Singer, composer, and tango music icon Carlos Gardel died in a tragic plane crash at the height of his career in the summer of 1935.
To this day, however, there is a legend in the streets of Buenos Aires that Gardel’s ghost can still be seen and heard, dancing and singing at night, seducing women with his voice.
It’s a spectral tale that lies at the heart of Didi Wray’s latest offering, “Tango Halloween.”
The new song falls on the heels of her previous monthly single releases “One Step Beyond” (feat Señor Chancho), and her take on Bernard Herrmann’s theme from “The Twilight Zone.” It’s also the first song that she’s released under her name to bear her singing voice.
Those who are familiar with the Santiago, Chile-based surf rock guitarist’s work know of her other musical project, One Chica Gypsy Band, where her Spanish croon plays a prominent role. Never has it appeared throughout her surf rock recordings.
“This is something special for my fans,” she says. “As with many things I do in my career, I was motivated to sing for them. Some of my fans know my one-woman band and have asked several times that I sing a song in the Didi style — something in English. So there you have it.”
Wray handles everything from programming the drums to guiding the rhythms of her violín bass that she’s dubbed “El Chico.” And, of course, the atmosphere of her chilling guitar tones bring a thrilling, supernatural ambience to her surf-tango mission—haunted house horror with her signature flare for Latin rhythms and surfboard kerrang—produced by Francisco David, and mixed and mastered by Patricio Arias. Artwork is courtesy of Brazilian cartoonist Leandro Franco.
Keep an eye out for “Tango Halloween” to appear later this year on a new LP featuring 12 new numbers that she has in the works.
Until then, keep an eye out for Gardel in the streets. Trick-or-treat.
If you have enjoyed reading this post, please consider making a donation to RadATL.
Rad/ATL 