Search - Miguel Villasboas :: Cumparsita

A nice change

John Ward | Bristol, UK | 06/07/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"...Are you bored with sweaty grapplings and fevered couplings in seedy Uruguayan dives reeking of smoke and pheromones? Wouldn't you rather go for a healthy walk in the fresh air with some virtuous pure-minded young companions? Me neither. Which is a pity, as there is a lot to enjoy in "La Cumparsita", by Miguel Villasboas. The music is old-fashioned, reminiscent of D'Arienzo, but the sound quality is clear and bright, not a bit like recycled 78s. Sleeve notes are non-existent, but I have discovered that Villasboas is from Uruguay, and was active in the 50s and 60s. Bands became smaller in those years for economy reasons, hence the retro sound. The rhythm is constant, clearly defined and fairly brisk. "El 16" is a typical example. You must press on: no chance to cuddle your partner and do a lazy lapiz while you wait for the tempo to pick up. "La Pulpera de Santa Lucia" is a nice lively vals. "La Loca de Amor" is also in 3/4 time but sounds more like a mazurka to me. "El Amancer" has the usual dawn chorus, but it is done on the violin rather than the bird whistle. "El Torito" and "La Clavada" also have delightful ornaments. There are no vocals. So how about it? A bit of clean living, just for a change? It's only for 55 minutes 30 seconds. Come on, it'll do us good."