Wilene "Sally Ann" Forrester She was born, Wilene Russell, in 1922. Her family called her Goldie Sue. Her classmates called her Billie. She performed as Sally Ann Forrester. Was the confusion created by having too many names the reason why Wilene Forrester is slow to be recognized as the "First Woman in Bluegrass"? All humor aside, in 1943, Wilene was … Continue reading Wilene “Sally Ann” Forrester, First Woman in Bluegrass
In the world of entertainment, the word "play" has been used, forever. As athletic games are played on fields and in arenas, music is similarly played on a live stage or in a recording studio. The indefatigable Accordionist, Aaron Hurwitz, known as 'Professor Louie', has participated in the game for a long time, as a multi-instrumentalist, … Continue reading The Dynamic Professor Louie and The Crowmatix
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
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
Tink Lloyd By Christa T. for Accordion Americana According to Slambovian philosophy, within every woman lives a Tinker Bell or a Wendy. If acceptable as words to live by, or as a stunning oversimplification, such a statement shouldn't be analyzed too deeply. Rock music is notoriously shallow, but can be such fun. Not often has … Continue reading Gandalf Murphy and The Grand Slambovian’s Circus of Dreams Featuring Tink Lloyd, Accordionist
By Baron Lane,"Twang Nation" Sometimes, rarely but sometimes, a concert can really floor you. Just surprise you in ways you had no idea you still could be. I’m glad to say this last Saturday I attended a sold out show at New York’s Bowery Ballroom that did just that. Omaha Nebraska’s McCarthy Trenching opened … Continue reading James Felice and The Felice Brothers
Garth Hudson and members of The Band were contemporaries of both Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan and came of age during a magical era in American music. Tired of war and depleted of creative energy, America, after World War II became highly focused on regenerating and moving forward. It was a time of reinvention … Continue reading The Remarkable Garth Hudson of The Band
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
Photo by Ed Steele https://youtu.be/PJ-vBW2huXU Hailing from Fort Worth, Texas, Ginny Mac is a former member of the two-time Grammy Award winning group named Brave Combo, based in Denton, TX. Brave Combo has been noted for its rabid cult following across the country, a notable fan being David Byrne, who chose them as his wedding … Continue reading The Talented Ginny Mac
I first became aware of Dan Newton, several years ago. I was in a Manhattan music store browsing through sheet music, and came upon a compilation by Dan called "Cafe Accordion” with a CD affixed to the back cover. I purchased the book and brought it home. I found his recording charming, played in an … Continue reading Dan Newton, Representing the Midwest Americana style
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