Julio de Caro: the Tango Collection

I've no idea who the Tango Collection might be when they are at home, or where their home might be, and I hope someone can fill me in on that because I'd like to keep my ear to what they do. A few months ago they released the early Di Sarli sextet album, and more recently they've brought out one of Julio de Caro. A fair bit of it is unfamiliar to me, and it's a huge pleasure to come across de Caro I've not heard before. The orchestral textures come across wonderfully: how unexpected, for instance, is the sound of de Caro's violin cornetto on Jueves. Then there's a version of Recuerdo that can almost be described as rollicking, with very clear syncopation, and incredibly clear, unhurried, structure and sound. (Wasn't it de Caro who discovered Pugliese's great hit?) I think the refined energy of the playing is really remarkable, and in a quiet kind of way it swings like mad (if that's not too much of a contradiction). The CD includes old favourites too, the version of Mala Junta with the bandoneon of Pedro Laurenz in the minor cutting across the jolly whistling of the intro. One of the things I love about de Caro is how what seem to be street sounds, whistlings, laughter, strange vocal grumblings, get collaged effortlessly into his music. In the last track, for instance, Vayan Saliendo, just what is happening between 1.55 and 2.05? It actually sounds electronic! But above all, it's just how fine and enjoyable his music is, wonderfully playful with rhythm and sound. Love it.

Ah, found them! RGS Music, at a familiar enough address, Av. Corrientes 5233 Buenos Aires, Argentina, with a website. This should be the Spotify link.