Musical genres have long cross-pollinated styles, and Tango Jazz Quartet is a prime example of the enchantment bestowed by cross-cultural mingling. Based in Argentina, the four-piece band mixes its two namesake traditions, as one would hear in their hometown Buenos Aires in the 1940s and ’50s. They’ll perform for you from their hometown of Buenos Aires.

Saxophonist and clarinetist Gustavo Firmenich founded the TJQ based on his love of the improvisational foundation of jazz, which he wanted to feature in his band’s music. Pianist Horacio Acosta, bass guitarist Martin Rao de Vita and drummer Mauricio Pasculli constitute TJQ’s rhythm section, and the band’s glistening aesthetic is based on the tango’s rich melodic and harmonic foundation.

“It is the first time that I hear a fusion of jazz and tango that works and makes sense,” remarked the famed French jazz and tango accordionist Richard Galliano. (In addition to playing with the TJQ, Galliano has also collaborated with the likes of bass legend Ron Carter and jazz vocal powerhouse Kurt Elling.)

International audiences agree with Galliano’s sentiments: The TJQ has toured Europe eight times, made four treks around South America and came stateside to make a stop at 2017 Summer Fest.

Pandemic-related cancellations have decimated the incomes of the Tango Jazz Quartet. Please give what you can–on show day, they’ll receive 100% of donations made  to paypal.me/sanjosejazz.

tangojazzquartet.com