r/latinjazz

Arguably Gato's finest entry in his series of "Chapters" albums, and certainly one of the toughest, hardest-hitting Latin jazz records of its era.

All killer, no filler!

Backed by a stellar lineup of musicians and orchestrated by the legendary Chico O'Farrill, this is Gato's most Cuban/Latin outing.

The final touch of magic comes from the ever-wonderful Charlie Palmieri.

Just the first 30 seconds of the title track will put a smile on your face and get the adrenaline pumping.

A no-questions-asked desert island disc.

Playing with a rhythm section to die for - Mongo Santamaria (congas), Willie Bobo (timbales), Armando Peraza (bongos), Bobby Rodriguez/Al McKibbon on bass, the always wonderful playing of Jose 'Chombo' Silva on tenor and Vince Guaraldi (!) on piano. This is a desert island disc.

The sound is quite unlike Cal's other plentiful recordings of the time - it's much fuller and more traditional Afro Cuban, and somehow also more hard bop.

Some fast stomping numbers where Chombo and the rhythm section get to stretch out. The other numbers are equally enjoyable.

"Big Noise From Winnetka alone is worth the price of admission.

This is an original or very early pressing on Fantasy. It's like a 180g pressing even before there was such a thing, pressed on translucent deep red vinyl.