The most significant style of music to come out of Argentina is the tango. The origins of the tango are nebulous. However, it is generally believed that the tango borrowed from the Afro-Uruguayan rhythm called the candombe and other various rhythms found throughout the Argentinean flatlands.

Like nearly all Latin music, the tango is traditionally played sans drum set. However, society bands that play this style in ballrooms across the United States require the drum set player to mimic the sounds of the bandoneon, which is the most prevalent instrument used in this style. (The great tango composer Astor Piazzolla played this accordion-like instrument.)

TRACK 63

FIGURE 13-19 Simple tango

The Americanized version of the tango stresses the music's marchlike qualities and its sultry appeal. The basic beat used by drum set players is quite simple. (See FIGURE 13-19.) Keep your snares on for this one.