A recent charity shop find, of the very best kind - where I take a chance on something completely unfamiliar, and it turns up pure gold. I've definitely heard the name Astor Piazzolla before, maybe even looked him up on discogs, so I knew he was an important Argentine musician, but hadn't listened to him at all until now.
Grabbed this double set (in an old-style fatbox) initially thinking from the title that it was some kind of classical-crossover work. Turns out 'Concierto Para Quinteto' is one of Piazzolla's (1921-1992) most famous compositions, but it's only one track here in a live concert recording from the Cine Teatro Gran Rex in Buenos Aires on 20 December 1981. Piazzolla's bandoneon is supported here by electric guitar, piano, violin and double bass.
And it's quite a listening experience - especially if you're unfamiliar with the artist and his 'nuevo tango' style. From what I've read, Piazzolla's mature style from this era was the result of fusing traditional Argentinian tango with jazz and classical influences, where he traveled extensively, working in the US and back in Argentina with different ensembles, becoming a stylistic pioneer as well as a national legend. There's a good mix in the setlist here of upbeat material and more reflective, sometimes more complex compositions, and it was all an absolute joy to listen to. Will definitely be exploring further.
Disc 1 link
Disc 2 link
pw: sgtg