Collection: Bailemos Tango (A Century of the Tango on the Dance
Floor)
RHINO R2 79840
[54:19]
Amazon
US
This is a fascinating collection of 19 tangos from the 1910s to the present
taking in a abundance of styles so that one’s interest never flags.
Many have vocal accompaniments. The lavish 16 page booklet with many historical
monochrome photographs of the artists gives in depth notes of all the numbers
and the history and traditions of the tango. All the pieces were recorded
in Buenos Aires.
I will mention just a few of the most impressive numbers from this sparkling
colourful collection. The flamboyant rhythm changes of ‘Luz Verde’
(Green Light), a 1920s style milonga with the ragtime sounds of the piano.
‘Fueye’ in the 1930s tango style with a freer jazz approach. ‘El
Apache Argentino’ (The Argentinian Apache) with its sensual clarinet
and picaresque melody. The infectious tune of ‘El Niño Jacinto’
(The Boy Jacinto), in the 1910s style of the milonga candobmé. Carlos
Gardel (the Frank Sinatra of the tango cancion) singing in the equally catchy
1920s –style ‘Yira, Yira’ (Spin, Spin). From the 1960s is
‘Desde el Alma’ (From the Soul) strangely a tango in waltz style.
Then in contemporary style is the unmistakable voice of Astor Piazzolla in
‘Los Sueños’. Finally, I must mention another very catchy
number a sort of pizzicato for tango orchestra, ‘El Amanecer’ (Dawn).
Strongly recommended to all tango enthusiasts.
Reviewer
Ian Lace
