Tierra Que Arde

The music of Argentina's rural interior is all the things Buenos Aires' tango, blues, pop and rock are not: it looks inward (mentally, topographically), it taps tradition, it cherishes family values and old forms of romance and dance, its virtuosos respect but don't idolise their forebears. Guitarist Horacio Burgos and bassist Carlos Buschini have titled their second album ‘Land on Fire’, but their folk music is a slow-burn experience. To performances of their own compositions as well as songs by Antonio Lauro, Hermeto Pascoal and Carlos Gardel, they bring a level lightness of touch and a winning serenity. Buschini's bass more or less murmurs its way through the ten tracks, and while Burgos permits himself occasional showy flights, they are brief and restrained; throughout, this is an easy conversation about whims and inchoate ideas rather than a debate or contest. Opener ‘Milonga del Orto’ is a breezy air from the formless pampas. With Argentinian Mery Murúa on vocals, ‘Aroma a Yuyito’ is a very lulling lullaby. Italian Gegè Telesforo shows up to scat somewhat jazzily on ‘El Paso del Lagarto’ but soon retreats. Brazilian percussionist Gilson Silveira and Italian marimba player Francesco Pinetti slide into the arrangements discreetly. The cover shows a run-down shack on a bare plain; that Tierra que Arde takes its listeners there is neither ironic nor unpleasant.