El Sonido Nuevo: The New Soul Sound

by Scott Yanow This Verve CD reissues the popular collaboration between vibraphonist Cal Tjader and pianist Eddie Palmieri (who provided the arrangements) titled El Sonido Nuevo: The New Soul Sound, along with six other songs taken from a pair of Tjader's other Verve albums. Despite the claims of greatness expressed in the liners ("a landmark in the history of Latin jazz"), much of the music is actually quite lightweight although enjoyable enough, and the easy listening melodies and accessible rhythms hold on to one's interest. Despite the changing personnel, Tjader is generally the lead voice, and he is in fine form even if the overall results are not all that memorable or unique. [El Sonido Nuevo was reissued in 2006 and includes bonus tracks.]