Anibal Troilo Pichuco, Roberto Goyeneche - El Gordo Y El Polaco

Pleasant and Relaxing

My voyage to the music of Roberto Goyeneche started with the Todo Tango CD compilation of contemporary tango mentioned by the previous reviewer. I have heard quite a few of his recordings since that first encounter and consider him in the top tier of tango vocalists. And as for Anibal Troilo, he could be considered the Alexis Korner of tango as so many great tango musicians and singers got their start under his tutelage.
With El Gordo Y El Polaco, the tango enthusiast is given the opportunity to hear the two masters as they work together.
Goyeneche towers above most other male tango vocalists in his ability to put real emotion into his singing. His delivery is often exhilarating. Though the entire CD is pleasant and relaxing, my favorites here are Sur, Garua, Pa' Que Bailen Los Muchachos, La Ultima Curda, and A Homero.
I give the CD just four stars despite the fact that I do enjoy it. Troilo is best appreciated without vocal accompaniment, and Goyeneche's best work is done with others. Even so, there is much to enjoy on this CD for the avid tango listener. Buy it and see for yourself! September 29, 2004

Troilo and Goyenche -- Two masters among masters.

Anibal Troilo (1914-1975) is one of the "Big 8" band leaders from the Golden Age of Tango. Many of the great performers in tango, such as Astor Piazzola, started with his orchestra. Roberto Goyenche is one of the best tango vocalists of the 20th Century. He sang with Troilo's orchestra for 11 years. They work well together. I have other Toilo disks in my collection. It is pleasant and dances well. My other Toilo disks are primarily compilations of instrumentals. Goyenche adds an extra spark of style and class to Troilo's music that makes it even better. On this disk, I especially like «Vuelva al Sur» and «Pa' que Bailen los Muchachos.» This disk has 20 tunes that are all "keepers." I am pleased with my purchase.

Goyenche's voice has a tonality that is similar to that of English actor/singer Anthony Newley. It conveys a level of "comfort" and familiarity that is similar to that of Frank Sinatra. Does this mean the Argentine equivalent to "easy listening?" Perhaps. Different people feel different emotional responses from music. Dancers seem to be more "in tune" with music than people who just have music in the background. I liked Goyenche's singing so much that I purchased "Todo Tango" on the BMG/Milan label, a disk featuring the music of Astor Piazzola, Nestor Marconi, and others. When you like music, you want to stay with the winners. Repeat purchase of music is the best recommendation there is, and I have followed that in purchase of music of both Troilo and Goyenche. October 19, 2001

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