Alumnus and protege of the late, great Astor Piazzolla’s band, pianist Pablo Ziegler has become a logical heir apparent to the “nuevo tango” legacy that Piazzolla has left behind-and which has grown exponentially in renown since his death in 1992. Ziegler’s new project, Quintet for New Tango (RCA 63500; 65:20), is an impressive conceptual undertaking, a suite written with an ear for dramatic connective tissue. It features his group, including guitarist Enrique Sinesi and bandoneon player Walter Castro, and Ziegler’s own pianistic voice, one colored by his classical training. Ziegler recognizes that the “nuevo tango” idiom allows for a unique merging of classical, tango tradition, and jazz influences, so it somehow makes poetic sense to also hear, from a New York state of mind, guest Joe Lovano in the mix. Lovano inserts his tenor saxophonic bravado, with the right degree of precision and emotional vulnerability.
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