Tango Paradiso

Classy Vancouver quintet, Tango Paradiso has recorded a debut well worth investigating. Led by ace bandoneonist Douglas Schmidt, the ensemble presents many of Schmidt's original compositions alongside those by Astor Piazolla and Duke Ellington. With devastatingly emotive and occasionally experimental violin playing alternating between Rebecca Whiting, Antonia Berral and guest Jesse Zubot, Tango Paradiso's sound is rich and intense. They approach this music with an orchestral edge; their sense of grandeur makes one easily forget it is only five musicians at work at once. A well-recorded effort, this innovative CD promises exciting music to come from this impressive ensemble.