El Arranque

Journey back to 1996 in the vibrant heart of Buenos Aires. That’s when Orquesta El Arranque first ignited the tango scene. Orquesta El Arranque wasn’t always the tango powerhouse it is today. It began as a quintet, formed by bassist Ignacio Varchausky and bandoneonist Camilo Ferrero. Imagine the smoky milongas, the close embrace of dancers, the passionate strains of tango filling the air. Within a year, Orquesta El Arranque had played over 200 shows, captivating audiences across Buenos Aires. Their debut album, simply titled “Tango,” arrived in 1998. It carried the endorsements of tango legends Leopoldo Federico and Nelly Omar. This launched Orquesta El Arranque onto the international stage. They embarked on a European tour, playing at the Tangomania Summer Festival in Bologna and other cities. Back in Buenos Aires, they were chosen to close the first Festival Internacional de Tango. The city transformed Avenida Corrientes into a massive milonga. Leading newspapers hailed Orquesta El Arranque as “the tango revelation of the year.” Orquesta El Arranque’s music resonated with a new generation. They blended traditional tango with fresh energy, honoring the classics while forging their own path. Their second album, “Cabulero,” followed in 2000. It’s a tribute to the legendary bandoneonist and features two original compositions by band members. They collaborated with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and Wynton Marsalis in New York. They toured extensively across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Orquesta El Arranque continued to evolve. They released albums like “Clásicos” with their own takes on beloved tango standards. Their live album, “En Vivo en la Rete Due de Suiza,” captured the energy of their performances. They even won a Carlos Gardel Award for Best Tango Recording in 2004. They released the “Maestros” album. It featured collaborations with tango masters like Néstor Marconi, Julio Pane, Raúl Garello, and Mauricio Marcelli. This album showcases their commitment to bridging generations within the tango community. They released Nuevos. This featured original works by members of Orquesta El Arranque and their contemporaries. The album came in two versions, one with a fun trivia game reflecting the band’s experiences. Their 2011 album, “Raras Partituras 6,” recorded with Leopoldo Federico, earned them another Gardel Award. Orquesta El Arranque embodies the enduring spirit of tango. Their music continues to connect with audiences worldwide, keeping the passion of tango alive.