Gotan Project has always lived just outside of the DJ/electronic world and not quite in the jazz/world music space either. Now they present a live recording of not one but two tours. Each disc showcases how they are able to deftly interpret in a live arena their well-thought out and processed albums. La Revancha Del Tango comprises disc one they tackle Lunatico on disc two.

1. Live intro
2. Queremos paz
3. Vuelvo al sur
4. El capitalismo foráneo
5. La del ruso
6. Santa Maria (del Buen Ayre)
7. Nocturna
8. Triptico
9. Chunga's revenge
10. Last tango in Paris
11. Sola
12. Santa Maria (version orquestal)
13. Diferente
14. La vigüela
15. Amor porteño
16. Época
17. Notas
18. Lunático
19. Che bandonéon (interlude)
20. Una música brutal
21. Santa Maria (del Buen Ayre)
22. Arrabal
23. El norte
24. Criminal
25. Tríptico
26. Diferente (version orquestal)

One noticeable difference from the recordings is that the performances have an energy that can be felt from the opening of the set. The enthusiasm of the band is reciprocated by the audience and really helps build the emotional content of the concert. There is also a playfulness that inhabits the songs that was felt in the original versions but taken a step farther live. Having heard the originals repeatedly, the songs jump out as fresh interpretations of the original recordings even though there is an obvious familiarity. This can be attributed to the rise and fall, ebb and flow, and professionalism of the band. All of the playing is top-notch but never showy or flashy as to distract from the song. Every player and every part is integral to the moment and expertly builds and delights.

Now a moment for those who don’t own the original versions- it doesn’t matter. These songs are your chance to delve into a world where the traditions of the tango, along with its usually associated instruments of harpsichord, violin and Latin rhythms, meet the cut-up world of electronica. Sounds like a stretch? Gotan Project have captured the nuances of the tango’s phrasing as well as the “old world” feel but spread out the mix with samples, delays and electronic beats. Take Diferente for example, the song starts off with a pulsing bass line and then a piano gently flows through a melody. Add the harpsichord and then beautifully mellow vocals and the next thing you wouldn’t expect - a four-on-the-floor kick snare combo. The grooves would please a “househead” and yet appeal to fans of Zero 7 or Thievery Corporation. Another favorite is Noches and the floating groove and bouncing bass will put a strut in your step. There isn’t a lark among the tracks. Each one adds to the journey and would be missed if not included.

One key component to making this work is the various musician’s ability to turn their phrases into “samples” as they take turns leading the song along. There is a fine line that has to be drawn on live electronica that shouldn’t be crossed or the music turns into lite-jazz. Gotan Project steer clear of this by using Latin grooves as the focus instead of the instruments standing out. Another problem with live electronica is the repetition factor that can lead to a monotonous set of music.

On paper, having no drummer or percussionist on stage coupled with a pianist, singer, violin and accordianist looks like a limited group for the live setting. The varied programming of the beats and the stereophonic delays and fade action are immeasurable in what is added to the proceedings and paired with live dynamics from the band are what takes the listen from enjoyable to necessary. This release is a must for your collection!

~ Dedric Moore

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