Pianist Dred Scott’s Cali Mambo is an invigorating journey into the heart of Latin jazz, offering a fresh take on the genre with a modern, playful spirit. The album features a talented quartet: Scott on piano, Tom Beckham on vibraphone, Matt Pavolka on bass, and Moses Patrou on percussion. Together, they evoke the essence of 1950s Latin-jazz legends like Cal Tjader and the George Shearing Quintet while adding their own contemporary flair. The vibrant interplay between Beckham’s shimmering vibes and Scott’s inventive piano lines stands out, creating a lively yet nuanced soundscape. With roots in both tradition and innovation, the production captures the energetic pulse of Afro-Cuban rhythms, making it an engaging listen from start to finish.