La Trampera

A lovely milonga that reveals the influence of Cuban habanera and Afro-Argentine styles in Argentina's popular music. Indeed, I am more drawn to milonga than tango these days, and this lively number with its Afro-Latin and Afro-Caribbean traits (the product of Afro-Argentine, Afro-Cuban, and European influences) amazes me due to Argentina's supposed reputation as a white country. Thanks to Robert Farris Thompson's excellent book on the tango for opening my eyes (and ears) to the beautiful music of Argentina. 

Milonga and Tango

Been trying to get into more music from Argentina and Uruguay these days, especially since the history of tango and milonga is rooted in the Afro-Argentine and Afro-Uruguayan experience. I've devoured the music of Brazil and Colombia, why not expand my musical tastes to include tango, milonga, and candombe? My problem in the past with milonga and tango was how European the music was, European to the point of inducing boredom. But jams like the above 'milonga' is full of passion and at times quite moving. The tension of the piece and "Latin" rhythms reflecting African influences are quite moving. Indeed, it's quite similar to some Afro-Caribbean music, such as art music or classical composers, or rhythms like the habanera.