The following are the liner notes for this European CD released by the Dutch label Saphrane in early 2007.

If there ever were any doubt about jazz and tango being a perfect match, and a prime example of how musical brews can help transform the listener and take him to another place, then this live recording by today’s leading proponent of "Nuevo Tango" puts that question to rest. The report here from New York by way of Amsterdam is a good one, and what Pablo Ziegler has produced is a real gem.

Beginning in 1978, as an integral part of the legendary Astor Piazzolla Quintet, Ziegler helped his mentor change the face of their native Argentinean music, adding jazz rhythms and improvisation to the mix. And today, almost 30 years later, as the evolution continues, he leads the charge, inflaming the emotions and inciting all those who are fortunate enough to bear witness to his continuing musical charms. On one seductive evening in April 2006, the master composer/arranger/pianist and his frequent musical companions, Quique Sinesi and Walter Castro (in 2005, their previous collaborative effort, "Bajo Cero" on Zoho Records, won the Latin Grammy for Best Tango Album), brought all their fire and passion to Amsterdam’s famed Bimhuis and romanced the audience. It was a burning, sometimes tender affair, filled with all the vagaries of love. These guys know how to fan the flames. The heat they generated was intense. And what they created was pure delight.

The night’s program consisted of two sets, eight tunes each, and this CD provides us with nine of the best, including five new Ziegler compositions appearing here on recording for the first time: "Buenos Aires Report," "Pájaro Ángel," "Places," "Blues Porteño," and "Buenos Aires Dark." All nine convey the full spirit and energy of Argentina’s bustling capital city, its mystery, and all its rhythm, tempo, and movement. "Buenos Aires Report" delivers the whole story. And it’s a beautiful thing.


Will Wolf
October 2006