Uno Dos Tres: Latin Jazz Grooves

The three-disc box set Uno Dos Tres: Latin Jazz Grooves comprises the two volumes in the Talkin' Verve series focusing on Cal Tjader and Willie Bobo, plus the compilation Mambomania. The Tjader and Bobo discs have a host of excellent tracks, many of which are among the best known in Latin jazz: Tjader's "Manteca" and "Soul Sauce," Bobo's "Evil Ways" and "Spanish Grease." The third disc has tracks by naturals like Chico O'Farrill, Miguelito Valdes and Carlos Valdes plus interesting Latin-Verve fusions like Wes Montgomery's "South of the Border," Kenny Clarke's "Fiebre Cuban" and Lalo Schifrin's "Peanut Vendor." Three discs may be too much for most (especially with the same kind of groove virtually throughout), but fans can save some money and get a stellar set at the same time.