Libertango

It seems fitting that the tango would be infused into the realm of big band jazz since the great Astor Piazzolla brought jazz instruments into the realm of the Tango 70 years ago.

Piazzolla was the groundbreaking force behind Nuevo Tango, a form of tango music that began incorporating non-traditional instruments into compositions.  Not only did Piazzolla bring in saxophones, and electric guitars, but he began shifting and shaping the musical form itself.

Libertango, when broken and translated means “Liberty Tango” and signifies Piazzolla’s switch from the classic tango to this Nuevo style. 

Fred Sturm, with his masterful knowledge of big band arranging, set this piece for jazz ensemble. Along with this arrangement, Sturm also provided us with wonderful versions of Michelangelo and Mumuki, both available through Sierra Music Publishing. 

In addition to the Sturm arrangements, Sierra Music has a hauntingly beautiful arrangement of Piazzolla’s Oblivion by Bob Curnow.