Tangos & Something More
Navona, 2019
8/10
Listen to Tangos & Something More
Spearheaded by the esteemed conductor and composer Alicia Terzian, the Latin American ensemble Grupo Encuentros offer a handful of tangos here, but all are delivered in unique, cultured, unpredictable ways.
“Mimi Pinzon” starts the listen with fluid keys before intricate violin enters the equation on the playful opener, and “Cristal” follows with operatic vocals in the cautious tune that’s a bit haunting.
Elsewhere, “Invierno Porteno” recruits a busy display of keys in the classical setting, while “Lloron” uses softer ebbs to its advantage in the cinematic album highlight.
Near the end, “Los Mareados” offers a Spanish anthem where power and melody are in attendance, and “Verano Porteno” finds beautiful tension between the cello, violin and piano. The album exits on “Llamado De Tambores”, where solos on piano and bandoneon complement the emotive singing.
Certainly a classically influenced record, but making full use of the ‘Something More’ in the title, there’s much lush texturing and plenty of soulful instrumentation in this accomplished listen where each track comes with a journey that’s difficult to forget.
Travels well with: Lachlan Skipworth- Lachlan Skipworth; Hevreh Ensemble- A Path Of Light