Orquesta Típica Randolfo: Orquesta Típica Randolfo

Orquesta Típica Randolfo is a septet from Montevideo, with Andrés Antúnez (piano), Sergio Astengo and Ramiro Hernández (bandoneones), Diego Revello and Emilio Sunhary (violines), Gisselle Fernández Laino (viola) and Juan Chilindrón (double-bass) as musicians. Their songs have a highly melancholic note, even the more lively ones, and this clearly highlights the inherent beauty of their selection of 11
tangos written by the old masters.

I like most their vivid interpretation of Pedro Maffia´s “Ventarrón” with its chaotic end, but also their slow-down version of Alfredo Gobbi´s “El andariego”. Armando Pontier´s “A los amigos” celebrates a heart-breaking melancholy which is difficult to resist. Having Raúl Garello´s “Verdenuevo” in their repertoire underlines their feeling for good songs; in fact it is a wonderful more-contemporary tango pearl among many others.

Their music is very suitable for a lazy afternoon at our favorite cafe. The melodies leave the listener in a pleasant blue mood, but pull them immediately out with dynamically eruptive phases. Even Osvaldo Ruggiero´s “Bordoneo y 900” is in their version an ambivalent piece of music, starting like a slow driving locomotive, until it took up ride - and turning into a vivid milonga for only some seconds. This is enough of the candy.

Their music definitely has its beauty; it is like Cinderella waiting for her chance to be recognized. Take the time to wipe away the ashes and you will find a shining beauty.

YouTube video: https://youtu.be/fsBqTzFpVPk
Booking: orquestatipicarandolfo@gmail.com

Altertango: Radio tango

An EP is a good way to test listeners´ reactions, particularly when the musicians of Altertango (Elbi Olalla: piano; Pablo Conalbi: drums; Gerardo Lucero: double-bass; Ezequiel Acosta: bandoneon) state that, after 5 albums, they tried to re-defined and re-configure themselves in an instrumental format.

The first song of their 6-track EP is the collectively written “Radiotango”. Syncopated double bass and drums start preparing the timid appearance of bandoneon and piano with their fine melody lines, and culminate in accentuated jazzy improvisations. This song convinces at the first hearing. "Madrugón", written by Mariano Gonzalez Calo, is a bit different. It also has its slow and ‘silent’ parts which contrast with the more rapid and ‘confusing’ parts. The dynamic development might be a challenge for the dancer, but will please the listeners.

Also the other songs have their moments, particularly the accentuated improvisational parts in “Y la quería”, or the grooving drums dominated “Altermalambo”, or the wonderful milonga “Murga Sísmica” which is spreading its contagious happiness.

For me, "Las Palabras" by Edgardo Gonzalez is one of their really strong ones, because it breaks with the listeners´ expectations. Starting with arpeggiated e-guitar pattern, the piano sets its marks and the bandoneon introduces a very moody melody which is later on contrasted by heavy (distorted) rock guitar lines played by guest musician Martin Sanchez. This is what modern tango music could be and is offered by this alternative tango ensemble from Argentina: surprise the listeners instead to play variations of the ever-same bandoneon pattern. Add him to the band, and Altertango can be exceptional.

Hijos ilegitimos de Astor: Tentación Tango

The rich sound of the 10-person orchestra Hijos ilegitimos de Astor (Daniela Ferrati: Piano; Giampaolo Costantini and Alejandro Fasanini: Bandoneón; Francesca Giordanino: Violin; Aurelio Venanzi: Viola; Andrea Agostinelli: Cello; Riccardo Bertozzini: Guitar; Ivan Gambini: Percussion; Gianluca Ravaglia: Contrabass; and Valeria Visconti: Voice) makes the listener smile from the beginning to the end of this 14-track album. “Astor's illegitimate children” see themselves as both, a traditional and a contemporary orchestra. Bandoneonist-composer-arranger Alejandro Fasanini, composer of all songs, said that his “music tries to continue the path that Astor Piazzolla left”. In that vein the convincing starter “En primavera viste de blanco” surprises with various changes in style and atmosphere.
The third song, “Milonga para el otono”, is a beautiful piece of music, starting very sensitive with piano and double-bass. Then bandoneon and violoncello take over, and the song finds its syncopated evolution with jazzy guitar, drums and all strings – and ends with a ‘breath out’.
“Invierno inverso” is also one of these beautiful compositions which changes several times tone and mood, with a slow and reduced beginning and a seductive melody played by the violin and guitar, becoming a rhythmic milonga, and turning back and forth – difficult to resist

Interestingly, the composer sees the four compositions “En primavera viste de blanco”, “Verano apiazzollado para Enrique Felpi”, “Milonga para el otoño” and “Invierno inverso” as his “Four Seasons”. Greetings from Baroque composer Vivaldi.
“Altalena”, “Tu recuerdo” and “La estampita de Gardel” feature Valeria Visconti as a passionate singer. Again, great dynamic compositions touching the listeners heart.

It is really fun to listen and dive in the depth of these gorgeous and multifaceted compositions, played by a versatile orchestra. Of course, there are many interesting ensembles and many great composers of contemporary tango, but to me Alejandro Fasanini is one of the outstanding and fascinating ones. He combines pure beauty in melodic development with rhythmic and harmonic trickiness; and avoids the pitfalls of compositional arrogance – the listener is in the forefront. This music is intended to be played in concert halls, but also in the small cafes in the late evening where we come to meet our pure lives. 

Youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVpimZ0b0Mo
Booking: info@hijosilegitimosdeastor.com