Rob Curto derives a great deal of satisfaction from his chosen vocation. The prolific American composer, arranger and multi-instrumentalist paints a picture that the story of the accordion “involves long journeys, unexpected connections, sublime mixtures and grand emotions.” Through his recordings and performances, whether collaborating with other artists or immersed in his own original projects, … Continue reading America’s Rob Curto Brings World Music Home
Sam Reider walks a fine line. The child of a Klezmer musician and a musical theater composer, Sam is West Coast born, raised in San Francisco but has since settled in Brooklyn, NY. A pianist, he originally studied jazz, but explored other methods of expressing his musical vision. By using the piano accordion, Sam … Continue reading The Atmospheric style of Sam Reider and The Human Hands
Invented in 1829, the accordion came to North America early on, and as westward expansion took place, was heard in the mountains and bayous….in cities, towns and in the country….in the deserts of the West and Mexico…. on the Great Lakes and the Great Plains…in all states, estados and provinces….North to Alaska and West to Hawaii. For more … Continue reading A History of the Accordion in Americana Music
I have sad news to share about the great Dick Contino. We are sorry to learn that he has passed away, April 19, 2017. In honor of his memory, I am sending you this post that I wrote previously Rest in peace, Soldier. By Christa T. for Accordion Americana Memorial Day is a day … Continue reading The Extraordinary Dick Contino
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
Photos by Johnson Sarkissian Kate Dunphy brings to music a skill set envied by many, but possessed by few. She is a gifted musician and performer and an emerging young composer and arranger. Kate is not only reviving the accordion but, reinventing it. With her artistic vision, she is also changing perceptions by allowing us to … Continue reading The Many Facets of Kate Dunphy
When it comes to Americana, the accordion and the circus rank very high on a long list of highlights relating to the American Experience. Also included are Jazz and picnics in the park on a lazy Summer Sunday. It's only natural that a very innovative, and savvy musician would eventually find a way to combine … Continue reading And Now! Ladies and Gentlemen, the AMAZING Rob Reich
Born in the tiny town of Norway, Michigan, Art Van Damme was not expected to become a serious American Jazz musician. Classically trained as a pianist and motivated to become a professional musician, Art was a performing musician by age nine in a local theatre in upper Michigan. His family moved to Chicago when he … Continue reading Remembering Art Van Damme, America’s Foremost Jazz Accordionist
Accordion Americana 