Alma Vieja

Founded by American bassist and composer Sascha Jacobsen, Los Tangueros del Oeste is a collective venture that appears to aspire to touch just about every base in global tango. Indeed, so ‘modern’ and eclectic is this album that Alma Vieja (Old Soul)would seem to be about the most incorrect title possible. The band comprises leader Jacobsen, Argentinian singer Manuel Berterreix, Grammy-nominated pianist Pablo Estigarribia, American drummer Daniel Riera, Venezuelan guitarist Carlos Caminos and Puerto Rican violinist Ishtar Hernandez. Over 13 songs this motley outfit play through Piazzolla-esque classicism, hip-hop, flamenco, Bajofondo-style pop electronica and cheesy ballads, sometimes switching between or merging several of these genres in a single three-minute song. The acoustic element of the music is polished, with emphasis on tango’s percussive, passionate aspects, and there’s some nice bandoneón and strings along the way, but neither the rappers nor the crooners have much soul or subtlety in their craft.

More really is less, it seems, and there are just too many influences competing to create a mood or tell a story. Perhaps this is music more intended for a show: Jacobsen has hired tango dancers and further musicians for the live performances. But as a listen, it doesn’t quite work.