Flying straight in from a multi-country tour of Europe, their fourth in as many years, Tango Jazz Quartet will end off their South African tour in Cape Town, and music lovers and tango dancers alike are in for a treat.
Tango Jazz Quartet’s first visit to South Africa was in 2013, where they played to rapt audiences at the Joy of Jazz festival. Their blend of the melodies and rhythms of tango with the harmonies and improvisation of jazz, and their creative approach to this musical fusion, has received an enthusiastic and appreciative response from audiences in Argentina as well as internationally.
The music comes from Buenos Aires where, in the 1930s, 40s and 50s, the stages at dance halls used to be shared by tango orchestras and jazz bands, with both music genres including an important aspect of improvisation. A cross-pollination between the two styles started to occur and Tango Jazz Quartet has focused on exploring this, playing with various ensembles over the years, and with older tango musicians who played in this “Golden Age” of tango.
Over the last few years, the band has established itself on the international music scene and tours regularly to some of the most recognised and respected jazz clubs and festivals in the world. Some highlights from recent years include the Hong Kong Jazz Festival, the Sunset – Sunside Jazz Club in Paris and the San Jose Summer Jazz Festival in California.
Tango Jazz Quartet is made up of Alejandro Beelmann on drums, Federico Hilal on bass, Horacio Acosta on piano, and Gustavo Firmenich on tenor saxophone and clarinet. They have released four CDs, with the latest entitled “On Tour 2015”.
WHEN & WHERE: They head down to Cape Town, and on Thursday 1 October, play at a special Argentinian evening, presented by Nativo Wines and complete with bespoke menu, at Savoy Cabbage restaurant. Friday 2 October sees TJQ playing in the southern peninsula at the Masque Theatre in Muizenberg, with special guest Stanislav Angelov (from the Cape Town Tango Ensemble). On Saturday 3 October, they play another milonga, this time for Cape Town tango dancers, at 6 Spin Street Restaurant, again with a special menu. They finish off with an afternoon concert at the relaxed Jazz in the Native Yards in Gugulethu on Sunday, 4 October.
BOOKINGS: can be made through the venues or contact info@proyecto34s.com or T +27 84 2266 556.
INFO: Up to date info can be obtained on Facebook
