An injustice to Gardel and tango
Penumbra | Atlanta, GA USA | 02/17/2008
(1 out of 5 stars)
"Personally, I'm grateful for the resurgence of interest in the bossa nova and, for that matter, the martini. So, I like bossa nova and I believe Maria Entralgues has a perfect voice for it - light, sweet and breathy. That being said, the combination of bossa nova and tango is an abomination, and this CD makes me shudder.
Carlos Gardel was the king of tango prior to his untimely death in 1935 and, in countries where tango is appreciated, he still is. The saying goes, "Gardel sings better every day." The songs on this album represent some of his best work. These are dramatic and passionate songs, often with a theme of sadness, sorrow or loss. The material is trivialized by a remix with a bossa nova beat and Ms. Entralques' breathy voice.
With so much classic bossa nova material available, why would anyone take the sharp, rough edged tango style and try to make it work with a bossa nova beat? There are some combinations that are never meant to be; for example, Hello Kitty assault rifles, Soviet souffles, and bossa nova tango.
A few years ago, tango aficianados were ready to cast stones at Julio Iglesias for his Tango. "Gardel Martini" makes Julio's effort appear quite authentic by comparison. (A thought that requires some imagination!)
If you want to listen to bossa nova try 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Antonio Carlos Jobim, or Getz/Gilberto. If you're a true hipster maybe you can find satisfaction in the weird 60's collaboration between Jobim and Sinatra Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim. But, if you're ready for Gardel and the tango, please try the real thing The Best of Carlos Gardel.
"Gardel Martini" is simply horrid. NOT recommended - run away!!
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