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".
slothman

Showing 2 responses by martykl

If you like rock music, you should think Zydeco. It's a blues tradition that's often hybridized with rock music by many of the biggest players.

Zachary Richard is a zydeco accordian player who has put together some smokin' bands over the years. His early albums, including "Fatras: Live in Montreal" feature Sonny Landreth on guitar. "Woman In The Room" is also a great (studio) album. Richard also plays a mix of lovely ballads and straight ahead pop on most of his records.

Beausoleil is a great Cajun band, but they're more waltz oriented and, therefore, fiddle driven. You may want to look for some of their accordian flavored material.

Jude Taylor is another zydeco name to look for (he does a great version of "Stroke It") and Beau Jacque is fun as well. None of these choices are 100% accordian driven, but all feature acordian prominently.

Good Luck,

Marty
Halcro,

I always thought the definition of "gentleman" was:
"Any man who supports his own weight during sex."

Marty