Bajofondo Tangoclub Presents... Supervielle CD - Import

The Bajofondo Tango Club, whose mix of electro-acoustic nuevo tango is fascinating, seems to be trying to set itself up as a sort of young, hip version of Cuba's Buena Vista Social Club with this solo release from youngest member Luciano Supervielle. It's an odd disc, with several wisps of tango in tracks like "Decollage" and "Perfume" or "Tanogodrome," but ambitions toward classical, hip-hop and also downbeat electronica. As such, it's not a disc that gets in your face, but floats gently and lovingly in the background, with enchanting melodies and arrangements -- a bit more than background, but not enough to claim attention for its entire span. Also included is a second disc of remixes, and as usual, they're a mixed bag. Androval's take on "Miles de Pasajeros" comes close to house and garage in its thumping bass, while Omar takes the same tunes and brings it into hip-hop noir. Calvi & Neill have three runs at "Perfume," ranging from a lovely version that emphasizes the tango of the piece with echoes of dub to more rhythmic, passionate moves. So what to make of all this? Superveille is a composer and arranger of definite talent, and the main album (at least) is easy to listen to. But a little more focus might bring greater acceptance. ~ Chris Nickson
Luciano Supervielle (a former member of the hip-hop group Plátano Macho) took part in the collective Bajofondo Tango Club, led by Gustavo Santaolalla. This is his first solo effort, "introduced" by Bajofondo Tango Club, performed by some of its members, and produced by Santaolalla and Juan Campodónico. Luckily, this is not another album that tries to make the perfect mix between tango and electronica. Although it can be aligned closely with Gotan Project's seminal work, it's more than that. There's more of a rioplatense feeling than a tango one. Supervielle has created a delicate and well-crafted work mixing candombe, tango, milonga, and hip-hop. Listening to the album, it's impossible not to think of Astor Piazzolla's tremendous influence over those seeking to incorporate elements of tango into new and "electronic" environments. Instrumental tracks are mixed with others that feature guest singers like Daniel Melingo and Cristobal Repetto. There's a new version of "Perfume," originally included in Bajofondo Tango Club's debut album, also featuring the voice of Adriana Varela. "Centrojá," "Mateo y Cabrera," and "Miles de Pasajeros" are the best moments of a consistently intriguing album. ~ Iván Adaime

DJ Luciano Supervielle started his professional career in his native Uruguay with the hip-hop group Platano Macho. His greatest fame though comes from his mastery of the keyboard backing singer/songwriter Jorge Drexler. He is the youngest member of the Latin Grammy winning project Bajofondo Tango Club and this is his solo debut apart from the band. The album is produced by Juan Campodonico and Gustavo Santaolalla. Includes the original version of "Perfume" and enhanced video footage from the recording of the song "Forma".