPM
side 1 label detail
detail photo by Styrous®
Cal Tjader ~ Huracán
White Vinyl 45" RPM
side 2 label detail
detail photo by Styrous®
Tracklist:
Side 1:
A1 Funquiado - written by Clare Fischer
A2 Tres Palabras
Sice 2:
B1 Ritmo Caliente
B2 Huracán - written by Clare Fischer
Credits:
- Bass – Rob Fisher (2)
- Bongos, Cowbell – Victor Pantoja
- Congas – Pancho Sanchez*
- Electric Piano – Clare Fischer
- Guitar – Rick Zunigar
- Saxophone [Alto], Flute – Gary Foster
- Saxophone [Baritone] – Kurt McGettrick
- Timbales – Willie Bobo
- Trombone – Frank Rosolino
- Trumpet – Alex Rodriguez, Ronald King*
- Vibraphone – Cal Tjader
Notes:
A Supercut Direct Disc Plus Recording
Label: Crystal Clear Records – CCS 8003
Format: Vinyl, 12", 45 RPM
Country: US
Released: 1978
Style: Afro-Cuban, Samba, Latin Jazz
Tres Palabras on YouTube:
Cal Tjader
Luis Miguel
Mina
Nat "King" Cole
Cal Tjader ~ Huracán is for sale on Discogs
Styrous® ~ Thursday, June 11, 2015
Tres Palabras on YouTube:
Cal Tjader
Luis Miguel
Mina
Nat "King" Cole
Cal Tjader ~ Huracán is for sale on Discogs
Styrous® ~ Thursday, June 11, 2015
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I have just been listening to my pristine copy of Cal Tjader's Huracan 45 RPM 12" direct-to-disc vinyl album (CCS 8003) and reading the post and am confused. My album seems identical in all respects to the one featured save that it is black vinyl; not white as pictured here. Any explanation or thoughts? The disc label appears identical. I purchased this a year or so ago as a sealed copy from a well known vinyl store and paid a substantial price. It would seem to be the real deal. Looks and sounds spectacular!
ReplyDeleteI have in my collection many direct-to-disc recordings (Sheffield Labs, etc.) and am cognizant of the salient attributes unique to the format. Low noise floor, wide frequency response and dynamic range are exhibited here in spades. What gives? Don
Hello, Don, this is a Limited Edition pressed on white vinyl in 1975. I purchased it sometime in the 80's.
ReplyDeleteRegards, Styrous