I knew this was a project that Alan had been working on for quite some time. I've known Alan a good number of years, and we've worked together in several contexts...  What I didn't know is that, somehow--over the last couple years, Alan has transformed himself into a legit Tango-master. We're talkin' some crazy- Argentine inspired shredding. Alan is now, to the LA tango scene, what Slash is to Guns 'n' Roses. Very bold risk-taking on the violin...actually comes off like he's simply ringing a bell. He traversed the fingerboard like Yoda whooping the ass of Count Dooku with a lightsaber.

 

Mariano Dugatkin, of course, is mind-blowing with the bandoneon. I've seen and heard amazing performances on accordion...but the bandoneon ! Wow! I had heard the Piazzolla rep many times, but had no idea to what degree the bandoneon was such a flexible and virtuosic instrument; incredibly articulate and sensitive dynamically. It was a really special performance and a magnificent artist.

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The young man, Matias Piegari, who they had tickling ivories last night... Insanity. Oh my gawd: he played a solo work by Ginastera that really has me wanting to dig into this composer's work more. Completely knocked my socks off with its rhythmic barbarity. Like Bartok- only (in this instance, anyway) better.

 

The whole band was truly excellent. The rep was excellent. The entire experience a first rate entertainment: five stars *****.

Tinto Tango should be touring worldwide. And I suppose they will be soon. If you have a chance to go see them before they blow up and become the next "it" thing of that genre, you definitely should!"