Ernesto Fama - Discography

DISCOGRAPHY - 1927-1941 - DISCOGRAFIA

I am writing these lines just a few days before the 100th anniversary of the birthday of Ernesto Famá (born 18-08-1908, deceased 19-07-1984). In my opinion one of the best estribillistas (or refrain singers), and later cantor de orquesta (orchestra singer), during the second quarter of the 20th century. His voice, and the way he used it, merged very well with the sonority of the orchestras in those days. This was the role of the estribillista : being just one more "instrument" in the orchestra. Especially, I have always appreciated the avoidance of the exces of pathos that will change tango so much, many years later, when the cantores solistas (solo singers) took over, almost modifying tango into a different genre.

Ernesto Famá is also the "great invisible": very little can be found on his life or his carreer. Not in the usual books and revistas... at least not in those available to me. Not on the internet, with one single exception: a short biography by Néstor Pinsón published by Todotango (Spanish - English).

Francisco Canaro, with whom Ernesto Famá worked during the larger part of his carreer, writes in his memoirs a single line:

"Ernesto Famá, que fue en mi orquesta una gran atracción, actuó conmigo en dos ocasiones, y llegó a ser la máxima de los cantores de orquesta." (Cap.XI: Los cantores de mi orquesta)
(Ernesto Fama, who was a point of attraction in my orchestra, worked with me on two occasions, and eventually belonged to the top of the orchestra singers)

Punto ! That's it, no more, no less...

The same holds for discographical data: I was not able to locate a source for it. Therefore I decided to compile a Famá-discography, which I present here, primarily based on the discographies of the orchestras that he worked with (Osvaldo Fresedo, Orquesta Típica Víctor, Carlos Di Sarli, Francisco Canaro), supplemented with additional data.

Gracias a los amigos de "La Mesa del Café" por su ayuda...

Johan, 07-08-2008

Home

1. Overview
2. 1927-1928, with Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)
3. 1929-1931, the RCA-Víctor years... and a bit of Odeon !
(Orq. Típica Víctor, Carlos Di Sarli, Juan Canaro, some Francisco Canaro and others....)
4. 1931, a brief Columbia intermezzo
5. 1932-1935, with Francisco Canaro (Odeon)
6. 1934-1939, to the movies... - Famá solista
7. 1939-1941, with Francisco Canaro (Odeon)
8. The cantor de orquesta never dies, some just fade away...

Alphabetical index

Updates

1. Overview

Although I tried to verify all data by using different sources (where available), I cannot claim with 100% certainty that the presented discography is complete - or for that matter: error-free. But with 360 recordings I seem to get close to the approximate number that has been quoted once.
This is an overview of the number of recordings listed here, split up by orchestra and period:

Accompaniment Label Year #

Osvaldo Fresedo Odeon 1927-1928 69

Orq. Típica Victor RCA Victor 1929-1931 17

Orq. Típica Porteña RCA Victor 1930 2

Adolfo Carabelli RCA Victor around 1930 ? 1

(with guitar accompaniment) RCA Victor 1930 2 Solista

(unknown) RCA Victor 1930 2 Solista

Carlos Di Sarli RCA Victor 1930-1931 9

Francisco Canaro Odeon 1930 5 Audition recordings

Juan Canaro RCA Victor 1931 5

Orq. Típica Columbia Columbia 1931 2

Francisco Canaro Odeon 1932-1935 160

Francisco Lomuto sound track 1934 or 1935 1

Alberto Gambino Odeon 1936 8 Solista

Francisco Canaro Odeon 1939-1941 80

TOTAL
362

Update - 22-04-2014
- with Osvaldo Fresedo: Bajo El Disfraz now confirmed
- note added on some doubts about Famá recordings with Canaro (1935)
- note added on "Por Vos Yo Me Rompo Todo"

Update - 31-08-2010
One up... one down...
- In spite of being documented otherwise, there is now agreement (in La Mesa del Café) that "Sobre las olas" is instrumental.
- Added "Primavera de Amor", a vals with Canaro - thanks to C. Lanner for this and other suggestions
- Finally, fixed author and style information of "La Canción del Camino", thanks again Christoph.

Update - 20-07-2010
- Note added to Santa Paula/Promesa Gaucha regarding estribillista Viola
- A Toda Vela and Tierra Hermana, already mentioned in an earlier update, are now confirmed to have Famá as estribillista
- reversed the order of the updates, most recent now coming first

Update - 22-06-2010

The long awaited Buenos Aires Tango Club CD has finally arrived and the participation of Famá in "Música de Calesita" can now be confirmed.
Note added to Dama Española (with a small adjustment of the recording date). More data added to No Te Fies Nunca de las Rubias (with Carabelli).

Update - 20-01-2010

Two titles with Canaro added: Yo Te Lo Arreglo Todo (Gracias César !) and Fin de Fiesta, nothing special about them but they got lost during the initial "production process".

Three more titles are still awaiting confirmation:
- with the Orq. Típica Victor (1930) : Música de Calesita (conflicting data, most assertions that Ernesto Fama is involved seem to be derived from a single source, an Akihito Baba volume, unfortunately not available to me)
- with Juan Canaro (1931) : Cielito Lindo and Santa Paula, these are supposed to be solista versions, therefore the latter is distinct from the estribillista version already mentioned.

Update - 01-06-2009

Two titles had to be removed: Fenómeno and Ya No Cantas Más. In spite of being listed in some sources as performed by Famá, it has now been demonstrated that they are instrumental (Gracias Gonzalo).
A note was added on the duo versión of Apasionadamente.

Update - 24-02-2009

Following titles were added
- with the Orq. Típica Porteña : En La Boca Del Yagüari
- with Osvaldo Fresedo : Besos Que Matan, Para Vos, Andate Con La Otra, Cómo Se Guarda Un Tesoro, Chanta Cuatro, Marcha Atrás, Ojos Matreros,

The Fresedo recordings belong to a series with contradicting information: some were indeed discarded as instrumental, the presence of Ernesto Famá has been confirmed in the ones listed above (Gracias César !). Others are still awaiting confirmation (or refutal): Bajo El Disfraz (confirmed), Cruz al Pago, Cuando Era Buena, Qué Sabe La Gente, Tierra Hermana, A Toda Vela, La Hija de Japonesita, Canto de Amor and Pobre Cieguita (all from 1928).

2. 1927-1928, with Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)

Ernesto Famá, from Italian-Spanish origin, was born in Buenos Aires (Capital Federal) in 1908, He started singing in theatres and was subsequently, nearly 20 years old, engaged by Osvaldo Fresedo. Osvaldo Fresedo had started recording with his own orchestra in 1922, and in 1927 decided to add an estribillista to his formation: Juan Carlos Thorry. Ernesto Famá replaced him, according to some in 1928. But the discography of Fresedo shows that already in 1927 some (but isolated) recordings were made with Famá. Perhaps these were auditioning recordings (we'll see a more significant example later on). Anyhow, Famá will participate in more than 50 recordings in the year 1928 (in the studio - not on stage) and will eventually be invited to join Fresedo on his tour to Paris, which started in October of that year. Just before leaving, from August on, he shared the estribillista role with Antonio Buglione. (continue)

Style and
recording date Accompaniment
and label Title and authors

Tango
27-09-1927 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Madre Mía
(O. Fresedo, E. Fresedo)

Tango
22-12-1927 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Francesita Linda
(J.M. Rizzuti) Recorded twice that day, and one more time on 28-02-1928. It is not clear which version was eventually edited.

Tango
02-02-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Dejalo A Ese Malo
(F. Germino) Recorded twice that day, and one more time on 12-03-1928. It is not clear which version was eventually edited.

Tango
02-02-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Tiento E' Zorro
(B.M. Chapela)

Tango
02-02-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Mi Alhaja
(C. Gardel, J. Razzano)

Tango
02-02-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Canción De Cuna
(J.M. Rizzuti, J.D. Gómez)

Tango
02-02-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) De Puro Guapo
(J.C.F. Díaz, R. Iriarte)

Tango
02-02-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Lechuza
(J. Navarrine, A. Navarrine)

Tango
02-02-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Acosta En Punta
(V. Lagretta)

Tango
02-02-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Besos Que Matan
(G.D. Barbieri, E. Cárdenas) In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme is listed as instrumental.

Tango
07-02-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Che Papusa Oí
(G.M. Rodriguez, E. Cadícamo)

Tango
07-02-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Campanita
(J. Polito, S. Polito)

Tango
07-02-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Qué Lindo Es Estar Metido
(E. Delfino, P. Contursi, D. Parra)

Tango
07-02-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Vida Rea
(N. Vaccaro)

Tango
07-02-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Maldonado
(L.N. Visca)

Tango
07-02-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Nobleza
(E. Rovati)

Vals
07-02-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Rosas De Abril
(R. Rossi, E. Cárdenas)

Tango
24-02-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Mueble Viejo
(R. De los Hoyos, A. Crespo)

Tango
24-02-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Bonsoir Monsieur
(O.N. Fresedo) In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme is listed as instrumental. But from a digitized version available from http://www.acceder.gov.ar this is very likely interpreted by Ernesto Famá.

Tango
24-02-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Pucherito
(G. Armani) In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich the estribillista remains unidentified. Unfortunately I could never locate this recording to verify that it is really Famá. On the other hand, there is no indication of other estribillistas singing with Fresedo at that time. Therefore, until proof of the contrary....

Tango
24-02-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Seguiras La Caravana
(P.A. Ferro)

Tango
24-02-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Milonguero Viejo
(C. Di Sarli, E.C. Sotelo)

Tango
28-02-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Coperita Posta
(R. Sciammarella, L.A. Alonso)

Tango
28-02-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Amigablemente
(R. Iriarte, F. Diaz) In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich the estribillista remains unidentified. On an old audio tape edition by Akihito Baba, he is identified as Ernesto Famá.

Tango
28-02-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) El Barrio Murmura
(C. Fama)

Tango
06-03-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Juguete De Amor
(J. Bonnet, I. Bonnet) In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme (as Juguete de mi amor) is listed as instrumental. On a CD edition by Akihito Baba, the estribillista is identified as Ernesto Famá.

Tango
06-03-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Perdone Amigazo
(J.J. Furio)

Tango
06-03-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Bajo El Disfraz
(E. Armani, A.J. Tagini) In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme is listed as instrumental. Lefcovich mentions Eduardo Armani, (Nicolas?) Vaccaro and Eduardo Escariz Mendez as authors while on at least one music sheet edition the authors are Eduardo Armani (composer) and Armando J. Tagini (lyrics).

Tango
06-03-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Funyi Claro
(N. Vaccaro, E.E. Méndez)

Tango
12-03-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Tu Disfraz
(A. Danesi)

Tango
12-03-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Una Vida
(A. Danesi) In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme is listed as instrumental. On the Blue Moon CD "Osvaldo Fresedo : Arrabalero (1927-28)" it can be heard that the estribillista is Ernesto Famá.

Tango
20-03-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Chingolito
(A. Scatasso, E. Bianchi)

Tango
20-03-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Pobre Gringo
(A. Scatasso, A. Vaccarezza, J.A. Caruso)

Tango
20-03-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Para Vos
(E. Franceschi) In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme is listed as instrumental.

Tango
27-03-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Dejá Que La Gente Diga
(R. De los Hoyos, L.B. Herrera) In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme is listed as instrumental. On an old audio tape edition by Akihito Baba, the estribillista can be identified as Ernesto Famá.

Tango
27-03-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Quema Esas Cartas
(R.d.los Hoyos, M. Romero) In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme is listed as instrumental. On several reeditions, the estribillista can be identified as Ernesto Famá.

Tango
03-04-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Andate Con La Otra
(C.V.G. Flores, E. Dizeo) In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme is listed as instrumental.

Tango
10-04-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Caridad
(R.L. Brignolo)

Tango
10-04-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Cómo Se Guarda Un Tesoro
(C.H. Portela) In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme is listed as instrumental.

Tango
24-04-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Era De Ley
(V.R. Carmona) In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme is listed as instrumental. On an old audio tape edition by Akihito Baba, he is identified as Ernesto Famá.

Tango
24-04-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Simpática Muchachita
(C. Marcucci) In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme is listed as instrumental. On several reeditions, the estribillista can be identified as Ernesto Famá.

Tango
03-05-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) El Carrerito
(R. De los Hoyos, A. Vaccarezza)

Tango
03-05-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Llevátelo Todo
(R. Sciammarella)

Tango
03-05-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Esta Noche Me Emborracho
(E.S. Discépolo)

Tango
05-06-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Corazón Pa'que Lloras
(P.A. Ferro)

Tango
05-06-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Como El Humo
(M.G. Servetto)

Tango
13-06-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) La Ultima Carta
(J.J. Airaldi)

Tango
13-06-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Viva La Patria
(A. Scatasso, A. Vaccarezza)

Tango
18-06-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Pasión
(J.M. Rizzuti)

Tango
18-06-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) La Vieja Está En La Cueva
(F. Della Rocca, P. Della Rocca)

Tango
18-06-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Yo Soy Un Tipo Bien
(J. Piris)

Tango
26-06-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Barrio Piñeiro
(R. Tuegols, D. Precona) In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme is listed as instrumental but is very likely interpreted by Ernesto Famá.

Tango
26-06-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Chanto Cuatro
(E. Cadícamo) In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme is listed as instrumental.

Tango
26-06-1928
Osvaldo Fresedo

(Odeon)
Tierra Hermana
(G.D Barbieri, E. Cardenas) In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme is listed as instrumental.

Tango
03-07-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Qué Vachaché
(E.S. Discépolo)

Tango
03-07-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Hijos De Nadie
(J. Maglio) In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme is listed as instrumental. On an old audio tape edition by Akihito Baba, he is identified as Ernesto Famá.

Tango
03-07-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) A Toda Vela
(F.J. Lomuto, Dante) In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme is listed as instrumental.

Tango
10-07-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Mentiras
(L. Minervini, F.G. Jiménez)

Tango
10-07-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Madrigal Criollo
(A. Muzzi)

Tango
17-07-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Guitarra Gaucha
(C.A. Sanchez) In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme is listed as instrumental. On several reeditions, the estribillista can be identified as Ernesto Famá.

Tango
17-07-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Ríe, Arlequin
(E. Famá)

Tango
17-07-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Mi Ultima Noche
(E. Armani)

Tango
11-08-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Pero Yo Sé
(A. Maizani)

Tango
11-08-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Haceme Caso A Mi
(M. De la Torre, G.M. Rodriguez)

Tango
14-08-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Pim... Pam... Pum
(E.P. Delfino, A. Vacarezza)

Tango
14-08-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Marcha Atrás
(E.P. Delfino, R. Bustamante) In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme is listed as instrumental

Tango
02-10-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Ojos Matreros
(R. Montés) In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme is listed as instrumental

Tango
09-10-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Alma En Pena
(A. Aieta, F.G. Jiménez)

Tango
09-10-1928 Osvaldo Fresedo
(Odeon) Piedad
(C. Percuocco, L. De Biase) After the orchestral introduction, the estribillo is accompanied by guitars, rather unusual for Fresedo at that time...

3. 1929-1931, the RCA-Victor years... and a bit of Odeon !

According to his own words, in a 1977 interview (cited by Néstor Pinsón in the already mentioned Todotango article), Ernesto Famá returned penniless from France and was rescued by Carlos Di Sarli. Discographical data however show that he already worked with the Orquesta Típica Victor before joining Di Sarli. During that period he recorded also at least once with the Orquesta Típica Porteña, one of the other in-house orchestras of the RCA-Victor label. I also found one recording with the orchestra directed by Adolfo Carabelli, the artistic director of the RCA Victor label and creator of the Orquesta Típica Victor. I have no discographical details but, undoubtedly, it belongs to this same period. (continue)

Style and
recording date Accompaniment
and label Title and authors

Tango
10-10-1929 Orq. Típica Victor
(RCA Victor) Almas Gemelas
(J. Salone, L. Jacobone)

Tango
10-10-1929 Orq. Típica Victor
(RCA Victor) No Es Por Hablar Mal
(E. Delfino, M. Romero)

Tango
29-10-1929 Orq. Típica Victor
(RCA Victor) Pavote
(A. Barone, D.C. Franquetti)

Tango
11-12-1929 Orq. Típica Victor
(RCA Victor) Payuca
(R. Thuillier)

Vals
11-12-1929 Orq. Típica Victor
(RCA Victor) Sobre Las Olas
(J. Rosas) instrumental !!

Tango
15-01-1930 Orq. Típica Victor
(RCA Victor) Embretao
(P. Vergez, J.M. Velich, Villador) instrumental !!

Tango
15-01-1930 Orq. Típica Victor
(RCA Victor) La Pena De Un Metejon
(J.C. Rodríguez, E. Lascano)

Ranchera
18-03-1930 Orq. Típica Victor
(RCA Victor) Como Anillo Al Dedo
(A.R. Avilés, F. Brancatti) On record nr. 47358, the title is printed as "Como aniyo al dedo"

Tango
18-03-1930 Orq. Típica Victor
(RCA Victor) Tardecita Gris
(C. Ortiz, J. Sarcione)

Tango
20-03-1930 Orq. Típica Victor
(RCA Victor) Cocoliche
(E. Nobile, L. Cosenza, D.A. Linyera)

Tango
20-03-1930 Orq. Típica Victor
(RCA Victor) Queja Melodiosa
(J.M. Rizzuti, N. López, O. Montenegro)

Tango
07-05-1930

Orq. Típica Victor

(RCA Victor)
Música de Calesita
(C. Castillo, J.G. Castillo)

Tango
04-06-1930 Orq. Típica Victor
(RCA Victor) Hoyitos
(A.J. Torrado, C. De Miguel)

Tango
05-06-1930 Orq. Típica Victor
(RCA Victor) Sacate El Antifaz
(O. Romanelli, A. Munilla)

Tango
10-09-1930 Orq. Típica Victor
(RCA Victor) Herida Que Sangra
(P. Clausi, N. Pavia)

Tango
10-09-1930 Orq. Típica Victor
(RCA Victor) Milonga ¿Por Que Lloras?
(E. Cadícamo)

Tango
10-09-1930 Orq. Típica Victor
(RCA Victor) Sos Vos? Que Cambiada Estas!
(E. Donato, C. Flores)

Tango
16-09-1930 Orq. Típica Porteña
(RCA Victor) El Flete
(V. Greco, G. Gradito)

Vals
05-06-1931 Orq. Típica Porteña
(RCA Victor) En La Boca Del Yaguari
(A. De Nava, P. Capodilupo) Duo with Martin Correa - the actual title on the record is: "En la Boca 'El Yaguary"

Vals
09-06-1931 Orq. Típica Victor
(RCA Victor) Angustia
(O.C. Montenegro)

Tango
09-06-1931 Orq. Típica Victor
(RCA Victor) Carillón De La Merced
(E.S. Discépolo, A.Le Pera)

Foxtrot
(date unknown) Adolfo Carabelli Orq.
(RCA Victor) No Te Fies Nunca De Las Rubias
(L. Más, A. Schujer) Appears on record n°47256 (together with the instrumental foxtrot Estoy Loca Por La Bocina Del Automovil). The record number suggests that it was recorded somewhere in october or november of the year 1929, coinciding with the first recordings with the Orquesta Típica Victor

In that same period he recorded also as a soloist singer, some with guitar accompaniment. (continue)

Style and
recording date Accompaniment
and label Title and authors

???
10-01-1930 (unknown)
(RCA Victor) Engrupido
(???) Famá solista - unconfirmed if it is the tango by Adolfo A. Mondino

???
10-01-1930 (unknown)
(RCA Victor) Y A Mi Que Me Importa
(???) Famá solista - unconfirmed if it is the tango by Elvino Vardaro & Eduardo Moreno

Vals
21-03-1930 (guitars)
(RCA Victor) Rosamel
(C.Di Sarli, A.T. Oro) Famá solista

Tango
21-03-1930 (guitars)
(RCA Victor) Tardecita Gris
(C. Ortiz, J. Sarcione) Famá solista

It must have been a small world in those days. Always the same names show up, be it in different combinations. In 1926, Carlos Di Sarli was a pianist in the Fresedo orchestra (at that time performing with Juan Carlos Thorry, who preceeded Ernesto Famá). In 1927, Carlos Di Sarli formed his own sexteto. He started recording at the end of 1928 and one year later incorporated his first estribillista Santiago Devin, succeeded in 1930 by Ernesto Famá. One more time his role remains confined to the recording studios.

Although I have presented the recordings with the Orq. Típica Victor and the Carlos Di Sarli in separate tables, the recordings with the Orq. Típica Victor and the sexteto alternated in time (06-1930 with Orq. Típica Victor, 09-1930 with Di Sarli, 06-1931 again with both Orq. Típica Victor and Di Sarli, etc...).

Is this a highlight in the carreer of Ernesto Famá? Maybe the word does not apply to the modesty with which he fulfilled his task, and it is difficult to separate the contribution of Famá from the magnificence of the sexteto. All I can say is: the combination of the sexteto with Famá definitely worked... (continue)

Style and
recording date Accompaniment
and label Title and authors

Tango
03-09-1930 Carlos Di Sarli Sexteto
(RCA Victor) Chau Pinela
(H. Castiglione)

Tango
03-09-1930 Carlos Di Sarli Sexteto
(RCA Victor) Por La Pinta
(F. Franco, J.De Grandis)

Tango
04-11-1930 Carlos Di Sarli Sexteto
(RCA Victor) Que Torcido Andás Julián
(F. Frontera, E. Cadícamo)

Tango
04-11-1930 Carlos Di Sarli Sexteto
(RCA Victor) La Estancia
(P. Castellanos)

Tango
04-11-1930 Carlos Di Sarli Sexteto
(RCA Victor) Flora
(A.P. Berto)

Tango
03-06-1931 Carlos Di Sarli Sexteto
(RCA Victor) Sobre El Pucho
(S. Piana, J.G. Castillo)

Tango
23-06-1931 Carlos Di Sarli Sexteto
(RCA Victor) La Baguala
(J. Pérez, E.C. Sotelo)

Tango
23-06-1931 Carlos Di Sarli Sexteto
(RCA Victor) La Ofrenda
(C. Romeu)

Tango
14-08-1931 Carlos Di Sarli Sexteto
(RCA Victor) Maldita
(A. Rodio, C.E. Flores)

Surprise ! While Ernesto Famá was working for the RCA Victor label, a set of 5 recordings shows up, for the Odeon label, and with Francisco Canaro. Canaro, always scouting for new talent, had already remarked Famá and possibly these are a set of test or audition recordings (some of them were actually edited, "Lo Han Visto Con Otra" with great success). It will take another year before their colaboration becomes a fact. [Also Roberto Maida made 2 audition recordings with Canaro that year, but he will have to wait until 1935 before joining the Canaro orchestra, in fact until Famá will leave.] (continue)

Style and
recording date Accompaniment
and label Title and authors

Tango
24-09-1930 Francisco Canaro
(Odeon) Lo Han Visto Con Otra
(H. Pettorossi)

Tango
24-09-1930 Francisco Canaro
(Odeon) Así Canto Yo
(E.E. Méndez, G. De Leone)

Foxtrot
13-10-1930 Francisco Canaro
(Odeon) El Gringo Bonachón
(R. Neira, E. Bidard)

Marcha
13-10-1930 Francisco Canaro
(Odeon) Bravos Cadetes
(J. Canaro)

Foxtrot
13-10-1930 Francisco Canaro
(Odeon) Las Obreritas Chilenas
(V. Barone)

The RCA Victor period is concluded with a few recordings with the orchestra of Juan Canaro (brother of Francisco) .
Note that I have not included "Ahí Va El Dulce". On the El Bandoneón volume n°116 "20 Orquestas Olvidadas", this title appeas as performed by Ernesto Famá with the Juan Canaro Quinteto (without more details). But in my opinion this is the (slightly accelerated) 1939 recording with Andrés Falgas. (continue)

Style and
recording date Accompaniment
and label Title and authors

Tango
05-10-1931 Juan Canaro
(RCA Victor) Cara Sucia
(F. Canaro, J.A. Caruso)

Tango
05-10-1931 Juan Canaro
(RCA Victor) Santa Paula
(J. Canaro, O.S. Cordero)

Santa Paula and Promesa Gaucha were edited together on the Victor record n°37083. On all modern editions (Euro Records, Akihito Baba...) Ernesto Fama is confirmed as the estribillista. Strangely enough, the original record carries the inscription "Estribillo cantado por Viola".
37083-A

Ranchera
07-10-1931 Juan Canaro
(RCA Victor) Promesa Gaucha
(J. Canaro, J.F. Blanco)

See comment above (Santa Paula)
37083-B

Vals
07-10-1931 Juan Canaro
(RCA Victor) Cuando Florezcan Los Rosales
(J.M. Rizzutti, F. García) According to C. Lanner, the transformation to "florecen" is typical for an Odeon edition (Canaro recording with Charlo)

Vals
27-10-1931 Juan Canaro
(RCA Victor) Recuerdos De La Pampa
(R. Duclós)

With Juan Canaro: see also this update.

4. 1931, a brief Columbia intermezzo

Ernesto Famá also recorded with the Orquesta Típica Columbia, another in-house label orchestra, modeled after the succesful Orquesta Típica Victor. The exact recording date is unknown, therefore it is not clear how they relate to the RCA Victor recordings. Probably to be situated at the end of 1931, but this remains to be confirmed. Around that time, also Carlos Di Sarli left RCA Victor (and after the Brunswick recordings with Mercedes Carné, disappeared from the recording studios for many years). (continue)

Style and
recording date Accompaniment
and label Title and authors

Tango
1931 Orq. Típica Columbia
(Columbia) Nueve De Julio
(J.L. Padula, L. Bayardo)

Tango
1931 Orq. Típica Columbia
(Columbia) Mi Vida
(A. Cima, J. Cantuarias)

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Accompaniment	Label	Year	#
Osvaldo Fresedo	Odeon	1927-1928	69
Orq. Típica Victor	RCA Victor	1929-1931	17
Orq. Típica Porteña	RCA Victor	1930	2
Adolfo Carabelli	RCA Victor	around 1930 ?	1
(with guitar accompaniment)	RCA Victor	1930	2	Solista
(unknown)	RCA Victor	1930	2	Solista
Carlos Di Sarli	RCA Victor	1930-1931	9
Francisco Canaro	Odeon	1930	5	Audition recordings
Juan Canaro	RCA Victor	1931	5
Orq. Típica Columbia	Columbia	1931	2
Francisco Canaro	Odeon	1932-1935	160
Francisco Lomuto	sound track	1934 or 1935	1
Alberto Gambino	Odeon	1936	8	Solista
Francisco Canaro	Odeon	1939-1941	80
		TOTAL	362

Style and recording date	Accompaniment and label	Title and authors
Tango 27-09-1927	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Madre Mía (O. Fresedo, E. Fresedo)
Tango 22-12-1927	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Francesita Linda (J.M. Rizzuti)	Recorded twice that day, and one more time on 28-02-1928. It is not clear which version was eventually edited.
Tango 02-02-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Dejalo A Ese Malo (F. Germino)	Recorded twice that day, and one more time on 12-03-1928. It is not clear which version was eventually edited.
Tango 02-02-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Tiento E' Zorro (B.M. Chapela)
Tango 02-02-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Mi Alhaja (C. Gardel, J. Razzano)
Tango 02-02-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Canción De Cuna (J.M. Rizzuti, J.D. Gómez)
Tango 02-02-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	De Puro Guapo (J.C.F. Díaz, R. Iriarte)
Tango 02-02-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Lechuza (J. Navarrine, A. Navarrine)
Tango 02-02-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Acosta En Punta (V. Lagretta)
Tango 02-02-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Besos Que Matan (G.D. Barbieri, E. Cárdenas)	In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme is listed as instrumental.
Tango 07-02-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Che Papusa Oí (G.M. Rodriguez, E. Cadícamo)
Tango 07-02-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Campanita (J. Polito, S. Polito)
Tango 07-02-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Qué Lindo Es Estar Metido (E. Delfino, P. Contursi, D. Parra)
Tango 07-02-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Vida Rea (N. Vaccaro)
Tango 07-02-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Maldonado (L.N. Visca)
Tango 07-02-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Nobleza (E. Rovati)
Vals 07-02-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Rosas De Abril (R. Rossi, E. Cárdenas)
Tango 24-02-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Mueble Viejo (R. De los Hoyos, A. Crespo)
Tango 24-02-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Bonsoir Monsieur (O.N. Fresedo)	In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme is listed as instrumental. But from a digitized version available from http://www.acceder.gov.ar this is very likely interpreted by Ernesto Famá.
Tango 24-02-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Pucherito (G. Armani)	In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich the estribillista remains unidentified. Unfortunately I could never locate this recording to verify that it is really Famá. On the other hand, there is no indication of other estribillistas singing with Fresedo at that time. Therefore, until proof of the contrary....
Tango 24-02-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Seguiras La Caravana (P.A. Ferro)
Tango 24-02-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Milonguero Viejo (C. Di Sarli, E.C. Sotelo)
Tango 28-02-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Coperita Posta (R. Sciammarella, L.A. Alonso)
Tango 28-02-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Amigablemente (R. Iriarte, F. Diaz)	In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich the estribillista remains unidentified. On an old audio tape edition by Akihito Baba, he is identified as Ernesto Famá.
Tango 28-02-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	El Barrio Murmura (C. Fama)
Tango 06-03-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Juguete De Amor (J. Bonnet, I. Bonnet)	In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme (as Juguete de mi amor) is listed as instrumental. On a CD edition by Akihito Baba, the estribillista is identified as Ernesto Famá.
Tango 06-03-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Perdone Amigazo (J.J. Furio)
Tango 06-03-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Bajo El Disfraz (E. Armani, A.J. Tagini)	In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme is listed as instrumental. Lefcovich mentions Eduardo Armani, (Nicolas?) Vaccaro and Eduardo Escariz Mendez as authors while on at least one music sheet edition the authors are Eduardo Armani (composer) and Armando J. Tagini (lyrics).
Tango 06-03-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Funyi Claro (N. Vaccaro, E.E. Méndez)
Tango 12-03-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Tu Disfraz (A. Danesi)
Tango 12-03-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Una Vida (A. Danesi)	In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme is listed as instrumental. On the Blue Moon CD "Osvaldo Fresedo : Arrabalero (1927-28)" it can be heard that the estribillista is Ernesto Famá.
Tango 20-03-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Chingolito (A. Scatasso, E. Bianchi)
Tango 20-03-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Pobre Gringo (A. Scatasso, A. Vaccarezza, J.A. Caruso)
Tango 20-03-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Para Vos (E. Franceschi)	In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme is listed as instrumental.
Tango 27-03-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Dejá Que La Gente Diga (R. De los Hoyos, L.B. Herrera)	In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme is listed as instrumental. On an old audio tape edition by Akihito Baba, the estribillista can be identified as Ernesto Famá.
Tango 27-03-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Quema Esas Cartas (R.d.los Hoyos, M. Romero)	In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme is listed as instrumental. On several reeditions, the estribillista can be identified as Ernesto Famá.
Tango 03-04-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Andate Con La Otra (C.V.G. Flores, E. Dizeo)	In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme is listed as instrumental.
Tango 10-04-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Caridad (R.L. Brignolo)
Tango 10-04-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Cómo Se Guarda Un Tesoro (C.H. Portela)	In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme is listed as instrumental.
Tango 24-04-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Era De Ley (V.R. Carmona)	In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme is listed as instrumental. On an old audio tape edition by Akihito Baba, he is identified as Ernesto Famá.
Tango 24-04-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Simpática Muchachita (C. Marcucci)	In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme is listed as instrumental. On several reeditions, the estribillista can be identified as Ernesto Famá.
Tango 03-05-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	El Carrerito (R. De los Hoyos, A. Vaccarezza)
Tango 03-05-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Llevátelo Todo (R. Sciammarella)
Tango 03-05-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Esta Noche Me Emborracho (E.S. Discépolo)
Tango 05-06-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Corazón Pa'que Lloras (P.A. Ferro)
Tango 05-06-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Como El Humo (M.G. Servetto)
Tango 13-06-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	La Ultima Carta (J.J. Airaldi)
Tango 13-06-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Viva La Patria (A. Scatasso, A. Vaccarezza)
Tango 18-06-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Pasión (J.M. Rizzuti)
Tango 18-06-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	La Vieja Está En La Cueva (F. Della Rocca, P. Della Rocca)
Tango 18-06-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Yo Soy Un Tipo Bien (J. Piris)
Tango 26-06-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Barrio Piñeiro (R. Tuegols, D. Precona)	In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme is listed as instrumental but is very likely interpreted by Ernesto Famá.
Tango 26-06-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Chanto Cuatro (E. Cadícamo)	In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme is listed as instrumental.
Tango 26-06-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Tierra Hermana (G.D Barbieri, E. Cardenas)	In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme is listed as instrumental.
Tango 03-07-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Qué Vachaché (E.S. Discépolo)
Tango 03-07-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Hijos De Nadie (J. Maglio)	In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme is listed as instrumental. On an old audio tape edition by Akihito Baba, he is identified as Ernesto Famá.
Tango 03-07-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	A Toda Vela (F.J. Lomuto, Dante)	In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme is listed as instrumental.
Tango 10-07-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Mentiras (L. Minervini, F.G. Jiménez)
Tango 10-07-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Madrigal Criollo (A. Muzzi)
Tango 17-07-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Guitarra Gaucha (C.A. Sanchez)	In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme is listed as instrumental. On several reeditions, the estribillista can be identified as Ernesto Famá.
Tango 17-07-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Ríe, Arlequin (E. Famá)
Tango 17-07-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Mi Ultima Noche (E. Armani)
Tango 11-08-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Pero Yo Sé (A. Maizani)
Tango 11-08-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Haceme Caso A Mi (M. De la Torre, G.M. Rodriguez)
Tango 14-08-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Pim... Pam... Pum (E.P. Delfino, A. Vacarezza)
Tango 14-08-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Marcha Atrás (E.P. Delfino, R. Bustamante)	In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme is listed as instrumental
Tango 02-10-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Ojos Matreros (R. Montés)	In the Fresedo discography by Lefcovich, this theme is listed as instrumental
Tango 09-10-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Alma En Pena (A. Aieta, F.G. Jiménez)
Tango 09-10-1928	Osvaldo Fresedo (Odeon)	Piedad (C. Percuocco, L. De Biase)	After the orchestral introduction, the estribillo is accompanied by guitars, rather unusual for Fresedo at that time...