Let’s face it, when you think of music from Argentina, your first thought is either the classic bel canto sounds from Carlos Gardel, or the more sophisticated “new tango” from Astor Piazzolla, and that’ s about it.
Argentine bassist Pablo Lanouguere breaks down all stereotypes and barriers with his flexible and swinging team of Meg Okura/vi, Federico Diaz/g, Emilio Teubal/p and Franco Pinna/dr along with some flavorful guests on this collection of originals that are filled with songs and moods within songs and moods.
Many of the compositions, such as “Literal” or the title track, build up to creative climaxes about half way through, only to break away, as if creating an aria within an opera. Thus, Lanouguere leads into the slowly and romantic theme of “Altar” only to allow Okura and Teubal moments in the spotlight, then returning to the sensuous finale. Pinna’s drums rumble up and down in intensity like sounds from Iguazu Falls, finally flowing out like a mist for Diaz’s graceful solo, segueing into piano and violin’s prancing in and out like scenes from an Agatha Christie novel.
Horacio Romo brings in his earthy bandoneon for a couple of tracks, wailing like a gypsy with Okura on “Perro De Marmol” and giving a tender folksy lilt ton “Estamos Rodeados”. Vocalist Juana Luna brings a husky romance on the spicy “Desalma” and coos in tour ear around the droplets supplied by violin and guitar on “Nada Mas”.
As for the leader, he directs traffic like a cop on Avenida 9 de Julio, allowing the oncoming Teubal a free lane in “Un Lento” and supplying some creative solo performances on “Un Bondi A Ningun Lado” and “Here We Go Again”. As colorful and thought provoking as a painting by Daniel Santoro.
http://www.pablolanouguere.com