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Monday 30 March 2015

It Takes Two to Tango


A recent acquisition from a Prestwick charity shop is Libertango by Sharon Shannon and Friends.
The friend in question on the title track is the late great Kirsty MacColl and as the sleeve notes acknowledge  this was first recorded by Grace Jones and is based on a tune of the same name by Argentinian accordionist Astor Piazzola.
Grace uses the title I've Seen that Face Before (Libertango) and the sleeve notes of Island Life state this combines the role of the Parisian chanteuse with a new more irresistable rhythm base. The bistro accordion and Grace's French dramatic asides bring an old role to life by combining tango and reggae,blending chic with street.
Whatever - it is a great tune.

Sharon Shannon with Kirsty MacColl - Libertango

Grace Jones -I've Seen That Face Before (Libertango)

5 comments:

  1. ...................I don't remember giving you permission to use THAT photo of Jo and I.......

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  2. Grace Jones' version was used to perfection in Roman Polanski's 1988 film 'Frantic.' That's when I first heard the song, and I ran out and and found it immediately. This is my first go at the other take, but I'm a big fan of Kirsty MacColl. Sure I'm going to love it.

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  3. It is a great tune. I'd totally forgotten Sharon and Kirsty's lovely version.

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  4. Sometimes easy to forget what a terrific talent Kirsty MacColl was..great tune that suits Kirsty and Sharon's voices perfectly...

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