TS 1.24 - Osvaldo Pugliese 1961-62 Completo

Collection
Written By Frank Jin
Tags: Osvaldo Pugliese
Category: Collection

Samples

 
“Stepping into a solitude that was entirely his own, Pugliese remained unwaveringly determined.” — TangoSparks, 2026

By 1961, Stentor had ceased operations, and Pugliese began recording for Philips. Between 1958 and 1961, Philips rapidly signed Di Sarli, Rivero, and Salgán, establishing itself as the third major tango label of the post–Golden Age period, alongside Victor and Odeon. After Di Sarli’s early death, Pugliese effectively became Philips’ central tango voice.

Upon joining Philips, the OT re-recorded Malambaeo and Nonino. These tunes reveal clear sonic improvements and reflect Philips’ approach: distant microphone placement and a strong emphasis on overall balance. This differs markedly from the long-standing Victor and Odeon aesthetic traditions of close-miking soloists, and reflects the tendency of the early hi-fi recording era.

The orquesta's lineup remained relatively stable during this period. With the addition of cellist Enrique Lannoo in 1962, the string section gained a richer sound.

Maciel remained consistently strong and his voice retains power and precision. Meanwhile, Alfredo Belusi’s collaboration with Pugliese reached full maturity, with works such as Corrientes Bajo Cero and Bronca marked his historical importance. Their duo milongas are equally striking and memorable.

Instrumentally, Pugliese’s music during this period shows an ongoing momentum. Compared with contemporaries whose styles had largely stabilized, Pugliese continued to explore new expressive territory, as heard in Festejando, Cardo y Malvón, Nostálgico, and Bordoneo y 900. These works demonstrate notable innovation while maintaining the structural discipline developed in the 1950s.

With the release of TS 1.24, these recordings are finally presented in exceptional sound quality, offering dancers, DJs, and listeners alike the opportunity to rediscover an essential chapter of Pugliese.

The historical significance of this period of Pugliese recordings is often underestimated. First, they mark the definitive end of the orchestra’s turbulent 1959–60 period and the completion of its transition into a new Philips-era aesthetic, which is the beginning of Pugliese’s “lonely years.” Second, they also signify the end of Pugliese’s monophonic era.

Un Tropezón (1961) and Inspiración (1962) already exist in stereo versions (we do not know whether other recordings from the same period were recorded in stereo). For consistency, TS 1.24 exclusively uses the mono versions of these two tracks. It is important to note that the sources here are original mono pressings, not simple fold-downs from stereo sources. The sonic difference between the two is substantial.

Although these recordings belong to the so-called hi-fi era, the equipment and techniques of the time were still far from perfect. The most obvious example is Maciel’s climactic vocal peaks, which frequently caused microphone overload. At times, this even produces a distinctive artistic effect (e.g. Senda Del Amor). In this restoration, no special corrective processing was applied to these moments in order to preserve the original character.

After careful restoration, the instrumental recordings reveal a soundstage and sense of projection far superior to the Philips CD editions, with greater depth, clarity, and impact.

Overall, TS 1.24 elevates the sound quality of these classic recordings to an unprecedented level through meticulous restoration. We believe that their artistic value, too, will finally receive the attention it deserves from the wider tango community.

Not to be missed.

Frank Jin

Date Track Genre Singer Label Pitch Length
1961-06MalambaeoTangoInstrumentalPhilips44204:07
1961-06Corrientes Bajo CeroTangoAlfredo BelusiPhilips44202:54
1961-07NoninoTangoInstrumentalPhilips44203:26
1961-07Milonga Del SoldadoMilongaMaciel y BelusiPhilips44203:03
1961-08Don Agustín BardiTangoInstrumentalPhilips44203:39
1961-08La Vi LlegarTangoJorge MacielPhilips44203:00
1961-09BroncaTangoAlfredo BelusiPhilips44203:14
1961-09CoplasTangoMaciel y BelusiPhilips44203:25
1961-10PregoneraTangoMaciel y BelusiPhilips44203:05
1961-10Senda Del AmorTangoJorge MacielPhilips44203:19
1961-11Dos AmoresTangoJorge MacielPhilips44202:57
1961-11Un TropezónTangoAlfredo BelusiPhilips44202:42
1961-12Candombe BlancoMilongaMaciel y BelusiPhilips44202:20
1961-12FestejandoTangoInstrumentalPhilips44203:00
1962-04No Me Pregunten Por QuéTangoAlfredo BelusiPhilips44203:00
1962-04CabuleroTangoInstrumentalPhilips44203:10
1962-05Llevame CarreteroTangoJorge MacielPhilips44203:08
1962-05El Vino TristeTangoAlfredo BelusiPhilips44203:04
1962-06Cardo Y MalvónTangoInstrumentalPhilips44203:39
1962-06El PescanteTangoAlfredo BelusiPhilips44202:52
1962-07NostálgicoTangoInstrumentalPhilips44203:48
1962-07Por Qué La Quise TantoTangoJorge MacielPhilips44203:04
1962-08DesencuentroTangoAlfredo BelusiPhilips44203:04
1962-08Bordoneo Y 900MilongaInstrumentalPhilips44203:04
1962-09De Mi CiudadTangoJorge MacielPhilips44203:04
1962-12InspiraciónTangoInstrumentalPhilips44203:19
 
Frank Jin
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TS 1.23 - Osvaldo Pugliese 1960 Completo