This is not a compilation of popular tango music — there are infinite musical possibilities — but, rather, it lists my personal ‘core set’ of PRACTICE music I have found to be effective when I’m serious about increasing specific skills.
As a musician, I don’t like labels — I categorize this music simply as " TRADITIONAL" and "OTHER".
Have fun!
Traditional
- R. Alvarez Pilo (a tango)
Superb musicality & takes time to lay in expression.
Showcases piano equally.
- A. Bardi Gallo Ciego (a tango)
- Rodolfo Biagi
- El Ultima Adios (a vals) — Good and smooth.
- Union Civica (pure tango classic) — Catchy.
- D’Agostino Que Me Pasara (a vals)
- D’Arienzo Des en Canto (a vals)
- Diaz Volver—very communicative. Great rough edges. Time to play and experiment.
- Di Sarli Bahaia Blanca (pure classic tango)
- Donato Ella Es Asi (a milonga)
- O. Herrero Nochero Soy (a tango. Popular)
- A. Piazzolla Zum (a popular tango from the movie The Tango Lesson)
- Osvaldo Pugliese Derecho Viejo. Like “Volver” (Diaz) with great rough edges.
- Tanturi
- Mozo Guapo (a milonga).
- Con Los Amigos (a milonga)
- Mi Piba (pure tango classic)
Other
- Sigur Rós ( ) “parentheses” — Sigur-Ros.com
If you’re serious about getting your tango so that your dancing is “honey pouring out of a jar - controlled & sure" instead of being “water flowing out of a jar on momentum that is not controllable at each moment” you'll want to give Sigur Rós a listen.
A must if you’re a ballroom dancer and social dancer of all forms of dance, this music is good for practice getting the roll through your hips; your extensions, transfers, collections; and that you’re not falling back on a heel. Good for keeping your skills up so you can be a better follower in all your social dance forms.
- David Bowie Best of Bowie
Under Pressure
Cat People
Slow Burn
Life on Mars
Fame
Solid beats.
Helps students relax and focus on the communication and interpretation root of Argentine Tango instead of dancing the Argentine Tango like other memorized pattern dance forms where the dancer’s first priority is the memorized pattern. Helps in practicing faster tempo skills. Good for helping leaders learn how to “lead only what can be led”.
- Scorpions Humanity Hour 1
We Were Born to Fly
3, 2, 1
The Future Never Dies
Same as Bowie above plus these have some longer transitions and moments entering phrases of the music that you can use comfortably to sharpen up your musicality and your “honey pouring out of a jar” skills.
