In Houston, Texas, the weather is frequently hot and the tamales are even hotter. But, those who choose to live in such a climate don't shrink from heat, they just find cool ways to compensate for it. One of the coolest bands to arise from steamy Houston is Buxton. Originating from LaPorte, Texas, the Americana band is comprised of Sergio Trevino on guitar … Continue reading Out of Houston’s Heat, Emerges the Very Cool Band, Buxton
It has long been a challenge to bring the piano accordion to a new generation of Americans. But, by using the instrument more and more, Alternative musicians, or artists who write and perform outside of the present musical mainstream, are giving the accordion a lot of exposure. Artists such as Ami Saraiya and her band, The Outcome, are … Continue reading Ami Saraiya & The Outcome
Sometimes a performer emerges with the potential to completely redefine our impression of musical performance using the piano accordion. Crystal Bright has shown she has courage to dare to push the envelope a little farther, dig a little deeper and forge a path to go beyond what is merely expected and acceptable. Crystal Dawn Bright was born in Annapolis, … Continue reading The Enigmatic Crystal Bright and The Silver Hands
It's not a stretch to call the Petrojvic Blasting Company an Americana band. While strong inflections rich in Eastern European folk tradition are identifiable, their music possesses a 'here and now' sensibility, drawn from genres rooted in North America. It is music that is original in style, and combines a consistent jazz groove with an infectious exuberance that propels it forward, like a … Continue reading Josh Kaufman, The Blasting Company
Just as brilliant colors of a sunset blend, and blur together, music genres converge. While all have characteristics in common, each is distinct from the other, and each possesses its own dynamic, its own musical parentage and its own spirit. Virtuoso Accordionist, Will Holshouser, in his restless pursuit of the connections between the genres, brings to … Continue reading Will Holshouser: Exploring the Space between Folk and Jazz
There is something about American music, as Leonard Bernstein said, in its expression of "wide open spaces" that describes an innovative mindset, a resilient optimism and a bold spirit of our people. At its roots, American music draws from the influences of many that have migrated here, willingly or against their will, as well as from … Continue reading The Inspiring Edward Jay
Sometimes a song begins slowly. It trips, then tumbles, and then gradually begins to spin, climb and pick up speed. Finally, it ascends and roars across the airwaves. Such is the song, "Come With Me Now" on its path to becoming the best selling pop song of all time that features a strong accordion presence. By using the piano … Continue reading Johnny Kongos, of the band, KONGOS
Jason Webley Not many people embrace the accordion, and then abandon their day job. It's just not done. But, Jason Webley did just that. Maybe it was a reaction, at that time,to his belief that his life was falling apart. Maybe it was a response to a yearning for another place, and another kind of life. … Continue reading Jason Webley, Travelling Troubadour and Monster of the Accordion
Jenny Conlee There is a point where a band can evolve from a regionally identified indie folk rock band to that of a mainstream pop group. For The Decemberists, whether for good or bad, such an evolution is currently underway. The Decemberists The Decemberists had been a relatively high profile band but chose to abruptly … Continue reading Jenny Conlee of the Indie band, The Decemberists
Ben Lovett Born in Cardiff, Wales in 1986, Ben Lovett met Marcus Mumford while they were students at Kings College in London. Along with Englishmen, Ted Dwane and Winston Marshall, they magically came together in 2007, to form Mumford and Sons, a name more evocative of an old time blacksmith or haberdashery, rather than a … Continue reading Ben Lovett of Mumford and Sons
Accordion Americana 