Orchestra: Osvaldo Fresedo
Singer: Roberto Ray
Period: 1932–1939
During the 1920ies and at the beginning of the 1930ies Osvaldo Fresedo's
orchestra was playing and recording in Guardia Vieja style. In 1933
Fresedo´s style completely changed. The music became much lighter,
softer, more sophisticated. New instruments (harp, vibraphone, drums)
had added a completely fresh flavor to his music. When I ask my tango friends to
describe Fresedo's music from that period, they say that is sounds like as if
from a movie, straight from Hollywood.
At the beginning I wanted to cover all of the "Hollywod" period in one post. But there are so many great songs and singers in that period, that this post would be far too long. So I have decided to cut it in more pieces.
So let's start from the beginning. Roberto Ray was the first singer in
that period. He was recording with Fresedo during the 1930ies. A few songs
were recorded between 1948 and 1950, after nearly 10 years of break.
Between the best and most known songs you'll find: Vida Mía, Siempre Es
Carnaval, Sollozos, El Once (El 11), Cordobesita, Isla De Capri. The
first 4 songs were composed by Fresedo himself. The Lyrics of those 4 songs
(and many others) were written by the brother of Osvaldo, Emilio
Fresedo.
DJ comment:
Orchestra of Osvaldo Fresedo is not played very frequently in the milongas
of Buenos Aires. That obviously doesn't mean it should't be played more
often elsewhere :). Amongst the recordings with Ray you'll find material
for faster tandas (e.g. Araca La Cana, Cordobesita, El Mareo, Telón),
but also very slow and romantic songs (e.g. Pampero, Siempre Es
Carnaval, Vida Mía). One of my favorite songs is "Como Aquella Princessa"
with its very distinctive oriental sound...
Song examples:
