Accordion News

[Tom]

As we all know, every day there is an excess of regrettable "news" items which begin with "not just polkas! accordion player revitalizes forgotten instrument! etc.!"

Well, I am here to tell you that due to the combination of not playing anywhere these days due to covid and the anticipated 8 inches of snow and ice this week, I will try to sift through the myriad conglomeration of the whole internet to bring you a curated view of accordion news that does not fall into the above.

Which reminds me of the fact that I was at a house yesterday with an "alexa" type device which displayed a sorry lack of currency by repeatedly reporting that the "best accordionist" is Lawrence Welk, who unfortunately passed into squeezebox heaven about 30 years ago. So much for AI technology. But I digress.....

Anyway, for our first item, check out this concertina playing San Diego policeman who knows how to bond with his constituency. He's pretty good too!

Video of SDPD officer playing accordion with musicians on Fiesta Island goes viral

SAN DIEGO — A San Diego police officer strapped on an accordion and jammed out with a group of musicians on Fiesta Island while enforcing bonfire regulations — a videotaped en…

www.sandiegouniontribune.com

 

[NickC]

As we all know, every day there is an excess of regrettable "news" items which begin with "not just polkas! accordion player revitalizes forgotten instrument! etc.!"

I'd really like to see a comprehensive documentary on polka, told from the perspective of the musicians, dancers and fans who have made it a part of their lives and cultures. You know...celebrate it, because it's worth celebrating.

But, keep them coming. It's always good to read accordion related topics.

 

[Tom]

I'd really like to see a comprehensive documentary on polka, told from the perspective of the musicians, dancers and fans who have made it a part of their lives and cultures. You know...celebrate it, because it's worth celebrating.

But, keep them coming. It's always good to read accordion related topics.

Hi Nick,

Maybe this one with Mollie B will do the trick?

 

[Tom]

And back to our news, here's one on the player for Disney's "Encanto."

Disney's "Encanto" scores big with fans and Santa Barbara musician

The News Channel 3-12 team shines the spotlight on a Santa Barbara musician who squeezed his way into the hearts of movie-goers, worldwide.

keyt.com

 

[NickC]

Hi Nick,

Maybe this one with Mollie B will do the trick?

Yup, that'll do. I watched the first few minutes--I'm at work, shhh--but I'll watch it when I get some time.

 

[Waldo]

Now that's my idea of effective law enforcement!

 

[Waldo]

Tom, That's a good example of what I hope to achieve on my DBA. 3 more weeks....

 

[Tom]

Tom, That's a good example of what I hope to achieve on my DBA. 3 more weeks....

Let us know how it goes Waldo. So many instruments, so little time!

 

[Tom]

Today it's the story of Ramón Ayala. How many accordionists do you know who give out 5000 bicycles to needy children every year? Not to mention toys, food and other necessities? There's a video I've seen of him in his warehouse surrounded by palette upon palette of food ready to go. This is one generous accordionist! Did I mention he has also won two Grammy awards and pretty much invented his own style of norteño music? Must be an outsider!

King of the Accordion

You may never have heard of Ramón Ayala, but to his four generations of fans in South Texas and Mexico, he’s music royalty. He revolutionized norteño, a genre that reigns along the border, and—after more than one hundred albums—is still going strong.

www.texasmonthly.com

 

[Tom]

What's the news? The news is Ukraine. Period. I'm sorry you have to scroll through some real sad pictures today to find our beloved instrument.....

Photos: Ukraine war, day 30. Family lives in subway car, and more

Click here to view this item from Statesville.com.

statesville.com

 

[Tom]

Well, here's a young man learning to play, in an article that never mentions our beloved instrument's past glory....there is hope!

Young accordion player giving it his best shot – The Examiner

www.examiner.net

 

[NickC]

Great article. Unfortunately, I missed the voting deadline.

 

[Tom]

Well, how about that, our beloved instrument hits the fashion news, in an unlikely review of LL Bean "gum shoes." Look at the last getup, with a small "accordian (sic) bag" for $595. I assume for that price it includes the small accordian.

L.L. Bean Boots Were a Surprise Hit of Fashion Week, So Here’s How to Style the Practical Staple

L.L.Bean’s signature Bean Boot was a surprise hit at New York Fashion Week—and here are five chic outfits to prove it.

www.purewow.com

 

[NickC]

Small 'accordian' bag?
It would have to be a very small accordion to fit in that bag... but, then again, what do I know about fashion?
I typically find a polo shirt that fits well, and just buy it in multiple colors. Is that not how it's supposed to work?

 

[Tom]

Small 'accordian' bag?
It would have to be a very small accordion to fit in that bag... but, then again, what do I know about fashion?
I typically find a polo shirt that fits well, and just buy it in multiple colors. Is that not how it's supposed to work?

For your type of music I think an Azzurri polo is required, Nick. Or maybe Bologna FC. I do believe the "accordian" referenced is virtual.

 

[NickC]

I do have a few SSC Napoli jerseys. Though, owning a Bologna FC polo might be a better choice for the music.

 

[Tom]

Today's news is an introduction to a band of young people who play the traditional music of the Po River valley in northern Italy. The music of "Musicanti Dla Bàsa" (Musicians of the Lowlands)'s first cd "Tèra Moja" is inspired by a magic island in the river and takes in "proto liscio" music of rice growers' songs, violin tunes and other traditional tunes of their extended region. At least that's what I understand of this article, the Italians here can please correct me :

Musicanti dla Bàsa: Tèra Moja | Disco

Tèra Moja è il disco che i Musicanti dla Bàsa hanno realizzato con la Ritmo&Blu Records dedicato alla musica tradizionale dell'Oltrepo

www.blogdellamusica.eu

 

[Ffingers]

Today's news is an introduction to a band of young people who play the traditional music of the Po River valley in northern Italy. The music of "Musicanti Dla Bàsa" (Musicians of the Lowlands)'s first cd "Tèra Moja" is inspired by a magic island in the river and takes in "proto liscio" music of rice growers' songs, violin tunes and other traditional tunes of their extended region. At least that's what I understand of this article, the Italians here can please correct me :

Musicanti dla Bàsa: Tèra Moja | Disco

Tèra Moja è il disco che i Musicanti dla Bàsa hanno realizzato con la Ritmo&Blu Records dedicato alla musica tradizionale dell'Oltrepo

www.blogdellamusica.eu

Nice one, Tom.
The instumental line-up is fascinating, especially the inclusion of that locally popular one, the ocarina.
Here's a Vimeo of a public performance:



Semplice e bellissima.

 

[NickC]

It seems like they did a lot of research for this project. It would be interesting to hear if they found out how the music was danced to.

Frizzante has a really nice blend of folk and liscio music.

 

[Tom]

Thanks Fingers and Nick! There is dancing in Fingers' video, whether it is representative of the "traditional" I don't know.