in 1958 and 1959. The earlier session has a band loaded with future stars, including pianist Vince Guaraldi and a superb rhythm section, with the big-toned bassist Al McKibbon and the percussion duo of Willie Bobo on drums and Mongo Santamaría on congas. Little-known Cuban tenor player José "Chumbo" Silva is a key presence as well, with a sound that suggests Stan Getz and a taut rhythmic edge. Guaraldi, Bobo, and Santamaría turn "I Love Paris" into a riveting tempest of percussion, while "Night in Tunisia" is an extended flight into Afro-Cuban bop. The later set focuses more on Tjader's lyrical side with a straight-ahead quartet and a program emphasizing standards. His shimmering sound and liquid phrasing are well matched with the bop...  (less)