One of the hidden gems of Argentine music makes his North American debut at Spoleto Festival USA this week. Carlos Aguirre’s compositions and arrangements draw upon the fluidity and drama of combined musical currents as he fuses South American folklore, jazz, and chamber music idioms. For his Wells Fargo Jazz concerts, he turns principally to the piano, but also to the guitar and his voice, to find lyricism and the beauty of melody. Appealing to audiences who admire innovation that honors tradition and authenticity, Aguirre is one of the most respected musicians in South America.
College of Charleston ethnomusicologist Michael O'Brien tells Jeanette Guinn about the musical culture that has shaped Aguirre's approach to jazz.