Re: [TANGO-L] Alternative Music to Tango to

[Brian Dunn <brian @DANCEOFTHEHEART.COM>]

Russell wrote:
>Besides Gotan Project and Alexiou Haris' (Haris Alexiou's?) version of
>Loreena
>McKennitt's Tango to Evora, I would like to know some of your preferences
>of
>alternative music to tango to.

Oleh replied:
>>>
The song should have smooth
walking beat and numerous double-time beats.
<<<

I agree with Oleh that songs with emotional content fitting this structural
description would be good candidates for alternative tango music -
traditionally speaking, it's an apt description for a lot of Di Sarli.  I
note that since there's such a wide variety of styles of traditional tango
music, it stands to reason that there are also "Troilo-like",
"Pugliese-like", etc. songs which will appeal to those who like dancing to
these orchestras even in the absence of the walking beat.

Daniel Trenner introduced us to Bob Telson's "Gonzalo's Dream" from the CD
"Calling You" in 1997, and the late Eva Cassidy's "Wade in the Water" in
1999.  These have been favorites for a long time.  "Wade in the Water" also
works very well in starting off beginner classes, while Bob Telson's number
is for more sophisticated dancers (more rhythmically sophisticated, it has
an absolutely dynamite opening jazz bass line).

I note that, out of dozens of alternative tango songs we've played over the
years at our milonga, the only one whose introduction generated actual
applause and cheers after the song from a knowledgeable tango dancing crowd
was played last week, from the Norwegian tango band "Tango for 3" from their
album "Soledad".  Entitled "Grieg + Tango = Gringo, #1", it is a clear
adaptation of "In the Hall of the Mountain King" (from Norwegian composer
Edvard Grieg's incidental music for "Peer Gynt") set to a stirringly
powerful Pugliese-like tango orchestration/arrangement, with hints of
Piazzolla.  Highly recommended (and thanks to Neil Other for the tip)!

All the best,
Brian Dunn
Dance of the Heart
Boulder, Colorado  USA
1(303)938-0716
http://www.danceoftheheart.com