(Review by Lance).
Undoubtedly a first for the Jazz Coop and the Globe - an Argentinian Tango Jazz Quartet! I had initial reservations - I didn't know what to expect. Deliberately, I didn't YouTube them, I wanted to, hopefully, experience the 'Sound of Surprise' which is so often lacking in jazz today.
It wasn't lacking tonight - there were surprises galore!
Earlier in the day, the band had played a 'Milonga' that had tango dancers displaying their technique - and more - in the downstairs bar. (see separate review).
Several of those at the Milonga, lingered longer for the evening gig and I don't think they regretted it.
I'm not going to attempt to name titles - Firmenich's English is only slightly better than my Senegalese - but, music being an international language, - it didn't matter too much.
As someone who regarded the Tango as the squarest (slight pun in there) of all the South American dances - Bossa Nova, Mambo, Rhumba, Samba etc - I was quite amazed at just how great a groove this was! The band could be swinging, rocking, funking, jazzing or whatever, that tango rhythm was embedded in it all
Firmenich blows fruity tenor. Raspy, cutting edge, the man's got 12 fingers. Clarinet's the same. Croaky, throaty, plenty of glissando, Pee Wee lives! You want to learn jazz clarinet ? head for Buenos Aires!
On piano, Acosta varied from Jarrett-like intensity to an almost Debussyesque pastoral mode. But that was the charm of this unique band. Rarely did the tempo remain constant with mood swings aplenty!
These senors are tension building maestros
Hilal played 6 string bass with a rare fluidity whilst Beelman incorporated the tango rhythm into the contemporary jazz/rock/fusion beat.
There was also a similar situation to the Louis Stewart story and the passing police car. On this occasion, it was an ambulance siren that was wailing. Firmenich didn't let it phase him simply holding the note until the siren faded. He hoped it wasn't for anyone present!
There was a surprise ending to the first set - a couple of numbers from our own Debra Milne!
Debra's O Level Spanish held her in good stead on Por Una Cabeza although I'd have preferred What a Difference a Day Made to be sung as Cuando Vuelva A Tu Lado!
The ground floor bar was crowded and the Wylam Gold Tankard went down a treat.
Photos.
Lance.
These senors are tension building maestros
Hilal played 6 string bass with a rare fluidity whilst Beelman incorporated the tango rhythm into the contemporary jazz/rock/fusion beat.
There was also a similar situation to the Louis Stewart story and the passing police car. On this occasion, it was an ambulance siren that was wailing. Firmenich didn't let it phase him simply holding the note until the siren faded. He hoped it wasn't for anyone present!There was a surprise ending to the first set - a couple of numbers from our own Debra Milne!
Debra's O Level Spanish held her in good stead on Por Una Cabeza although I'd have preferred What a Difference a Day Made to be sung as Cuando Vuelva A Tu Lado!
The ground floor bar was crowded and the Wylam Gold Tankard went down a treat.
Photos.
Lance.
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