Timeless Tango

For a taste of traditional tango, Uruguayan singer Vayo has released Tango Legends in the United states on an indie label called Pantaleón Records. Vayo sings timeless classics accompanied by bass, guitar and bandoneón.

Another Uruguayan artist with a tango album out is the great bandoneón player Raúl Jaurena, who now lives in the United States. Unlike his compatriot Vayo, Jaurena plays contemporary tango in a chamber ensemble format, with strong classical influences. On the delightful Te Amo Tango he is accompanied by Quinteto Sinopus from Uruguay.

Many tango instrumentalists have followed Astor Piazzolla’s paths into jazz and contemporary classical music. Bassist Pablo Aslan has followed the jazz route on Buenos Aires Tango Standards, recording an intimate album of tango standards with a jazz combo featuring bass, piano, tenor and baritone sax, trumpet, and drums.