Ike Quebec The Complete Blue Note 45 Sessions

During his comeback years (1959-62) after a decade mostly off the scene, tenor saxophonist Ike Quebec recorded frequently for Blue Note. He started off with a session aimed at the 45 jukebox market and, although he eventually made a few full-length albums for the label, Quebec cut four 45 dates over a two-and-a-half-year period. This double-disc set has all of the jukebox sessions. Most of the 26 selections clock in between four and seven minutes and have long melody statements in addition to concise and soulful solos. Quebec, who was in consistently prime form during his last period, is joined by groups featuring either Skeeter Best or Willie Jones on guitar and Edwin Swanston, Sir Charles Thompson, or Earl Van Dyke on organ. Fun, loose and highly enjoyable music. 

Review by Scott Yanow

http://www.allmusic.com/album/complete-blue-note-45-sessions-r145969

Caj Tjader & Eddie Palmieri - El Sonido Nuevo (1966)

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.
Review - Scott Yanow
http://www.allmusic.com/album/el-sonido-nuevo-the-new-soul-sound-r148939

1. Los Jibaros

2. Guajira Azul

3. Ritmo Uni

4. Picadillo

5. Modesty (Theme from Modesty Blaise)

6. Unidos

7. On A Clear Day (You Can See Forever)

8. El Sonido Nuevo

9. Fuji

10. Black Orchid

11. Los Bandidos

12. Poinciana

13. Yellow Days

14. Along Came Mary