Brief bio written by: Joe Yang
Miguel Caló (October 28, 1907 - May 24, 1972) is best known for
his music in the 1940s, but was a notable presence in the history of tango
music for several decades before that.
A formally trained musician, Caló studied violin and bandoneón. In the 20s he played in several different tango orchestras, and was a bandeonista in Osvaldo Fresedo's famed music group for a time.
His
style is similar to that of Fresedo (and Carlos
Di Sarli), and after hearing a few of his songs you may think you've
already heard them elsewhere. After extensive reading about his life,
and after listening closely to his music (which is hard to do without
wanting to get up and start dancing), the only truly distinctive qualities
I can pick out from his tunes are individual sections that focus on either
strings, the piano, and sometimes bandoneón.
Caló is best known for assembling and collaborating with a number
of talented musicians and singers in the early 40s, all of whom later
went on to have distinguished careers. While the orchestra was together,
it was often known as La Orquestra de las Estrellas (Orchestra of the
Stars), which eventually disbanded in 1945. Avid collector's of Miguel
Caló's music would likely suggest that you get recordings of his
songs prior to '45.
Click the players below to hear a sample of Miguel Caló tango...
Tristezas de la Calle Corrientes