Did a session recently

On Thursday I had the pleasure to put some accordion on the new alternative folk record for The Orphan Trains. The were recording at Rodney Whittenberg’s studio just outside of Philadelphia, PA.

Classical Accordion: Great Article by Guardian UK

The article Accordion Reborn published Wednesday November 19, 2009, got my attention. From the Guardian, a thorough and highly accessible article on the state of contemporary ‘Classical’ Accordion music. Specifically Denmark, which since at least the 1970′s has been a bastion of creativity andgenius in this genre.

Accordionist Documents Cambodian Communist Hell

Daran Kravanh, a Cambodian accordionist, has been playing concerts and speaking engagements with his wife, Bree Lafreniere. Lafreniere has written a book telling Kravanh’s many stories of avoiding death and the meeting horror of Pol-Pot’s regime and the Khmer Rouge.

I found Kravanh’s stories fascinating and horrifying. Edifying and an important reminder of the evil in the world.

Accordion meets Guitar Summit – Performing with Flatpicker Cosgrove

I’ve been rehearsing with award winning guitar player Mark Cosgrove for a spot with his band at his annual music festival. Its exciting for me to play with such a great musician and in such a different genre. Annual Bucks County Guitar Summit November 28, 2009 Afternoon workshop: 12:30PM Concert: 8:00PM Afternoon Workshop & EveningRead more..

Fuera: Jean-Louis Matinier and Renaud Garcia-Fons

These guys have something very special and rare. I am always astounded by the level of musicianship and perfection on the recordings of these two musicians and this is no exception. To listen to Fuera is an education in all things musical.

Chamamé – The Other Argentinian Accordion Music

When most people think Argentinian music they think of that passionate music from the seedy milongas of Buenos Aires. But there is another iconic music from the north of Argentina, it is called Chamamé. Chamamé is a rich cultural mix of indigenous and immigrant peoples to Argentina’s northern region. Not urban like the tango, butRead more..

Some of My Favorite Accordion Related Youtube Videos

With so much amazing stuff out there on Youtube, I decided to select a few of my favorites. Bandoneonist/Composer player Dino Saluzzi in his kitchen. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQnAtfaqlOQ] Brief French promotional film for Richard Galliano’s Love Day recording. Shows Galliano, Rubalcaba and Haden in the studio. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxiOGkQOp_0] How do you make an exciting video of two menRead more..