With so many groups creating tango music that is heavy with electronica, sampling, etc. (which can be fun indeed) Real Tango is a breath of fresh air. This is indeed REAL tango music.

I am not an expert on tango music, but I was immediately drawn to this little CD after listening to the song samples. I own only one other tango CD and it is a mixture of tango music and electronica. Although I love that CD, I found myself wanting to hear another side of tango music without the electronic influences. I listened to song samples from many different tango CDs before deciding on this one. Although the majority of those samples were very good, I was struck by the fact that this CD sounded so much less theatrical than the others. I wanted a tango music that conveyed a sense of both passion AND intimacy, as if two people on a street corner somewhere could dance to it. I didn't want something that sounded florid and over-the-top and this CD was exactly what I was looking for. The fact that this ensemble does not include a violinist was also something that I noticed. I was amazed that such a clear, vibrant, and interesting sound could come from only three guys playing a double bass, a piano, and a bandoneón. The lack of violins and a bunch of other string instruments really eliminates the melodramatic sound that some other tango ensembles have. The sound of Real Tango is strong, bold, emotional, and danceable while also staying intimate, and what could be better than that? My only complaint is that the CD is only 30 minutes long! Still, the 30 minutes are well worth the price. I can't wait for their next release.

The title of the disk does not deceive you - it is authentic Argentine tangos, played like they were played in 20s-40s: with heavier and slower beat. I would not be surprised if the musicians, who created this music, are dancers themselves, because every single track is a true pleasure to dance. I recommend this disk especially to those, who are novices to Argentine tango as listeners and especially dancers.