San Telmo Lounge: Doble Imperfecto

San Telmo Lounge is one of the few contemporary tango ensembles that have found their unique trade mark sound. They clearly have established themselves among the ‘hot spots‘ of the creative modern tango scene. Composer and mastermind Martin Delgado brought in his music preferences ranging from Rock, Jazz-Rock, Tango and modern Classic composers. Thus it is quite clear that San Telmo Lounge has more to offer than several other, rather ‘tango conservative’ ensembles.

Starting once as a one-man project, they became a quartet, and they are today a septet with Martin Delgado (guitars), Ariel Aguilar (bandoneon), Lucas Polichiso (piano and keyboards), Maximiliano Natalutti  (violin), Tutu Rufus (bass guitar), Sebastian Mamet (drums) and Laura Cardini as their singer. Now their tonal scope is much richer than before, but not principally different. When you like the music of their 2010 album Al filo with its mild progressive jazz-rock influences, you will like the new one too.
The 2016 album Doble Imperfecto is meant as a double album with two different sites: 10 vocal tracks on the A site and 10 instrumental tracks on the B site. However, these two different facets of the ensemble are placed on one CD (disadvantage of modernity). With the engagement of Laura Cardini as their regular singer, San Telmo Lounge is able to follow their intention to combine a “piazzolaesc esthetic with influences of British pop and rock music”, as Martin Delgado explains. 
The arrangements are simple and straightforward, but nevertheless filigree and graceful. Cardini´s gentle and ‘airy‘ voice fits perfect to the likeable songs with their beautiful melodies (listen to Vida Partida). Since several years I salute Delgado´s abilities to write songs with intelligent melodies which find their way to the listener´s heart. However, I am unsure which site of the ensemble I like best – the A or B site? The good news is, you can have them both for one!