This video (in Italian & Castellano), is listed as a trailer. However it’s enough time to enjoy a capuccino and a peak into the life and thoughts of Felix Picherna, who if you don’t know him, was the first big DJ in Europe. He’s been touring Italy and other places for at least as long as I’ve been dancing and a fair few years more, so that’s something like to 20 or 30 years at a guess. I’m sure he’s been playing music for longer.
He reminisces on a Buenos Aires and Italy of yesteryear, provides his theory on the moon landings as well as his admiration for others with great comportement. With contributions from not only Miguel Zotto but also Osvaldo Roldan amongst others, Picherna is heralded as truly an integral part of the Tango community with his music consistently drawing couples from table to pista at countless festivals and milongas.
My only beef, is that they didn’t show him actually DJ-ing. His system is low-tec and high quality, using tapes (yes you read that right, tapes a.k.a. cassettes), he makes his track selection using a pencil to wind the tape to the beginning of the song he wants to play.
Felix Picherna, our ‘humble servant’, we salute you!
Special thanks to Gaz Blanco for not only capturing Felix’s modus operandi in action at l’Aquila Tango Festival, but for allowing me to use his pictures here and taking the time to prepare them for us.
Grazie Gaz!