Funk Tango cover

Funk Tango

Paquito D'Rivera · 2007

65 min · 11 tracks · jazz

An exhilarating blend of Latin jazz and funk that showcases virtuosic musicianship and rhythmic complexity throughout each track.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Pere Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Funk Tango — The title track encapsulates the album's essence, blending intricate jazzy harmonies with vibrant funk grooves that invite listeners to dance.
  • →
    Revirado — Combining complex rhythms with lyrical melodies, this piece highlights D'Rivera's mastery of both saxophone and composition, showcasing the album's thematic depth.
  • →
    La Yumba-Caravan — This track stands out for its energetic interplay between ensemble members, reflecting D'Rivera’s skill in creating a dynamic conversation through music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album blends Latin jazz and funk with skilled musicianship, though it may not have a broad cultural footprint.

What we noticed

  • The album features intricate arrangements with multiple layers of instrumentation, allowing each musician to showcase their skills without overshadowing others.
  • The use of traditional Latin rhythms is prominent, often interwoven with funk elements, resulting in a unique rhythmic complexity.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • vibrant energy for dancing
  • dynamic journey with peaks
  • engaging improvisation moments
  • for lively gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward, predictable tracks
  • seek minimalistic soundscapes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Showcases D'Rivera's unique fusion of tango and jazz, illustrating his artistic evolution.
Themes
Latin jazz fusion· danceable rhythms· musical conversation
Career context
By 2007, Paquito D'Rivera was an established figure in the Latin jazz scene, having achieved international acclaim. 'Funk Tango' followed his previous works and illustrated a seamless fusion of diverse musical influences, solidifying his reputation as a genre innovator.

Tracklist

  • 1 Pere Start here 6:35
  • 2 What About That! 6:56
  • 3 Revirado 5:36
  • 4 Contradanza 3:05
  • 5 Milonga 10 5:17
  • 6 Final Waltz 5:27
  • 7 Funk Tango 7:09
  • 8 Mariela's Dream 6:48
  • 9 La Yumba-Caravan 8:01
  • 10 Como un Bolero 4:49
  • 11 Giant Steps 5:50

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata