Jimmy Keane In Irish music, the button accordion is more favored over the piano keyboard, but they are two completely different instruments, played and felt differently. Because of this fact, the old tunes, while still greatly respected, can be energized and invigorated on the piano accordion. We hear that respect in the tune "No Irish … Continue reading Jimmy Keane, The “savior” of the Piano Accordion
Nachman Rosen Nachman Rosen is an ‘old soul.’ Nachman's piano accordion, as he accompanies Cantor Yanky Lemmer, is fluid, gentle and reassuring as it underscores the passion of the song. Although Nachman Rosen is a man of the twenty-first century, he declares that his heart lies with "the klezmer and Chassidic music of yesteryear." Klezmer … Continue reading Nachman Rosen, The Music of Yesteryear
Within music lies the power to transport the listener to a different place. Joseph Macerollo and his piano accordion add to the magic when Joe masterfully performs the suite from "The Life of Pi" with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. The “Life of Pi,” is the story about an Indian youth named Pi Patel, and … Continue reading The Magical Joseph Macerollo
Famous in Mexico as “El Rebelde del acordeón” (the rebel of the accordion), Celso Piña earned an international reputation on the diatonic accordion as an exponent of the genre, cumbia rebajada (Coom-bee-a Ray-buh-HA-da). Early in the 1980’s, Celso was performing as a norteño accordionist with his three brothers, Eduardo, Rubén and Enrique. But, even at … Continue reading Celso Piña, The Rebel of the Accordion
Melissa Elledge rules. As the accordion princess of the underground subway system of New York City, she holds sway over those who come and go and are always in a hurry to get there. As commuters race for their trains, she offers up the gift of a few moments of enjoyment. They appreciate her work … Continue reading Melissa Elledge, “The Bellows Below”
If you thought that a girl in the band who happens to be an accordion player, could not be “a force to be reckoned with,” and if you are among those that believe that there is little work for accordionists out there, Gee Rabe will make you think differently. Gee Rabe fronts her own retro … Continue reading Gee Rabe, “Dr Diva” of the Accordion
Musicians and their music can become stronger if drawn together. When each individual artist brings a different instrument, a style and a unique skill set to the table, as Nietzche observed, a new vision may unfold “when each loses his mind and gets another one.” A trio formed by three respected artists, Ryan McKasson, Eric … Continue reading KALOS, Tradition with a ‘New Mind’
Soulful singer, gifted songwriter and accordion player Chris Gaffney, was all about the music of the American Southwest. Although Chris did not make many inroads into the pockets of pop music consumers, he is credited as having been influential among musicians and fans in the Southwest regions of Arizona and California where he was both … Continue reading Chris Gaffney, Sweet Southwest Soul
“The blues is all right with” Johnny Sansone. For nearly 30 years, New Orleans has been home to this electric blues singer, songwriter and musician. Born in West Orange, New Jersey in 1957, Johnny left his home state in 1975 to attend college and then moved around the east, west, Midwest and then the southern … Continue reading Johnny Sansone, Blues for The Big Easy
Musical artists, with blurred brush strokes, often blend and bleed into other genres, while some don’t cross any lines, at all. Still, other artists defy categorization, altogether. Enigmatic accordionist, singer, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Wendy McNeill, defines her own moody compositions as “Folk Noir.” With her accordion and her compelling lyrics, Wendy McNeill acknowledges folk music … Continue reading Wendy McNeill, Hardcore “Folk Noir”
Accordion Americana 