Tangalo and Friends: Review

The one-off tango evening, Oscuro, made its mission to create a full-immersion event, with music, dancing, visual art, and physical theatre, all centred around the launch of a novel. Instead of a conventional book launch for his new work Slander & Doubt, author Alistair Baillie collaborated with the musicians of Tángalo and visual artist Shay Tobin to hold a multi-disciplinary evening for lovers of innovative art of all kinds.

It can be difficult at tango events to resist reviewing the shoes – the display of high-level artisanship in the footwear is dizzying. The fact that tango enthusiasts love to get up on the floor, and love to look great while doing so, all contributes to the feeling of an evening such as this. When the band starts playing, the floor fills. In this case the artists had obviously devoted great care to creating a complete atmosphere that worked to foster this. Fairy lights framing the dance floor made stepping out onto it irresistible. Artworks by Shay Tobin, though few in number, amounting to around three oil paintings and a half-dozen photographic prints (subjects were divided between tango interiors and images from nature), complemented the room. There was also a delightful display of gymnastic balances from a pair of talented acrobats, to keep things lively.

Tángalo are five musicians, who arrange versions of classical tangos and also perform their own compositions influenced by the style. Their classical training is obvious but never intrusive. Tángalo arrived at the bordello by way of Vivaldi, and give a strong impression that, when they are not playing South American music, they are playing Baroque, though Romantic composers are also freely referenced. The members of the group look beautiful, present themselves as a whole package, and communicate on stage. Everything they perform has a playful, vivacious, fluidity.

A set of waltzes was particularly captivating. The waltz is not the most common form of tango, but it is a recognised element of the tradition, and tango waltzes are profoundly romantic in character.  In fact, the version of Sueña played as part of this sequence may possibly be the most romantic piece of music I have ever heard.

Exuberant without sacrificing structure, virtuosic without losing its heart; it is such a pleasure to see this high a standard of musicianship coupled with such enthusiasm for atmosphere and presentation.

Tángalo are:

Emily-Rose Sarkova – Artistic Director, Arranger & Composer, Accordion, Vocals

Owen Salomé – Artistic Director, Arranger & Composer, Flute & Guitar, Vocals

Susie Bishop – Violin & Lead Vocals

Amy Putt – Piano

Johan Delin – Double Bass

If you would like to help support Tángalo’s next recording, or pre-purchase their album, you can find information on how to donate here. 

Tangalo