The Cal Tjader Trio - The Cal Tjader Trio (1953)

"Chopsticks Mambo" by The Cal Tjader Trio


The Dave Brubeck Trio featured the percussion art of Cal Tjader who played the drums and vibraphone, but also stood out for bringing bongos and other traditional latin and african instruments to the West Coast jazz scene.

Cal Tjader's work with Brubeck brought him rapid notice but an unfortunate accident ended the trio's work suddenly.  Tjader went on to record and tour with bandleaders like George Shearing and Alvino Rey.  He also formed his own trio and recorded his first 10" record for Fantasy Records.  His band featured bassist Jack Weeks and pianist John Marabuto (on Side A) and newcomer Vince Guaraldi (on Side B).  The Cal Tjader Trio came out in 1953.

Here is the discography surrounding Cal Tjader's debut album:

The Cal Tjader Trio

"Three Little Words" by The Cal Tjader Trio


Pass the Headphones!!

The Dave Brubeck Trio - Dave Brubeck Trio Featuring Cal Tjader (1950)

"Indiana" by The Dave Brubeck Trio


Negativland's founding duo were born and raised in Concord, California whose other famous natives include actors Tom Hanks and Mark Hamill and one of the leaders of the school of West Coast jazz, pianist Dave Brubeck.  Young Dave took lessons from his mother, as did his siblings, but he could not read music.  Less the matter since he had no interest of pursuing music anyhow.  He originally intended to work with his father on the cattle farm and attended College of the Pacific to study up.  As it happens, his mind was clearly in the conservatory across the way and not in his studies, and his professors encouraged him to transfer to the music school.

Brubeck was drafted into the military where his piano skills allowed him to avoid combat service.  Instead, he led the US Armed Forces' first racially integrated band "The Wolfpack".  After his service, he returned to school, this time studying at Mills College under composer Darius Milhaud and, for a short time, under Arnold Schoenberg.  After graduating with his masters, he performed and recorded with an octet and a trio.  Dave led both groups as he was the performer with the most recognizable name.  The Dave Brubeck trio issued its recordings first on fantasy records and featured Ron Crotty on bass and Cal Tjader on drums, the vibraphone, and the bongos.  Their first album was a collection of Fantasy singles released as Dave Brubeck Trio Featuring Cal Tjader in 1950.  The jazz was good and sold well.  The album also features probably my favorite album cover of all time.  I gotta know who painted that masterpiece, buy it, frame it, and smile every day.

Here is the discography surrounding The Dave Brubeck Trio's debut album:

You Stepped Out of a Dream (1950 single)
Singin' in the Rain (1950 single)
Body and Soul (1950 single)
Indiana (1950 single)
Blue Moon (1950 single)
Undecided (1950 single)
Dave Brubeck Trio Featuring Cal Tjader

"I'll Remember April" by The Dave Brubeck Trio


Pass the Headphones!!