Chango Spasiuk has been bringing his taste of Chamame music from the toiling fields of northeastern Argentina to an ever-expanding audience. His many years of performing on the accordion along with his family have come to fruition. Although his previous recordings have melded both jazz and rock with his roots, this release is an all-acoustic affair with double bass, violin, guitar, and cajon providing much of the joyful accompaniment.

Songs are sung in their native tongue and seem to be intended for the community from which the songs originate, but one can “listen in” and find many familiar sign posts. With Argentina’s multi-cultural mix from Spain, Poland, Germany, as well as the Native peoples, the melodies are easy to grasp and the beats are infectious. Some are strictly instrumental dancing numbers, others somber reflections of a hard day’s work.

For something familiar yet not, open your ears and hearts and check out Chango Spasiuk!

-P.R. Brimstone