Jimmy Keane, The “savior” of the Piano Accordion

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, The Music of Yesteryear

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

The Magical Joseph Macerollo

  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

Melissa Elledge, “The Bellows Below”

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”

Gee Rabe, “Dr Diva” of the Accordion

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

KALOS, Tradition with a ‘New Mind’

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’

Chris Gaffney, Sweet Southwest Soul

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

Johnny Sansone, Blues for The Big Easy

“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

Jen Gunderman, in Harmony with “Guitar Town”

Jen Gunderman has been a musician nearly all of her life. Hailing from Topeka, Kansas, Jen made her way to the stages and studios of Nashville, Tennessee as a keyboardist and vocalist.  Now, as a touring and session multi instrumentalist and Assistant Professor of Musicology, Jen earns respect among the artists and musicians in Nashville … Continue reading Jen Gunderman, in Harmony with “Guitar Town”

Jon Hammond, the “Hot Kid” on the Block

  As a talented young musician, Jon Hammond took his surname seriously. Not to be confused with a different John, the blues guitarist, or Laurens, the inventor, Jon Hammond also earned his own standing among professional musicians in America and abroad.  He is considered as one of the premier Hammond B3 players in the world … Continue reading Jon Hammond, the “Hot Kid” on the Block