Customer Reviews

Todo Tango

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4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
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The tango enthusiast who seeks only the classical tango orchestra sound is bound to be disappointed with this CD, but if you are a tango lover whose tastes span the years then you should be delighted with this fine compilation of the modern tango sound as I was. It was here that I was introduced to the golden voice of Roberto Goyeneche who, though little known outside his country, is immensely popular within it. He really shines on Ventanita Florida and on Yuyo Verde. Featured here too are many compositions by the great Astor Piazzolla of which Oblivion and Vuelvo al Sur are standouts. There are many non-traditional tango styles to enjoy here, one of the most striking being the guitar-based and very political "Milonga del Tartamundo". Those who understand Spanish will find humorous the musings of the group Mano a Mano as well as the lyrics to Tango-Tango which take a sly swipe at the political state of affairs. The entire CD flows rather smoothly with one style giving way gently to another without any jarring dissonance. There are a couple of classic tangos included with a modern twist that help to make this a well-rounded compilation. I should mention that this CD features few instrumentals so if you do not like your tangos sung, you will probably not like this.

I originally purchased this disk because it had a recording of "Volver" by Orquesta Tango de Buenos Aires. "Volver" is one of those classics that EVERYBODY should own. Additionally, I wanted to get a good recording of Astor Piazzola's "Oblivion." It was a special bonus to me when I saw that there were five good pieces by Roberto Goyenche, who was one of the best male tango vocalists of the Twentieth Century. If you like the work of bandoneonistas like Astor Piazzola and Nestor Marconi, you will be delighted with this disk. There are five excellent Piazzola pieces on the disk, and for many people that may be sufficient reason to purchase the disk.

I like the pieces on this disk. Most are danceable. Some people may think there is too much Tango Neuevo (New Tango), in the style of Piazzola. Some people don't like to dance to New Tango because it does not dance as well as earlier styles, but that is a matter of personal preference. Each person has their own stylistic interests in tango, and I won't quibble with that. I think you will enjoy this disk.

This is definitely tango, but it tends to become a little monotonous as the CD evolves. It lacks a little more of the tango temperament. A bit dull, but it is tango, nonetheless. And although I missed the classical tango tunes, tango experts may recognise some.