Conjunto Berretín: Resurrecting 1920s Tango in Portland

In this episode of the Tango Orchestras podcast, we take a deep dive into the Portland-based ensemble Conjunto Berretín and their album La mariposa, a refined tribute to the legendary 1930s Sexteto Di Sarli style.

Led by bandoneonist Alex Krebs, the group brings together an eclectic lineup including jazz pianist Andrew Oliver, violinist Erin Furbee, and vocalist Megan Vorster. With a philosophy of “elegant restraint,” they reinterpret the dramatic architecture of classic tango through subtle phrasing, controlled intensity, and a deep respect for danceability. At the heart of the album lies the nearly century-old tango 'Cicatrices,' alongside virtuosic masterpieces associated with Pedro Maffia. Throughout the episode, we explore how the ensemble builds a solid bridge between the spirit of the Golden Age and a contemporary aesthetic—without losing the essential pulse that keeps dancers moving.

To listen to the tanda I’ve prepared featuring Conjunto Berretín’s elegant tangos, you’re warmly invited to visit my Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/posts/2025-36-conjunto-135881623