This is a bit tangential but the Annie Proulx book "Accordion Crimes" is an amazing tale that traces the history of an accordion brought to America by a Sicilian in the late nineteenth century. As it passes through generations and families, including a Polish one, the accordion is used as a device to tell the history of both music and immigration in this country. It's a great reminder of how the musical and cultural complexity of this place came about.
How about an accordion thread?
Was reminiscing the other day of my grandfather's funeral. I was only 5 but remember it vividly. There is quite a Polish heritage on that side of my family. We had a huge after party in the playroom (finished basement) of my grandmother's house.
I remember my grandfather's cousin sitting on a stool in the corner with a bottle of vodka and a shot glass and playing the accordion. Everyone was dancing and clapping to polka after polka. He would also mix it up with some beautiful waltzes as well. I recall being quite mesmerized by his handling of this instrument - my first live exposure other than watching Lawrence Welk.
Every now and then I'll hear a nice accordion passage and am reminded of that day. One such song I listened to the other day was on a forgotten mix tape - "Beaujolais" from the Bodean's 'Home' disc.
I've never really gone out and purchased accordion music on purpose before. I recalled listening to a jazz/fusion accordion artist once at a friends house that I liked, but cannot recall his name. Would like to get some recommendations, if possible. I guess I'd be more interested in stuff that would make good background/dinner music, however would appreciate any and all offerings where one would be inclined to say "wow, that's accordion...that's really good".
I remember my grandfather's cousin sitting on a stool in the corner with a bottle of vodka and a shot glass and playing the accordion. Everyone was dancing and clapping to polka after polka. He would also mix it up with some beautiful waltzes as well. I recall being quite mesmerized by his handling of this instrument - my first live exposure other than watching Lawrence Welk.
Every now and then I'll hear a nice accordion passage and am reminded of that day. One such song I listened to the other day was on a forgotten mix tape - "Beaujolais" from the Bodean's 'Home' disc.
I've never really gone out and purchased accordion music on purpose before. I recalled listening to a jazz/fusion accordion artist once at a friends house that I liked, but cannot recall his name. Would like to get some recommendations, if possible. I guess I'd be more interested in stuff that would make good background/dinner music, however would appreciate any and all offerings where one would be inclined to say "wow, that's accordion...that's really good".
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- 22 posts total
- 22 posts total