Tito Puente was a percussionist, bandleader, and composer whose music and style bridged modern jazz and mambo, Afro-Cuban and 1970's rock, and got lots of generations dancing in the process. Puente also influenced the rock band Santana, as well as many others both in and beyond the Latin sound. 1977 MONTEREY is a previously unreleased concert recording of Puente's big band tearing it up in front of a wildly appreciative audience. Throughout, Puente lights a fire under both the band and the crowd with his crackling timbales and vibraphone. In addition, vibes legend Cal Tjader joins in for one song.

Tito Puente played the Monterey Jazz Festival for the first time in 1977, leading a big band that immediately ignited the crowd with his rousing "Para Los Rumberos." Before the conga player even gave the audience a chance to cool off, he immediately launches into "Oye Como Va," a huge hit for Latin rocker Carlos Santana, a piece that Fillmore East impresario Bill Graham introduced to the guitarist by playing Puente's early record of it. The fire is often present throughout the set, with the punch of the horn section and infectious percussion, though ballads like "Delirio" prove just as effective. One of the surprises is Puente's effective cha cha arrangement of Stevie Wonder's "Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing," demonstrating that he always was interested in any good melody regardless of its stylistic origin. Vibraphonist and Latin jazz bandleader Cal Tjader is an added guest for the closing number "Picadillo." This never dull Monterey set is a reminder as to why Tito Puente was one of the true giants of Latin Jazz. ~ Ken Dryden