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 1 response by slothman

Wow, thanks for stepping up guys - I've copy and pasted all these suggestions for exploration this weekend. Will perhaps begin with the jazz recommendations as I have nothing in my jazz collection where I recall any standout accordion performances.

I'm certain I've heard some Buckwheat Zydeco at one time or another, and I do have a copy of Beausoleil's 'Cajun Conga' that I plan to revisit.

I would like to to maybe see some music pointed out where artists have tastefully incorporated the accordion in such a way that it almost "completes" the sound of a recording. For example, could one imagine what would "The Trinity Sessions" be like if there was no accordion?