Cuarteto Cedrón: The Vanguard of Argentine Tango and Folk

Cuarteto Cedrón is an influential Argentine musical ensemble that has redefined the boundaries of tango and folk for over five decades. Formed in Buenos Aires in 1967, the group, led by composer and vocalist Juan "Tata" Cedrón, is celebrated for its politically charged lyrics and innovative fusion of traditional Argentine rhythms with jazz.

Early career

The group was founded by Juan Cedrón alongside his brother Jorge on guitar, with a vision to modernize the tango canon. Their early work in the late 1960s and 1970s was deeply intertwined with the political climate, setting poems by figures like the exiled Uruguayan writer Juan Gelman to music. Their first major recording, "El Tiempo Que Me Queda Por Vivir," was released in France in 1975 after the musicians fled the Argentine military dictatorship.

Breakthrough

While never a mainstream chart act, Cuarteto Cedrón achieved critical and intellectual breakthrough in the 1980s with albums like "Tango en París” and “Al Tango,” solidifying their reputation in European and Latin American circuits. Their 1991 album "Corazón de Fuego," featuring collaborations with renowned bandoneonist César Stroscio, is considered a landmark, earning gold recognition in specialized markets for its artistic impact.

Key tracks

El Tiempo Que Me Queda Por Vivir — This early track established their signature style of blending melancholic tango with poignant, politically resonant poetry.

Corazón de Fuego — The title track from their acclaimed 1991 album showcases a mature, jazz-inflected sound and complex instrumental interplay.

La Fundación — A prime example of their work setting Juan Gelman's verses to music, becoming an anthem of resistance and cultural memory.

Jacinto Chiclana — This song highlights their ability to transform the narratives of classic Argentine literature, in this case a story by Jorge Luis Borges, into compelling musical storytelling.

Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, the group continued to record prolifically for labels like Epsa Music and L'Encouragement, exploring deeper jazz fusions while honoring the tango roots. Their album "Tango Rojo" further cemented their status as elder statesmen of the vanguard tango scene, collaborating with a new generation of musicians.

Artists exploring a similar fusion of traditional Argentine music with contemporary and political themes include Mercedes Sosa, who also gave voice to the struggles of her time through folk music. The innovative bandoneon and jazz explorations of Astor Piazzolla provided a foundational influence for Cedrón's musical direction. For the poetic and musical depth of contemporary tango, listeners often explore Gotan Project, who electronically updated the genre for a global audience.

Cuarteto Cedrón's rich catalog maintains a steady rotation on specialized radio formats, particularly on stations dedicated to world music, Latin alternative, and classic Argentine tango. Online radio streams focusing on singer-songwriter traditions and independent global sounds frequently feature their seminal tracks.

You can hear the powerful music of Cuarteto Cedrón on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover their vast discography and experience the evolution of Argentine tango through the radio stations available on onairium.com.