The musical history of tango almost exactly parallels that of the blues.  There is even the part where back in the 1960s European musicians gave the tango vitality again, just like the Brits did for American blues.  Now the tango is in that little lag space just before it becomes even more popular.  Helping lead this new wave of dance and sound is Sandra Luna of Buenos Aires.

Luna, born in the city’s “slaughterhouse district” in 1966, has sung her way out of poverty.  Now she sings with memories that contain true sadness, but also a belief that tango is capable of expressing so much more.  Unlike some CD mixmaster revivals that begin by dubbing traditional songs onto modern beats, Luna depends on her own heart alone.  Singing in Spanish, using simple arrangements full of guitar and bandoneon, she stretches tenderness into pain, hope in victory.

There may be regret in her voice from time to time, but there is never any apology.  Her strength is her pride.  She is the one determined to mold her own life.

While in blues the traditional figure of a saucy, hot mama who don’t take no guff from nobody is a standard, in the world of tango these women also command a higher kind of sensuality.  Standing tall, Luna demands satisfaction and insists on results.

Find her CD online at www.fourquartersent.com

-Chuck Graham