We've had an album with covers in the style of Miguel Caló featured here recently, and so I thought I would make a tanda in the same spirit. And why not highlight more than one orchestra? In fact, let's mix them up!
The plan
More bandoneóns, more violins, more violins, more soundwaves. I want a full orchestral sound that Mr. Caló deserves. The tempos should not dip below the normal walking beat (60 BPM). I've got some beautiful Trenzas at 55 BPM that I will leave aside today.
Structure
Opening the tanda is Collectif Roulotte Tango canta Gaspar Pocai with Qué falta que me hacés. Recorded in 2012 for their album Muñeca mecánica, it's a majestic take that rivals Caló/Podestá classic from 1963. Unfortunately, Roulotte is neither on Spotify nor on Youtube (not that I blame them), and the video below is a live performance.
Sexteto Cristal plays in a noble, restrained fashion that lends itself nicely to Caló's song, recorded originally with Podestá. Their version of Dos fracasos calms down the mood one notch. I wanted to take a step back to give the dancers a chance to digest the opener.
Orquesta Típica Sans Souci is represented with Si yo pudiera comprender, originally recorded by Caló with Iriarte. It continues in the mood of the previous track, a shade or two darker.
Now, I don't know if you're going to hate me for it, but I decided to end on a positive note. There's been enough suffering in this tanda if you ask me. Romantica Milonguera likes to put a smile on your face, and they will do it here with Roberto Minondi singing Rebeldía.
Usage
Anywhere a nice romantic tanda would be applicable. If I needed a dramatic ending instead, I would swap Rebeldía for Trenzas, which would send me looking for something else to replace Si yo pudiera comprender so that Sans Souci would only be represented once. I quite like La vi llegar by Orquesta típica Villa Urquiza, perhaps I would use that for the #3 spot.
image credit goes to engin akyurt