CD Review: Pablo Ziegler & Metropole Orkest's 'Amsterdam Meets New Tango'

Pablo Ziegler & Metropole Orkest
Amsterdam Meets New Tango
Zoho

A contemporary in the world of Argentinian music, Pablo Ziegler melds tango music, classical, and folk traditions with music from The Netherlands--thanks to Metropole Orkest. Pablo is a talented pianist that includes luminaries, such as Quique Sinesi on guitar, Walther Castro on bandoneon, and percussionist, Quintino Cinalli. The instrumental ensemble is backed with the talented orchestrations and classical-themed medleys of Metropole Orkest. There are nine long tracks that shimmer with fiery jazz-lines, cinematic washes of symphonic beauty, and edgy melodies that inspire and entertain. There are slower jazz melodies and rhythms, along with more energetic displays of musicianship that is anything but boring. The lively bandoneon and emotive strings are classic, yet modern. Anyone looking for new tango music with a jazzy, classical, and symphonic edge, then Amsterdam Meets New Tango is highly recommended. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Trio Garufa's 'El Rumor De Tus Tangos'

Trio Garufa
El Rumor De Tus Tangos
Garufa Records

The US-based tango troupe, Trio Garufa, explores the historical lineage of the tango as a musical form in Argentina. The Trio--with members from Argentina, Switzerland, and California--combine violin, viola, bandoneon, upright bass, cello, and flute for instrumental delicacies. The compositions are steeped in history and variety according to the types of tangos presented. The repertoire covers styles from the early-mid 1900s, modern tangos, folkloric music, original compositions, and electro-tangos. Not only tango is represented here, but milonga, electro milonga, nuevo tango, vals, chacarera, guarania, gato, and tango criollo styles and/or time signatures are also present. The instrumental melodies are moving, sensual, and enjoyable. Fans of Argentinian music, bandoneon, tango, and South American folk music will the love the instrumental sensibilities of the only US-based tango ensemble to have performed in the tango dance clubs of Buenos Aires. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Bonga's 'Hora Kota'

Bonga
Hora Kota
Lusafrica

Angolan-born and raised, Bonga combines the sultry sounds of kizomba, semba, Portuguese folk, and contemporary pop with a gruff voice that is synonymous with Angolan society. Hora Kota, his latest release, continues the Portuguese-tinged compositions with a good dose of Latin jazz, island rhythms, and folk melodies that unite all Portuguese-speaking regions. The thirteen tracks contain the romantic accordion, guitars, percussion, dikanza, congas, bass, harmonica, shekere, double bass, ukulele, flute, bandoneon, and others. If you are a long-time fan or newbie to Angolan music, Bonga should be right at the top of any world music chart. Sample the hot rhythms and melodies shaking up Luanda and beyond. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Argentina's Lisandro Adrover

Lisandro Adrover

Meets The Metropole Orchestra

Saphrane

Argentina's Lisandro Adrover is a tango maestro on the bandoneon. Meets The Metropole Orchestra was recorded before a live audience at the Muziekcentrum Vredenburg in Utrecht, The Netherlands on March 16, 2003. The result is a collection of fourteen compositions led by Lisandro and his bandoneon with back-up instrumentation from additional bandoneons, a piano, violin, guitar, double bass, and cello. The tango tunes are emotive, classical masterpieces of sound when everything comes together just right. This is evidenced by the fact the audience remains relatively quiet throughout the performances until the very end of each song where applause occurs. Interestingly, the bandoneon may be the lead instrument, but it is never overpowering. For those interested in tango, Lisandro Adrover is a talented musician that should not be overlooked. ~ Matthew Forss