Festival review: Colours of Tango; The Royal Scots Club (venue 241)
The musical line-up in new group TanGo On, therefore, works pleasingly well. Three Polish instrumentalists on violin, harp and accordion, complemented by Argentine vocalist Oscar Ernesto Ovejero.
Evoking a sense of South American atmosphere in the Royal Scots Club isn’t easy however, and it is on this front that the show feels a little flat. Musically, Colours of Tango is polished and enjoyable.
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Hide AdBut when dancers Hannah Johnson and Facundo Menéndez take to the floor, we’re still not in Buenos Aires, and the movement feels a little clinical in its delivery. During a brief history lesson, we’re told that tango was once banned by the Pope for being “obscene”, but I get the feeling he would have green-flagged this duo.
Ovejero’s passionate delivery gives the songs their edge, and even without him, the musicians play each tune like it’s a story, rich with layers. But if this performance is to be elevated from a recital to a show, it needs a little more thought.
Kelly Apter
Rating: * * *
Until 18 August. Today 3pm.