ToTango's "Best of The Best" Essential Orchestras   Recordings of these orchestras represent the essential SOUND of Argentine Tango Tango. Without these bands' recordings coming around consistently, a Tango evening would be in danger of not being worth attending. Criteria For Selection: - If never played at a Milonga, they would definately be missed. - Profound influence on Tango culture flowing from their body of work. - Uniquely identifiable sound, style and legacy. - Near universal acceptance and appeal to dancers. - Enough good dancing material for at least a few tandas without repeats. ToTANGO "Best of The Best" Orquesta Pages: (If you had no tango music, they are in descending order of how badly you need to acquire their recordings - from dancer/dj bias). Juan D'Arienzo He filled the halls to fuel the Golden Era. King of rhythmic style. Carlos Di Sarli Unique, sexy, refined, classic. His 50's recordings essential for teaching, inculcating. Francisco Canaro Seminal, worldy, sophisticated in an earthy way, polished. The Conqueror of Europe at a crucial time (post WW1). Most prolific tango recording artist Osvaldo Pugliese Daring, inventive, inspirational, perennial. The best dancers crave him. Miguel Caló Gloriously melodic while smoothly rhythmic. Sublime dance material. Ricardo Tanturi Anthemic, hot, passionate. Great vocalists. Pedro Laurenz One of the great composers. One of the great bandoneonists. Arrangements and playing almost on its own level of subtle sophistication. Osvaldo Fresedo Light but movingly rhythmic - more than pleasant. Great transition music to set new moods. Angel D'Agostino Infectious, distinctive, felicitous. Might not be here without singer Angel Vargas. Aníbal Troilo Grand, prolific, varied; exceptional bandoneonist. Noble, poignant passion. Rodolfo Biagi Hs piano style was kept 'till the end by D'Arienzo in his pianists. Subtle syncopation totally unique. Enrique Rodriguez Delicately funky. Totally social tango. Lucio Demare Gorgeous orchestrations and voicings. He gave us more Raul Berón! Edgardo Donato Mr. Soul! What sexy milongas! Francisco Lomuto Lovely vintage orchestra playing classic songs. Great tango, vals, milonga. Orquesta Típica Victor (With Canaro and Lomuto) best sounding link to the old, old days. Ventarron! Alfredo De Angelis Great valses. Rich orchestrations. There is a giant among orchestras and leaders not on this list owing to the slim number of recordings by them suitable for milonga play. But they have to be mentioned because they were incredibly influential. That is the orchestra of Julio De Caro - featurinig Pedro Maffia and Pedro Laurenz (pictured in the right menu). Here is a tanda I play by them: El Arranque, Derecho Viejo, Bien Amigo, Flores Negras. Also not to be missed: their milonga Saca Chispas.