Los Tangueros del Oeste – Alma Vieja (Avantango Records, 2021)
Los Tangueros del Oeste (the tango players of the west) is a Nuevo Tango outfit based in the San Francisco Bay Area in the West Coast of the United States. The group is deeply influenced by the now classic tango style of Astor Piazzolla and modern groups like Bajo Fondo Tango Club. Led by bassist and composer Sascha Jacobsen, Los Tangueros del Oeste play masterfully crafted original compositions where tradition, chamber music and modern music meet.
The group’s style on their new album “Alma Vieja; (old soul) combines the acoustic sound of beautiful bandoneón, stirring violin, flavorful Flamenco-influenced guitar and virtuoso piano with electronic beats on some of the pieces. There is a mix of captivating instrumentals that showcase dazzling solos and skillful interplay along with poetic songs where the passionate vocals in Spanish are delivered by Argentine singer, poet and lyricist Manuel Berterreix. The band also uses inspiring spoken word which works really well. On the down side, on the song “El Rumbo de mi corazón” there is tiresome rapping that doesn’t fit the overall feel of the album.
The lineup includes Manuel Berterreix (Argentina) on vocals; Pablo Estigarribia (Argentina) on piano, Charles Gorczynski (USA) on bandoneón; Daniel Riera (USA) on electronic beats, flute and EWI (electric woodwind instrument); Carlos Caminos (Venezuela) on guitar; Ishtar Hernández (Puerto Rico) on violin; and Sascha Jacobsen (USA) on bass and Fender Rhodes. Guests: Adrian Jost on bandoneón; María Volonté on vocals, spoken word poem and backing vocals; Seth Asarnow on, piano, bandoneón; Lewis Patzner on cello; Ari Refusta on snare; Marlon Aldana on cajón, cymbals; and Marcelo Puig on rhythm guitar.
Sascha Jacobsen hails from an distinguished musical family dating back at least five generations to a bassist for the Moscow Opera in the early 19th century. He has explored his love for Tango in ensembles such as The Musical Art Quintet and Trio Garufa.
The album cover was created by visual artist Jeremy Sutton. Alma Vieja will be available July 30. Preorder at lostanguerosdeloeste.hearnow.com
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.