Digus Silva

Digus Silva is a band from Buenos Aires that works with tango and African rhythms. Their music brings together the bandoneón with drum patterns that feel more like something you'd hear in West Africa than in a traditional milonga. The group was started by Digo Silva, who plays bandoneón and writes most of the material.

One of their recordings, "Dos Tambores Africanos Ao Bandoneón - Tango Um Sentimento Que Se Dança," gives a pretty clear idea of what they do. The title translates to "From African Drums to the Bandoneón - Tango, a Feeling That Is Danced," which is essentially their whole concept in one phrase. Another track, "Na Madureira Moderníssima, Hei Sempre de Ouvir Cantar Uma Sabiá," shows the same blend, with the bandoneón lines weaving through rhythmic patterns that aren't typical for tango.

The lineup includes Hernán Reinaudo on drums, Facundo Guevara on bass, Santiago Di Paola on guitar, and Ezequiel Palleiro on saxophone. They put out their first album in 2006 and have played venues like the Blue Note. Their approach wasn't immediately embraced by everyone in tango circles, but they kept at it, building a sound that's recognizably theirs.