Sensual sounds of Argentina to wash over rainbow nation

Blending the sensuality of tango and the improvisation of jazz, Latin Grammy-nominated Argentinian band Escalandrum has created a sound inspired by a musical legend. They boldly interpret this with their unique contemporary style.

Local music lovers can hear them in April in their continental debut at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, with follow-up performances in Joburg, Pretoria and Mozambican capital, Maputo.

Founded in 2000 by drummer and composer Daniel “Pípi” Piazzolla, grandson of Ástor Piazzolla, Escalandrum’s line-up has not changed in the 17 years since then. The band has won numerous awards, toured more than 30 countries and performed at the world’s top festivals and clubs.

A large part of their repertoire is taken from the late Ástor Piazzolla’s prolific body of work, but they have also written and recorded an extensive selection of their own original music.

Described as Argentina’s foremost contemporary tango composer, Ástor was an illustrious bandoneonist who performed his music worldwide.

For their African tour, named Piazzolla Plays Piazzolla, the band will mainly perform Ástor Piazzolla's compositions in their signature jazz fusion style. Escalandrum will share their new tango sound in songs that move from moody melancholia to a bold hustle, reflecting their home city’s emotionality and vibrant life.

Buenos Aires is a bustling metropolis known for its sensual tango dancing and passionate yet contemplative locals. Escalandrum has perfected a sound that exemplifies the pulse of this city, seducing the ear, drawing one in close as a dance partner, and then revealing its depth and complexity. At times it feels sombre, sometimes playful, mostly it is beautiful.

The band is very excited about their first performance on African soil, not least because of the strong influences of African rhythms on tango music.

Pípi says: “It is always an honour and pleasure for us to represent Argentina abroad, and we hope this will be the first of many performances in Africa.

“It is a particular honour to have been selected to perform at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, known for its incredibly high standard of programming, and we look forward to sharing the stage with the many other excellent artists.

“Despite the kilometres that separate us and our cultural differences, we believe in music as a universal language that can unite.” – Citizen reporter

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