CUCHARADA
Founded originally as a duo (Sean Mawhirter/guitar-Guy Montes/flute), Cucharada has galvanized a collection of artists looking to bring live tango music to the Midwest. Now, having added Adam Galblum on violin and Johnny Hamil on bass, they have found themselves able to take on a range of audiences and venues.
With an aim to pursue the canon that is synonymous with Argentina, they intend on being true to the aesthetic while carving out their own interpretations. Some of it is time-tested material while other selections are culled from more recent "Nuevo-Tango" acts. All of it is distilled through a conception of what just a few people can do with a broad palette at hand.
With a steady base of people interested in, listening to, and moving along with the dance forms, Cucharada continues to seek out its own space within the enduring legacy of tango.
With an aim to pursue the canon that is synonymous with Argentina, they intend on being true to the aesthetic while carving out their own interpretations. Some of it is time-tested material while other selections are culled from more recent "Nuevo-Tango" acts. All of it is distilled through a conception of what just a few people can do with a broad palette at hand.
With a steady base of people interested in, listening to, and moving along with the dance forms, Cucharada continues to seek out its own space within the enduring legacy of tango.
"Cucharada is one of Kansas City’s best-kept musical secrets."
-Patrick Neas, classical music reporter for the Kansas City Star
"Cucharada's debut release, "Necesitado" is most impressive! Their approach to the music is fresh, and the end result is a very pleasant listening experience. I've hosted the group at Kansas Public Radio's performance studio, and their live performances are every bit as impressive as their recorded work".
-Mark Edwards, host of Kansas Public Radio
"Cucharada has managed to find a space in their repertoire to play for dancers as well as the listeners. Seeing them perform at milongas has convinced me that they have a real commitment to the social aspects of this tradition."
-Victor Golub, Internationally trained dance instructor
....they portend to be a mixed bag of dance and show. With this initial release ('Necesitado'), there is a certain amount of satisfying tension between these two worlds. There are many of us Stateside who would associate this music as belonging in an academic environment but the approach to these familiar themes makes clear to the listener that they should be inspired to move.
-Erik Stephens, contributing writer to AllMusicGuide
