Argentine music is working its way into the jazz mainstream. Here are two recent releases that reflect that trend. I’m a Carlos Gardel kind of tango guy, but these two sessions lean a bit more towards the Nuevo Tango that seems more popular for the moment.
Soprano and tenor saxist Julio Botti leads a sextet that includes pianist/arranger (as well as composer of all these tunes) Pablo Ziegler and Quique Sinesi/g, Waltro Castro/bandoneon, Horacio Hurtado/b and Quintino Cinalli/dr-perc. Three of the tunes are gorgeously augmented by a string quartet, making Piazzolla’s “Introduccion Al Angel”and Zieglers “Milonga Del Adios” passionate delights. The small band pieces like “Celtic Feast” and “Tangueda” have a lithe charm, albeit with a herky-jerky clippety clop as Botti’s soprano is as fluid as hibiscus tea. Lovely.
Pianist Jay D’Amico leads a combo with Paul Bill/b, Tim Horner/dr, Andrew sterman/ts-fl and Richie Vitale/tp-fh through a collection of originals. The title track is a classic tango delight, and you’ll grab your partner with ease on this one. Other tunes such as “Song for Maria” and “Etruscan Call” are more in the jazz mainstream with only slight allusions to tango. “Canon in C Minor” is as rich as a 3” steake, whlie “Alfreda” glistens like the mist of Iguazu Falls. Vitale’s crisp and warm horn serenades beautifully, while the whole team works together as if they were coached by Basanta himself.