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Tango : The Art History of Love by Robert Farris Thompson (Pantheon)Tango Takes the Lead
Tango, the sensual dance from Argentina, is booming in New York. It's turning up in tango classes, dance marathons, and TV shows. Today, we find out how tango's gliding steps and staccato rhythms are once again burning up dance floors. Also: Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings take another vintage style -- '60s soul and funk -- and bring it up to date for the present day. The Dap King's music is increasingly sampled on rap albums and is featured on singer Amy Winehouse's latest album. Jones and the band turn up the funk live in our studio. Finally, Soundcheck's CD Picks of the Week.
Tango Fever
Tango, the sensual dance originating in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is more popular than ever, inspiring tango classes, dance marathons, and TV shows like "Dancing with the Stars." In advance of the N.Y. Tango Festival taking place this weekend, we look at the music behind the passion.
Soundcheck CD Picks of the Week
Each week, the Soundcheck staff digs through their inboxes for the best, catchiest, or strangest music they can find.
Richard Leo Johnson & Gregg Bendian, "Who Knew Charlie Shoe?"
Johnson is perhaps the real heir to the throne left empty when John Fahey died. His acoustic guitar playing is subtly virtuosic, and his music is informed by everything from Stravinsky to folk music to acid rock. Drummer Bendian reveals another side of his colorful, experimental nature. picked by John Schaefer
Who Knew Charlie Shoe? is available for purchase at amazon.com
Kim Kashkashian and Robert Levin, "Asturiana – Songs From Spain and Argentina"
Viola player Kashkashian and pianist Levin perform traditional songs from Spain and Argentina by composers like Manuel de Falla, Enrique Granados and Alberto Ginastera. Stripped from the lyrics, the album is sensual, beautiful, reflective. picked by Gisele Regatao
Asturiana – Songs From Spain and Argentina is available for purchase at amazon.com
RF and Lili De La Mora, “Eleven Continents”
Simply a beautiful, gentle folk gem, from the duo of Ryan Francesconi and Lili De La Mora. The arrangements by multi-instrumentalist Francesconi are simple, mostly acoustic guitar with cello and harp (from Joanna Newsom) underscoring the music. De La Mora’s vocals aren’t so much sung as ‘breathed’ out almost as a sigh. picked by Irene Trudel
Eleven Continents is available for purchase at amazon.com
Thurston Moore, "Trees Outside the Academy"
Second solo album from Sonic Youth member. Given Moore's entensive explorations of guitar noise over his 30-year career, this album is a pop shocker: a collection of tight, catchy songs, many performed on an acoustic guitar accompanied by (gasp!) strings. A few guitar grinders, for the purists. picked by Joel Meyer
Trees Outside the Academy is available for purchase at amazon.com
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings
Retro-soul stylists Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings have generally stayed off the mainstream music industry radar - until now. With their third album, "100 Days, 100 Nights," the band is receiving high-profile attention, with features on MTV and major magazines. Today we find out why as the band performs live in the studio.
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See Tori Amos Live!
Join us Tuesday, Dec. 9 at The Greene Space
Singer and pianist Tori Amos joins us to talk about reworking and reinventing seasonal carols on her new holiday album. And, she performs for a live audience in The Greene Space! Click the link for ticket info.
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