After he left Dave Brubeck's trio, Cal Tjader spent a brief time with Alvino Rey, then formed his own group and became famous as a trailblazer who melded Afro-Cuban rhythms into jazz. Long after his death in 1982, he continues as a major influence in Latin music. Deep in his heart, however, Tjader was a thoroughgoing jazz man, first as a drummer noted for his exceptional sense of time, then as a vibraharpist. Around the time he was named New Star in the vibes category of the 1955 Down Bea… MORE