Chango Spasiuk

PASSIONATE CHAMAMÉ MUSIC OF ARGENTINA A dynamic and sensitive virtuoso on the accordion, Chango Spasiuk is master of the Argentinian chamamé, the indigenous Guaraní term for a lively 6/8 music and dance. Sometimes compared to the great Astor Piazzolla in terms of his profound influence on Argentinean music, Chango has just released his new album Pynandí (Los Descalzos), an album that draws from the "barefoot" red dirt rural population of Argentina, and blends the rough and ready humor and fellowship of laborers with stylistic contradictions that keep the listener on his or her toes. Spasiuk's fleet-fingered runs on accordion are usually shadowed by the judicious flicker and wheeze of Juan Nunez's bandoneon (tango accordion) and the exquisite semi-classical grace of Victor Renaudeau's baroque violin. There's also percussion, a double bass and two acoustic guitarists, one of whom Sebastian Villalba occasionally contributes sweet 'high 'n' lonesome' vocals.' A 2005 BBC World Music Award winner for Best Newcomer, as well as Latin Grammy nominee in 2006 and 2007, Spasiuk's show at The Cedar comes the night before he performs at Carnegie Hall on March 27. Passionate, intense and accessible: Chango is not to be missed.

"This is the genuine red dirt article, and an equally great album...the surging rhythms wash over you." - fRoots

“Spasiuk's music has a grace and a romanticism that make it irresistible.” - Billboard

“In his complete absorption in his music, he reminds me of rock guitarist Carlos Santana. Or, if you prefer, he radiates the power of an accordion-playing Che Guevara. Not to be missed.” - Karl Dallas The Morning Star, Friday 27 February 2009

“…immensely rich in reference. In Argentina's Misiones region, the accordion – coupled with the bandoneon, Spanish and Portuguese guitars, and African percussion – took root as an accompaniment for dance, and Spasiuk is its supreme exponent. Add in the gut-stringed baroque violin – brought over by the Jesuits – and you have a unique and haunting mix. The particular strength of this CD lies in the fact that the accordionist isn't the only virtuoso: violinist Victor Renaudeau and cellist Heleen De Jong complement him brilliantly.”
4 STARS The Scotsman, 27 Feb 2009

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Chango Spasiuk

Horacio "Chango" Spasiuk (born on September 23, 1968 in Apóstoles, Misiones) is an Argentine chamamé musician and accordion player. Of Ukrainian grandparents, El Chango had a strong Polka music influence from his early days; Eastern European...