Cal Tjader - "Concert By The Sea" 1959

Yes, we have here another reel to reel RIP, this one from the late 50's and the recording speed unfortunately is 3-3/4 IPS.  This recording to my knowledge has never been released on CD.  Just LP and Reel to Reel.  Recorded in Monterey CA. "Concert By The Sea" is the vibraphonist/percussionist's breakthrough recording under any name. The bass-less, percussion-heavy lineup--Tjader on vibes, Willie Bobo on drums and timbales, Mongo Santamaria on bongos, Lonnie Hewitt on piano, and Paul Horn on flute--offers a curious mixture of Latin rhythms and the sort of West Coast cool pioneered by Tjader's former employer Dave Brubeck. Evenly balanced between standards given Tjader-style cool arrangements and band originals like Santamaria's classic "Afro Blue".  All in all the fidelity is acceptable... you be the judge.  My fav is the laid back "Laura", imagine being there in 1959, Monterey must have looked a lot different back then...

Front Box Cover

Back Box Cover

View of Tape in Box

• Alto Saxophone, Flute – Paul Horn
• Bass – Al McKibbon
• Drums – Willie Bobo
• Percussion – Mongo Santamaria
• Piano – Lonnie Hewitt
• Vibraphone – Cal Tjader