Alright, let’s dive into La Violetera Guitare Tango by Alfredo Corenzo. This little gem from 1962 is one of those albums that kinda sneaks up on you. It’s got this raw, heartfelt vibe that feels like stepping into a smoky café in Athens—yeah, it was released in Greece, weirdly enough—and just letting the music wash over you. The genres are all over the place but still cohesive: Latin, Folk, World, Country, and of course, that unmistakable Tango style.
First off, the title track, La Violetera. Man, this one sticks with you. It’s not flashy or overly complicated—just a simple melody carried by Corenzo’s guitar work. But there’s something about how he lets the notes breathe, y’know? Like each strum has its own little story to tell. I kept replaying this track because it felt nostalgic, even though I’d never heard it before. Weird, right? Maybe it’s the way the rhythm pulls you in, almost like it’s inviting you to dance but also telling you to sit down and listen closely at the same time. Hard to explain, but trust me, it works.
Then there’s Guitare Tango. This one’s a banger. If La Violetera is the quiet introvert at the party, Guitare Tango is the life of the room. The tempo picks up, and suddenly you’re imagining swirling skirts and sharp footwork. Corenzo really shows off his chops here, blending traditional tango vibes with some unexpected twists. There’s this moment around the middle where the strings seem to sigh, and I swear, it gave me goosebumps. You don’t expect an acoustic guitar to sound so… alive. Feels like the instrument’s got a heartbeat.
What’s wild is how Philips (the label) decided to release this in Greece back in ‘62. Not exactly the first place you think of for tango music, but hey, maybe they knew something we didn’t. The whole album has this timeless quality, like it doesn’t care what year it is or where you’re listening to it. It just is.
Honestly, after spinning this record a few times, I started wondering why more people aren’t talking about Alfredo Corenzo. Dude had serious talent, and yet he seems kinda forgotten outside of niche circles. Makes you think about how much great music gets lost in the shuffle, doesn’t it? Anyway, if you’re into stuff that’s moody, soulful, and just plain cool, check this out. Just don’t blame me if you end up humming La Violetera for days.
