8a) Osvaldo Fresedo and his Orquesta Típica (until 1966)
Osvaldo Fresedo is probably the biggest embracer of the US culture among his tango peers. Beyond pioneering the adoption of the new pitch standard and incorporation of orchestral instruments such as harp and vibraphone, Fresedo's orquesta is characterized by a repertoire and mannerisms that exude an aura of elitism, reminiscent of a Hollywood dream.
The vulgar, earthly tango delivered in an elegant style; the blend is natural and delicate. This is why Osvaldo Fresedo’s art never lags behind the milonga fashion.
Must-haves: (6 albums)
These important four albums, DBN Apasionado, DBN De un tiempo que paso, DBN Nostalgia, From Argentina to the World, covers Fresedo’s early Columbia and Odeon era (pre-1957).
These three albums, Sony Mejor 30 (2 discs), EU-18013 and Rendez-vous porteño con Dizzy Gillespie focus on Fresedo’s Orion and CBS-Columbia era (1957-1966), which includes the famous jazz-tango encounter.
Could-haves:
DBN Tango de Siempre Vol.2/3, En FM Tango, EMI - Las 1001 Noches del Tango, Some sporadic good transfers.
These four late Columbia era LP reprints in CD format include some missing tracks: CO Bandoneon Amigo, CO De Academia, CO Fresedo en Estereo, CO Tango Mio
The List
Instrumental 1950-66
Héctor Pacheco 1951-55
Other Singers
8b) Alfredo Gobbi in the Post-78rpm Era
Alfredo Gobbi, belonging to the early generation of tango musicians, is distinguished by his profoundly expressive violin playing, standing out as the most heartfelt among all tango violinists. Drawing parallels to the classical world, if Elvino Vardaro is likened to Fritz Kreisler, Enrique Francini to Jascha Heifetz, and Raúl Kaplún to Nathan Milstein, then Alfredo Gobbi can be considered the David Oistrakh of tango. His compositions embody the true sentiments intrinsic to tango, earning him the title of "the father of all modern tangos," a designation wholeheartedly crowned by Astor Piazzolla.
A genuine milonguero at heart, Gobbi experienced financial hardship in his later years, ultimately having to sell his beloved violin for a livelihood. Despite being an early advocate of cutting-edge sound technologies, the matrices (pre-1953) containing his musical legacy were tragically destroyed by the new Colombian music director at RCA in the 1960s. Today, only a few early vinyl records remain, becoming the final resort for collectors seeking a glimpse into Gobbi's timeless art.
However, many tango musicians are deeply inspired and possessed by Gobbi’s art and spirit, and they memorize him by making music tributes dedicated to him. This name list includes the most top-notch musicians like Anibal Troilo, Osvaldo Pugliese, and Astor Piazzolla. How we wish Gobbi could have left more recordings for our TJs to pour his melody across the dance floors in 21st-century milongas!
Must-haves: (6 albums)
BMG FM Tango para usted - Alfredo Gobbi
Earliest vynil transfers using the wrong curve. Need some restoration skills.
EU 17008: 1947/1953
Early vocals.
EU 16012: y sus cantores
Late Vocals
EU 14027 Instrumental 1947-1958
RCA’s earliest tango recording in reel-to-reel tape: Si sos Brujo (1953).
EU 17028: 1949/1957
Early vocals.
EU 18007: Jose Sala - Alfredo Gobbi
1958 in Columbia
The List:
Instrumental
Singers
Vals and Milongas
