After spells with Dave Brubeck and George Shearing, vibraphonist, occasional drummer and bandleader Cal Tjader devoted himself to Latin and Afro-Cuban music. Percussion was never far from his mind, and the excellent rhythm section here, built around his long-term colleague Willie Bobo delivers excitement and propulsion to what is in effect a mini-big-band.

The section writing is by Clare Fischer, displaying his usual neat touch. The up-tempo opener ‘Ritmo Caliente’ draws us in, with its infectious pulse and some fine soloing from both Tjader and the sparkling trumpet of Alex Rodriguez, a Woody Herman and Gerald Wilson veteran. Gary Foster’s subtle flute brings in the band for the gentler ‘Desposado’, and the equally relaxed ‘Tres Palabras’ has some fine ensemble playing and a characteristic Fischer technique, which is to have Tjader solo over a well-written harmonised countermelody. The effect draws the listener in, and this is helped by the first-rate sound quality, achieved not by close-miking, but by four overhead mics, giving the aural impression of the band playing live.

The title track is, as the title suggests, a storming performance, with some natty brass section playing and driving percussion, plus first-rate solos from McGettrick (on baritone), Rosolino (in the last year of his tragic life) and the leader. All the signs are here of the formula that would win Tjader a Grammy in 1979 for La Onda Va Bien.