Tango Project, Vol. 1

HORACIO RAVERA – “Tango Project, Vol. 1”
Pimienta, 2004

Yes folks, tango has emerged as the hot sound of 2004. And this here is the real deal. Ravera is a Paris-trained lyric tenor (not operatic but similar, with a full-bodied, husky delivery, and a flaw at the edges that makes it feel really genuine), and a prominent member of the tango festival circuit. Here he performs a set of the best-known tango compositions, backed by a string orchestra with accordion/bandoneon. The vocals will strike some as over-the-top, but hey, that’s what tango is all about!

Is this high art or the height of cheese? You decide. Personally, I can’t get enough of it!

Try any track. Fo’s picks: 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10

1. slashing rhythm, strong vocal
2. Nice! spoken intro, then bittersweet
3. airy vocal, the music flows well
4. aggressive vocal, nice lilt in the music
5. highly lyrical track, has a lot to say
6. café feel, romantic vocal, piano
7. clear, operatic vocal, nice melody
8. strings more prominent, passionate
9. stormy feel, excellent backing, strong
10. emotionally complex & varied
11. playful music, wide-open vocal

[ Fo ] – 05/03/2004