DJ Chrisbe’s Song of the Week #28: Besame Mucho

Recently, I was DJ'ing in a location in Zurich called «Besame Mucho». It reminded me of a song by Oscar Alemán and I decided to choose this song as our Song of the Week.

Oscar Alemán (20.02.1909-10.10.1980) was a wonderful jazz guitarist and one of the great unknown talents in jazz. He began playing guitar as a teenager in Argentina and during the 1930's he was living in Spain and Paris.

He was a regular member of Freddy Taylor's Swing Men From Harlem and he appeared on records with Bill Coleman, Danny Polo, Eddie Brunner, Freddie Taylor and others.

He also was the leader on eight selections he recorded during his three European sessions of 1938-1939.

His style was very similiar to Django Reinhardt's Gypsy Jazz and unfortunately, Alemán was overshadowed by Rheinhardt.

1941 he moved back to Argentina where he continued to record and perform with both a swing quintet, as well as with a nine-piece orchestra.

He spent much of the rest of his career in Argentina, remaining well known only in his native country.

Besame Mucho was recorded 1943 in Buenos Aires. The tune starts very unspectacularly but when the singing begins, it becomes very funny, almost cheesy. It's another great tune for Balboa dancing in a medium tempo (for Balboa dancers…).

You can find the songs of the series also on my Spotify playlist. Official hashtag of the series: #djcsotw

Do you like the «Song of the Week» series? Share your thoughts below.

Now Check Out:

• Song of the Week #27: «Swamp Fire» by Ozzie & Harriet Nelson
• Song of the Week #26: «There's Rhythm in Harlem» by Mills Blue Rhythm Band
• Song of the Week #25: «Shipyard Ramble» by Erskine Hawkins and his Orchestra