Dario Acosta Teich – Folklore (Tiger Turn, 2022)
Folklore is Dario Acosta Teich’s tribute to Argentine folk music. Although Argentine guitarist and composer Acosta is currently immersed in the New York City contemporary jazz scene, the album Folklore explores various traditional music genres from Argentina. “Music is my first language,” says Acosta Teich. “It’s easier for me to play than to speak.”
With the help of fellow Argentine players plus an impressive international cast of guest musicians, Acosta Teich skillfully recreates folk styles from the Argentine melting pot that includes, Spanish, indigenous and African influences, including the rural chacarera of the Argentine gauchos (cowboys), Rio de la Plata candombe, northwestern vidala, and indigenous huayno from the Andes mountain region.
Dario Acosta Teich grew up in Tucumán, northwestern Argentina. He grew up in a musical family that for decades participated in folk jam sessions held at peñas around his hometown. “I learned from those experiences about a very natural way of making music, one that’s sincere and coming from instinct,” he recalls. “I studied formally, and I love music theory, but I stay connected to that natural way. My pieces come from experimentation that’s guided by a love for traditional Argentine sounds. It anchors me to the deeper, very personal reason I make music.”
The pandemic kept Acosta Teich away from his family. While he was in New York, all of his family was back home. “I haven’t seen my family in three years, the longest it’s ever been,” he says.
To maintain the connection with his roots, Acosta Teich created musical pieces that honor the musical genres of Argentina’s diverse region. ”Argentina is the thread running through Folklore,” he explains. “Every piece is a different genre that represents a different area. I play music with a mix of jazz and Latin languages, but the root is always the music from my town and country. I feel most connected to those roots.”
Acosta Teich’s core band includes Argentine musicians Franco Pinna on drums, Leo Genevese on piano and Fender Rhodes, and Julio Botti on saxophone. Additional artists include Japanese bassist Moto Fukushima of world fusion band House of Waters; Brazilian cellist Jaques Morelenbaum; Snarky Puppy violinist Zach Brock; guitarist Mike Stern; and vocalist and songwriter Eleanor Dubinsky.
Using the language of contemporary jazz, Dario Acosta Teich skillfully weaves different Argentine folk traditions into a beautiful tapestry that features stellar guitar, cello, piano and bass performances.
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.