Here is an album that captures the heart of jazz, mixing improvisation, melody and, of course the historic “Latin Tinge”. It’s just a duet of Ben Bogart on the bandoneon and Winnie Cheung on piano, but what they do is delve into classic Argentine tango sounds form the 1920s and sweep across the dance floor with glorious free-flowing interpretations.
The twelve fingers give dramatic dances, slithering on “Guapeando” or stomping with bold heels on “La Yumba”. The two converse and flirt with each other back and forth on the sensuous “Desde el Alma” and walk on tippy toes with the digits popping the notes like popcorn on “El Irresistible”. Each partner gets a chance to lead, as Bogart sighs into “Negracha” and Cheung gives a nocturnal intro to “Milonga Del Angel”, and they both plead like parting lovers on “Camandulaje”. All that’s missing are some bold declarations from Carlos Gardel! Oye!