What is a Jazz Accordionist anyway?

[JerryPH]

Me too Jerry. Lugging my Cordovox amp up steps to a restaurant at 16 years old is not something I want to relive. I want one gig a week at a nice outdoor patio and I do NOT want to take requests.

I think that this is where playing in public parks, if thats an option in your areas, would suit perfectly.

Small audience that is both appreciative and rarely, if ever, asks for requests, and even if they did, its no big thing to politely refuse, if you don't want to.

I was barely above 10 before I started playing publicly and 13 when I started playing in the local Beer Garden professionally (meaning getting paid and doing full sets with a band). At that age, there were few things that were more fun.

 

[Ffingers]

Thanks to everyone for your helpful advice! Based on input I think I will not go with jazz at this point. Probably best not to include a genre since, like many, I am going to play what I want regardless, I may as well go with something open, with a nod to my area.

Maybe simply “Tom _. Accordion…..Not just polkas!”

And you’re right, always working to improve with practice, song choice, presentation, etc is necessary. At my age I will never be “best” but I can be “better” (than I am). Thanks and any other advice is always welcome!

How about: "Accordion, in many styles; just ask."

 

[losthobos]

@Ventura perfect advice..... exactly how I operate.......subtle as a summer breeze is more effective than "here I am come and get me" every time

 

[Tom]

We're a tight-knit dying group. Go ask 100 Americans who the best accordionist in the world is right now. When they can't answer ask them who the best accordionist of all-time was? When they can't name one, ask them to name any accordionist.

95 will answer Weird Al Yankovic. The other 5 will ask what an accordion is.

Around here they of a certain age remember Dick Contino, but it’s almost always a relative they remember or know.

 

[Tom]

I think that this is where playing in public parks, if thats an option in your areas, would suit perfectly.

Small audience that is both appreciative and rarely, if ever, asks for requests, and even if they did, its no big thing to politely refuse, if you don't want to.

I was barely above 10 before I started playing publicly and 13 when I started playing in the local Beer Garden professionally (meaning getting paid and doing full sets with a band). At that age, there were few things that were more fun.

Your story is interesting and unique Jerry, and inspiring. I’m glad your early experiences didn’t
totally jade you to the process completely, and we gain from your experience.

I gig because I enjoy it. I love talking to the people, sharing the music, showing an accordion. I don’t care about fame and glory, or money. Although it is gratifying when people tip. I will take a request if I know the song but I can’t play “off the cuff.” One vendor requests Beer Barrel every day and I play it for her. She gets a big smile on her face and dances a few steps. Great!

Also, playing for people keeps me honest, gotta know the song(s). Like YouTube.

 

[John M]

Around here they of a certain age remember Dick Contino, but it’s almost always a relative they remember or know.

Around Cleveland it's Frank Yankovic - His million sellers, "Just Because" & "Blue Skirt Waltz".

 

[Tom]

Around Cleveland it's Frank Yankovic - His million sellers, "Just Because" & "Blue Skirt Waltz".

Yup, and I have arranged both. Although I haven’t played Blue Skirt much lately.

 

[Thomas N]

Around here they of a certain age remember Dick Contino, but it’s almost always a relative they remember or know.

Dick Contino was incredibly famous back in the day. He started in the 1940's however. Good-looking, charismatic, talented. Holds the record for appearances on the Ed Sullivan show. Of course, ask 100 Americans under the age of 50 who Ed Sullivan was and you'll get the same blank stare!!!!

 

[Tom]

Dick Contino was incredibly famous back in the day. He started in the 1940's however. Good-looking, charismatic, talented. Holds the record for appearances on the Ed Sullivan show. Of course, ask 100 Americans under the age of 50 who Ed Sullivan was and you'll get the same blank stare!!!!

I saw Contino a couple times, he was an amazing player. He played a lot of serious jazz along with the dreaded Lady of Spain in his later shows. I guess by then he could play what he wanted. I have an autographed cd around here somewhere.

 

[dak]

What if the accordionist just SAYS he plays jazz but still plays the same music in the same way,

"Don't worry, you'll find the right buttons eventually."

 

[Tom]

"Don't worry, you'll find the right buttons eventually."

“I doubt it!”