El Sonido Nuevo is a popular collaboration between vibraphonist
Cal Tjader and pianist
Eddie Palmieri (who provided the arrangements). 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 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. ~ Scott Yanow