hais1273
Well-known member
Over the past few days we've been lucky enough to go to two superb gigs. The first has nothing whatsoever to do with any sort of accordion, but was a good example of the old idea that " less is more". Dani Detammaeker, held a workshop and played for a Bal here on the South Coast of the UK. For a number of reasons we didn't make it to the workshop, but we did go to the Bal. Dani specializes in the dances of South West France. He played an interesting mix of of very basic instruments, possibly "primitive" intsruments. A number of whistley, flutey things, tambourines, assorted percussion, shells on a string and so on, a long box with strings attached that could be hit or have the strings rubbed with a stick to give a rhythm, can't remember what this is called but hey, who cares really! Also, he played harmonicas and sang for the dances extraordinarily well.
What was evident, was the energy, the feel, and sheer pleasure of music and dance he brought to the evening, all achieved with the most basic of instruments, but played with verve, panache and vigour. It ain't whatcha got it's how you do it!
Tunes and and dances played. Arin-Arin, Sept Saut, La Crabbe, Pantaiou,several Fandangos, Rondeaux, several circle dances and the regular, waltz, mazurka and schottish, chapelloise, bourree and so on.
The second treat, al least as far as I'm concerned was seeing Maddy Prior, Giles Lewin and Hannah James last night, a surprising mix of "folky" tunes and songs, new and old, the three of them gave a fine performance. Hannah James accordion playing is worth a long drive to go and see! Mostly accompanying the singing of Maddy Prior with left hand drones, she also took the lead on a few occasions. Notably with "Tuulicki's Song", using just the bass and counter bass for a melodic rather than rhythmic accompaniement, with only the occasional chord thrown in.
Not only can she play divinely well, but she can sing and do foot rhythm at the same time, amazing... Giles Lewin played the fiddle, lute and bagpipes, ( continental of some sort I guess) and Maddy Prior's singing needs no comment from me at all. They're on tour at the moment, see them if you can...
What was evident, was the energy, the feel, and sheer pleasure of music and dance he brought to the evening, all achieved with the most basic of instruments, but played with verve, panache and vigour. It ain't whatcha got it's how you do it!
Tunes and and dances played. Arin-Arin, Sept Saut, La Crabbe, Pantaiou,several Fandangos, Rondeaux, several circle dances and the regular, waltz, mazurka and schottish, chapelloise, bourree and so on.
The second treat, al least as far as I'm concerned was seeing Maddy Prior, Giles Lewin and Hannah James last night, a surprising mix of "folky" tunes and songs, new and old, the three of them gave a fine performance. Hannah James accordion playing is worth a long drive to go and see! Mostly accompanying the singing of Maddy Prior with left hand drones, she also took the lead on a few occasions. Notably with "Tuulicki's Song", using just the bass and counter bass for a melodic rather than rhythmic accompaniement, with only the occasional chord thrown in.
Not only can she play divinely well, but she can sing and do foot rhythm at the same time, amazing... Giles Lewin played the fiddle, lute and bagpipes, ( continental of some sort I guess) and Maddy Prior's singing needs no comment from me at all. They're on tour at the moment, see them if you can...
