[Tango-L] More On Live Tango Music

[Keith Elshaw]

I really enjoyed reading Bob's message.

He makes a  crucial point  about lead sheets as opposed to arrangements.

I also heard privately from a knowledgable person about a group he hears
frequently that he liked in the beginning but has years later found them
not to be satisfying.

That group is caught in the trap of not having more than lead sheets they
just play through.

A Tango orchestra needs a strong musical leader and definite arrangements
they play with accuracy and panache.

Lest any musician think that people like myself don't know how difficult
it all is to assemble a strong set(s) list, get all the songs worked up
and tight, and make a little cash to keep the wheels going while feeing
satisfied and motivated, I can assure I know  what you go through.

Don't take any of my words to mean you won't get support from us "dancers."

I just hope you work at it in the way Bob and his group does.

Attitude counts for almost everything.

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A little aside to musicians about Cortinas:

If you fiddle around with other instruments outside of tango, bring them
to pick up for Cortinas.

Everything from muted trumpet to kazoo to banjo. Anything.

I find that American jazz from the 20's/30's/40's really has a great tone
that matches the mood of old tango.

Play around. Sort of going "there" to get here.

I use Albert Ammons boogie woogie; Buck Clayton; Tommy Dorsey;
Ted Lewis; Jay McShann - all kinds of stuff for Cortinas (cutting
eveything to 30-35 seconds).

Crazy instrumentation can really add a sense of fun.

k