Pablo Ziegler: Bajo Cero

"Nuevo Tango" is what Argentinean pianist Pablo Ziegler calls his music. El Profesor Ziegler was the last pianist to perform with the great Astor Piazzolla, joining the master’s quintet from 1978 to 1989. After Piazzolla disbanded the group, Ziegler formed Cuarteto Para El Nuevo Tango, beginning to compose and perform his Nuevo Tango. On Bajo Cero, Ziegler debuts his newly formed Nuevo Tango Duo consisting of himself on piano and Quique Sinesi on guitar. He supplements the duo with virtuoso bandoneon player Walter Castro. The resulting trio makes some of the most entertaining and provocative music in recent memory. In addition to the newer Ziegler and Sinesi compositions that the Duo has been playing recently, they honor Piazzolla with two of his own: "Chin Chin," and "Fuga Y Misterio" grace this recording like a fine compliment, deepening the dark and humid beauty of this music.

Zeigler’s compositions trend toward the virtuostic. His writing and arranging are well thought out and carefully crafted. "La Rayuela" and the title piece are complex as red wine and heady as fine port. His empathic relationship with Sinesi is a plus, providing the music with the depth necessary to sustain itself, almost like a breeze. Walter Castro shows up as the smile on the face of this lilting music. Khaeon continues its documentation of Latin Music with this very fine Bajo Cero.