Interesting resource on Improvisation

[Tom]

This two series of 3 lessons each I found to be probably not unique, but a very direct and easy approach to improvisation.

Basically, she points out a series of tools to extend a fairly simple melody over a series of choruses:

1. Play in a different octave (or register).
2. Just play the basses.
3. Play only the root note of each chord for the measure.
4. Play the current chord arpeggios in different orders and rythems.
5. Play parts of scales up and down in different rythems.
6. Play licks based on the first 2 or 3 notes of the key scale over each chord.
7. Mix and match the 6 techniques above (along with playing the melody).

After hearing this, it occurred to me that to do this, you need to keep track of the chord progression. Basically you are hearing (singing) the song in your mind while playing along to it on your accordion. I hope this helps you.

https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjGI9hR3JLcl8YBmUZSecPCo669mZc7Kh

 

[Corsaire]

Thank you for that info, Tom. Yes, variations certainly make a simple tune more interesting. I find it necessary to play some sort of variation when a song which has the same melody for the verse and the refrain. But sometimes I run out of ideas !

I also rather liked her accordion - an Ottavianelli Bambina ?

 

[Tom]

Thanks Sally!

I think she is playing a 26/60 Ottavianelli which Liberty Bellows calls a "Club 1." I think the standard Baby (Bambina) is 26/48. It's weird because the ones currently for sale on the Liberty Bellows site don't quite match the Ottavianelli site. Anyway, I don't know where you're from but Liberty Bellows has some sweet small Ottavianellis now. I have a 41/120 Piatanesi which is made next door in the same building and will have a 34/72 soon for portability and standup gigs.

 

[Corsaire]

Hi Tom

I've just had a look at the Ottavianelli website, and they seem to be selling bigger and more professional instruments ! I hadn't come across this make before and it's nice to see a different small accordion.

I live in France where the CBA is king, closely followed by the diatonique which is particularlt hot in Brittany. The PA is much less sought-after though still played in Paris but here in Brittany, you won't see them at all !! There is very little choice in PAs here so it can be a bit of a gamble.

I have a 30/72 and a 30/60 - the smaller one is perfect for gigs where I want to be active and move/dance about!!

 

[Tom]

Interesting, thanks! Where I live, here in the midwest in the USA, I have never seen anyone play a CBA, it's all diatonics (called "concertinas") or PAs (called "cordeens"). I think the Ottavianellis would be a great accordion if they are similar to my Piatanesi, which I suspect they are, because back in the day they were one company. I don't know when or how they split up, maybe one of our resident experts can provide some input. All I know is I definitely sounded better once I got a new one and I love it so much I'm getting another.

Some day I would like to visit Brittany, it seems like a wonderful place. Good luck with your research and playing.

 

[Corsaire]

Hi Tom
I'm curious too about all the different Italian accordions made in Castelfiardo, and who owns who. If I remember rightly, someone here (was it John ?) says it's worth a visit there !
The diatonic would be the thing to learn - no shortage of teachers here - as players are accepted everywhere. I was once invited to join in with some diatonics and a biniou player for Breton dancing - they were't bothered in the slightest by my PA and it was great fun.

 

[Tom]

Hi again!

You should definitely try the diatonic! They are super fun. I have a couple and want to learn more, I am particularly intrigued with the conjunto tradition which is probably the biggest here in the US. I'm glad to hear you were able to play with the Bretton dancers, but what's a biniou?

I think it was Paul De Bra talking about the accordion repair course in Castelfidardo, and probably about the makers tangled webs too. I definitely plan to get there someday, as well as the other accordion making towns of Stradella, Teramo, etc.

Carry on, Tom

 

[Corsaire]

A biniou is a Breton instrument that is often played with Breton bagpipes.
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Its very loud if youre playing or sitting near one !

In the west of Brittany, dancing is not usually accompanied by an accordion, just the biniou, bombard (another noisy wind instrument) and perhaps bagpipes. The diatonic is more popular further east in Brittany. Saint-Malo is still a small port with cargo ships and fishing boats. Diatonics and sea shanties go well together !

 

[Tom]

Interesting! Thanks!

 

[losthobos]

Great lessons on improvisation... Thanks for posting.. Really helpful to me