Martin Alvarado and Gerardo Villar & Los Aguirre
Synopsis
Prepare to be transported to the heart and soul of tango and Argentine music and poetry in its most genuine and artistic form in a show that blends the original sound of old Buenos Aires with 21st flair.
Described as the best voice in Buenos Aires, Martin Alvarado infuses a carefully chosen repertoire, with warmth, colour, nuance and sensitivity. A charismatic showman on the platform, his unforgettable performances have an obvious wow factor, whether singing with a full symphony orchestra, a jazz big band or with just his tenor voice and a guitar in front of a handful of people.
“The world needs to experience this extreme form of aural pleasure… totally mesmerising, a tango epiphany.”
Max Reinhardt, BBC Radio
“Completely beguiling tenor”
Mary Ann Kennedy, BBC Radio 3
“One of the most renowned voices in tango in the world today”
La Radio 2×4, Buenos Aires
It is these qualities that have transcended language barriers and driven an illustrious two-decade globe-trotting touring career, 11 album releases and awards. In recognition of his significance as a cultural ambassador for Argentina, the National Academy of Tango officially declared him as a Maestro in 2019. This year he has seen that honour complemented with multiple nominations in Argentina’s top music awards the Premios Gardel.
I believe I have been given a gift to play and sing and reach people’s hearts. So giving it all whenever I have the chance to perform is my way to honour that gift I have been given.
Interview by Martin Alvarado in the Nottingham Post, UK
Martin is joined on stage by fellow ‘porteños’ from the city of the Rio de Plata, the talented Gerardo Villar & Los Aguirre guitar quartet. Together they share a programme of tangos by Astor Piazzolla and other major protagonists, such as Carlos Gardel an Troilo, plus other folkloric styles, such as zamba, from their homeland.
Gerardo Villar graduated from the Julián Aguirre Conservatory and complemented his training by studying composition, orchestration and improvisation in jazz. Among the artists he has recorded with are the legendary Argentine singer Nelly Omar. Since 2007 he has also directed a number of jazz big bands.
Repertoire
Running time about 2 hours (including 20 min interval)
Songs include
LA PULPERA DE SANTA LUCIA (Enrique Maciel, Héctor Pedro Blomberg)
MILONGA DEL TROVADOR (Astor Piazzolla/Horacia Ferrer)
UNO (Mariano Mores/Enrique Santos Discépolo)
UNA CANCIÓN (Aníbal Troilo / Juan Velich / Audón López / Francisco De Rose; Letra: Cátulo Castillo)
ROMANCE DE BARRIO, (Aníbal Troilo/Homero Manzi).
(more information to come)
Line Up
Martin Alvarado – Vocals and guitar
Gerardo Villar – Guitar
Alejandro Lera – Guitar
Matias Lafonte – Guitar
Miguel Torres – Guitar
Tech spec
Amplification for four guitars and a good quality microphone for Martin with some reverb capacity
5 microphones
5 boom stand microphone stands
5 music stands
3 stage monitors
5 chairs
Simple stage lights – they will work with whatever is available
Martin Alvarado 