Tango Music
What is called
Argentine Tango music runs to gamut from scratchy records from the 1920s
to contemporary recordings. It is virtually impossible to give general
rules for picking "good" Tango music without unduly restricting your selection.
Besides, there is a lot of variation in what people like to dance to. So
we don't even attempt to do that, offering instead a list of places that
we've had good luck finding Tango music, assuming you already know what
you want (or have the wherewithal or knowledge to make the right choice).
One good way to find something suitable is to get the name of the bandleader
(and, preferably, the year) of a song you heard a local Tango DJ playing,
and find a CD of that band, or one that includes a number of selections
from that band.
MMusic for most of the Tango Society
of Boston events are selected by local area DJs. These include
Clifton M. Chow (Primary DJ of Tango by Moonlight, Clifton has been enamored
with Tango music since 1991 during his first trip to Buenos Aires. He
Specializes in Traditional 1930s and 1940s classic Tangos and more modern nuevo
and Tango Fushion Music)
Natalia Kalita (Traditional Tango and has DJed at other local area milongas)
Sam Mane (Traditional Tango)
Norberto Alvarez (Traditional Tango)
Sorin Varzaru (Traditional Tango)
Adriana Pinto (Hosts milongas in Medford and NH and also specializes in
Traditional Music)
Many have extensive experience studying or listening to Tango
music and who continue to learn and update their selection of sound to which we
dance. We encourage you to go up to the DJ for the evening with specific
questions or even requests about the music you hear to obtain information on the orchestra, era
or artist.
Many of the
El Bandoneon label CDs from the 1930s to 1950s are good for dancing, but
note that this includes a large selection of Carlos Gardel CDs, which many
feel are unsuitable for dancing. Nonetheless, those who came to Tango
through their enjoyment of Carlos Gardel's music may find many interpretations
of his songs such as "Volver," "Tomo y Obligo," and many others by orchestras
whose rhythm are suitable for dancing. Below we highlight some areas where
you may be able to purchase Tango Music. We will continue to update this
area and invite you to inform us of sites on Tango music you have found
enjoyable on the Internet. Links below Last Updated October, 2009
Tower Records (online sales only).
They have certain selections from time to time in the World Music collection
similar to Virgin Records.
Bridge to the Tango catalogue
formerly by Daniel Trenner (catalogue
sometimes seen at local dances). As the price of many tango CDs have fallen, their
price range has become quite competitive and you get a
description of each CD from the dancers' standpoint.
Tangocd.com,
based in the Niagara Falls area of New York, also carries a comprehensive line of Tango Music CDs at
very reasonable prices. The site features fantastic selection of
traditional and alternative music.
Tangostore.com (Zivas, S.A.), based in
Argentina, has one of the most extensive collection of tango music, but many of
those exclusive CDs have been elminated from their stock. It also takes a
minimum of 2 weeks to receive your order, but it's worth a browse.
In addition to the local DJs whose playlists adorn our Milongas, there are now many DJs in North America who specialize in Tango Music.
Some are located right here in New England and others are in Canada or in New
York. All of the individuals below have been guest DJs at either a Tango
Society of Boston event or at the Boston Tango Festival. We have listed below the websites of many of the DJs who are known
for mixing music for milongas or social dance parties. York, is a
In addition to the local DJs whose playlists adorn our Milongas, there are now many DJs in North America who specialize in Tango Music.
Some are located right here in New England and others are in Canada or in New
York. All of the individuals below have been guest DJs at either a Tango Society of Boston
event or at the Boston Tango Festival. We have listed below the websites of many of the DJs who are known
for mixing music for milongas or social dance parties.
- Judith Schwartz, from Vermont, is
founder of Monadnock (formerly Brattleboro Tango) Tango where she teaches and
play music. Her eclectic collection has earned her praise and admiration
throughout the New England region.
- Ilene Marder, from New York, is a
popular Tango DJ and founder of the Woodstock (yes, the famed site of the 1969
music revival) Tango. Her specialty in traditional Tangos has even gained her
renown in Buenos Aires where she has been invited to play music at Salon Canning
(at least 3 times) and the ONLY Non-Argentine to spin music at the famed Porteno
y Bailerin.
-
ToTango, by Keith Elshaw of
Montreal, Canada, who was a guest DJ at the Boston Tango Festival. Keith's
website presents a variety of information on Tango musicality. He is also
responsible for digitally restoring a number of classic tangos and makes these
available for sale on his website.
-
Robin Thomas, based in New York
City, has served as a DJ in many dance venues across North America, including
the Boston Tango Festival.
-
Tejastango,
from Dallas, TX, maintained by Stephen Brown, is a another example of the
influence of classic Tango music among DJs. Stephen's website offers a
guide to tango music for social dancing that has inspired at least one local DJ
(Clifton Chow) in how his tandas are organized for the evening at milongas.
-
Michel Auzat,
also from Montreal, is a well-known North American authority on Tango Music.
He is DJ at a popular milonga in Montreal and is currently working on a book
about Tango Music. Michel has been a popular favorite Guest DJ at Tango
Society of Boston events.
- Tango Muse, Tine Herreman, has also been a favorite across North America from coast to coast.
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