Gustavo Firmenich (tenor sax, clarinet); Santiago Villalba (piano); Martín Rao de Vita (bass guitar); Ezequiel Vargas (drums)
The Tango Jazz Quartet returned to Newcastle, albeit at a new venue for the musicians and at a different time of day. The Globe on Railway Street has played host to the quartet from Buenos Aires on more than one occasion, this afternoon the audience migrated to Jesmond Library on St George's Terrace. As extra chairs were being set out, the Tango Jazz guys readied themselves ahead of a one hour set.
Bandleader Gustavo Firmenich (tenor sax and clarinet) did most of the talking, introducing each number and his fellow musicians. To quote from BSH Editor-in-Chief LL's 2024 Globe review: I made no attempt to note the titles, as, although Firmenich's English is better than my Spanish it wasn't always easy to comprende.
Milonga and tango to the fore, occasional swinging jazz, the boys from Buenos Aires received an enthusiastic reception from an appreciative crowd. Firmenich played mainly tenor sax, some clarinet, his band mates took their turn in the spotlight - pianist Santiago Villalba certainly knew his way around his borrowed instrument, impressive bassist Martín Rao de Vita barely suppressed his Jaco chops, and Ezequiel Vargas worked wonders with nothing more than a snare, bass drum and cymbal at his disposal.
The Tango Jazz Quartet's set embraced uptempo numbers, ballads and, perhaps the afternoon's highlight, a 'love song', Señor Firmenich's pronunciation eluding your correspondent's ear. No matter, it was a highlight.
Music in the Library (Jesmond Library) is indebted to Dave Parker (Newcastle Jazz Co-op) for the last minute loan of various instruments. Russell
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