The ability to reflect upon music history provides invaluable growth opportunities for musicians. We can examine a master musician’s complete recorded works and study the high points. We can re-imagine classic pieces, building our own versions based upon a variety of interpretations. We can contemplate our own past performances and learn from our mistakes. Looking back at music history generally helps us become better musicians . . . but it also reminds us of missed opportunities.

The number of musicians that has performed during my lifetime is a long one - and consequently, the list of musicians that passed away before I saw them is also quite long. Being a young bassist, I heard the name Jaco Pastorious for the first time in high school. Unfortunately I was reading an obituary. I missed an opportunity to watch Dizzy Gillespie when I was in college, simply thinking that I would see him “the next time around.” Regrettably, there wasn’t a “next time.” One thing that I’ve learned - see the greats every opportunity that you get!

Cal Tjader died in 1982, the year that I turned 12 years old. I hadn’t dived into a life of serious musicianship yet - there’s no reason that I should have seen Tjader perform in my pre-teen years. Still, the deeper that I dig into the history of Bay Area Latin Jazz, I realize that there were probably ample opportunities to hear Tjader. He was a Bay Area icon, largely responsible for the sophisticated Latin music scene that thrives here. Still, I missed Tjader during his time, and I need to learn from him through different avenues.

I’ve found dangerously little video of Tjader, an unfortunate reality that I find fairly depressing. I hope that someone can direct me to a wealth of videos and DVDs that I’ve missed. For now, I’ve found this video of Tjader and his group performing Guachi Guaro. This one features Claire Fischer and a young Poncho Sanchez both taking energetic solos. Enjoy!

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