Third generation Dutch orchestra leader Danny Malando brings the timeless sounds of romance and passion back in his U.S. television debut, DANNY MALANDO: DANCE WITH ME – premiering nationwide March 2009 on public television (check local listings). The showman continues the tradition of his grandfather and father before him with a performance that celebrates music’s ability to inspire and entertain, exploring the range of emotions that can be conveyed through the expert stroke of a violin bow or with the right dance partner.
DANNY MALANDO: DANCE WITH ME takes viewers back to the days when it wasn’t just celebrities on reality shows who knew how to waltz, cha cha cha, tango and rumba — a time when dance halls sparked many American romances. Beloved for decades, the melodies are known worldwide – “That’s Amore,” “Volare,” “Hernando’s Hideaway,” “La Cumparsita,” and more – but that famous accordion and string orchestration, known as the ‘Malando sound,’ gives the compositions a new charm that could inspire nostalgia even in viewers too young to remember the ‘good old days.’ As Danny Malando says, “The members of the orchestra play their instruments as if their lives depend on it.” Dancers – both professionals in stunning costumes and members of the concert audience invited by Malando to participate on stage during “Sway” – complete a physical manifestation of the thrill of falling in love.
Of course, when it comes to music that embodies romance, a tango is in order, and Malando’s grandfather Arie composed perhaps one of the most famous, “Olé Guapa,” performed in the program, along with a tango medley including “Blue Tango” and “El Chocle.” Hungarian concertmaster Ernö Olah, who has also played with the Malando Orchestra under the direction of Danny Malando’s father and grandfather, is the definitive link to the Old World origins of much of this music, leading the musicians during stirring versions of “Nature Boy” and Charlie Chaplin’s “Smile.” Belgian singer Helmut Lotti, a public television favorite, joins Malando for a beautiful rendition of “Moon River.”
Song List
“Olé Guapa” (Introduction)
Italian Medley: “Marina,” “Volare,” “Ciao, ciao Bambina,” “Quando, quando, quando”
“Olé Guapa”
“Charmaine”
“La Cumparsita”
“Sway”
“Nature Boy”
Tango Medley: “Jealousy,” “Blue Tango,” “El Chocle”
“Hernando’s Hideaway”
“That’s Amoré”
“Moon River” featuring special guest Helmut Lotti
“Smile”
“Arrivederci Roma”
“Spanish Eyes”
“Hungarian Dance No. 5”
“Olé Guapa” (Finale)
A co-production of WLIW21 for WNET.ORG, Malando Management and NDR. Executive Producers: Roy A Hammond, Danny Malando, Gerard Kostermans and Wolfram Brackhahn. Producer: Wulf Dietrich Kaminski. ST and CC.
Dvds/cds of this program available when you support WLIW21.
My father is 85 years old and he saw Danny Malando on your TV network in March. He would love to watch the show on Danny Malando one more time, and asked to see the video (he is an Italian Immigrant and a WWII American veteran). I have tried to find it on line but you are the only source of the DVD for Dance with me that will play in Region 1 USA format. We would love to own a copy but cannot afford to make a donation to WLIR at this time. IS there any way you would consider sending us Danny Malando DVD “Dance with Me” at the regular DVD cost? It would mean so much if you could this once make an exception for us, and give my Dad, Nick a special consideration based on Dad’s considerable age.I can tell him it’s a Father’s Day gift from WLIR. I am living with my folks and taking care of them, and it would mean the world to him. He’s been asking to see this show again, because he wants to share it with everyone he loves, before his time on earth is over. Thank you for your consideration. 203-554-1528 Cecilia S.